Continue reading to learn some helpful information about salvage cars, and who to call for trusted salvage car sales near you.
What are Salvaged Cars?
The term salvage is another word for totaled. A vehicle can be totaled without any outward physical damages. Whether a car needs too many repairs, or was wrecked in a serious collision, if the total cost needed to get the vehicle back to a safe, operational condition exceeds its current overall value, it is considered totaled.
When an insurance company estimates a car’s damages or needed repairs to be more than 75% of its total value, it is considered a loss. After the insurance policy is paid out for it, the vehicle is given a salvaged title by the authority it was registered with. This percentage, however, varies among states, and can range between 50% and 80%.
In rare cases, a vehicle can be given a salvaged title even if it never experiences damage or loss. For example, if a car is stolen and goes missing for an extended time period, an insurance company may pay the insured driver’s policy for the vehicle, thus deeming the vehicle salvaged. But if the vehicle shows back up or is retrieved by law enforcement, the owner takes back possession of it, but the title remains salvaged even though the vehicle was not defective in any way.
Where to Look
When you purchase a salvage vehicle, look for one that needs repairs you can afford. Check out your local auto auctions for the best deals for salvaged cars, trucks, watercrafts, boats, construction equipment, farming equipment, and many other motorized commodities. Choose a reputable company who offers a generous inventory and has served the surrounding communities with professional auto auction services for many years.