Can You Insure a Car with a Salvage Title? Here's What You Should Know
A friend of mine recently bought a car for what seemed like an unbeatable price—until he told me it had a salvage title. That raised a big question for both of us: can you even insure a vehicle with that kind of history?
The short answer? Not until it’s been fully repaired and passes all the state-required inspections. Once that happens, the car gets what's called a "rebuilt title," and then insurance companies might consider covering it. I found this breakdown helpful when trying to understand local options for auto insurance coverage in Pittsburgh —especially when dealing with unique situations like this.
The tricky part is, not all insurance companies treat salvage/rebuilt title vehicles the same. Some won't touch them at all, others might offer only basic liability, and a few are willing to offer full coverage—but expect a higher premium and more hoops to jump through. You may need a thorough inspection or even provide repair records to prove the vehicle is safe and roadworthy.
Here are a few things I’ve learned so far:
Myth: Salvage title = uninsurable.
✅ Truth: You can get coverage, but only after proper repairs and title change.
Myth: Coverage will be bare minimum only.
✅ Truth: Some companies do offer comprehensive and collision—even for rebuilt titles.
Myth: Claims won’t be honored.
✅ Truth: If the policy is active and you’re paid up, they are obligated to cover valid claims.
Of course, this all comes down to the car’s condition, your risk tolerance, and how much effort you’re willing to put in. If it’s a car with sentimental value or one that’s been beautifully restored, it might be worth the insurance hassle. Before committing, I suggest checking out this page on lower-cost car insurance in Pittsburgh to weigh your options.
Anyone here ever successfully insured a rebuilt title car? Was it worth it in the long run? Curious to hear how the process went for others.