Insuring a car with a rebuilt title is possible, but it can take a lot more legwork, and not all auto insurance providers will offer coverage. State Farm, however, is one car insurance provider that will insure cars with rebuilt titles when the necessary requirements are met.
When a car is deemed a total loss by a car insurance company, the vehicle is either unrepairable or the cost of repairs for the vehicle would exceed its market value. Of the vehicles that can be repaired, they’ll need to be issued a rebuilt title once necessary repairs are made to be legally road-ready again.
Under the right circumstances, buying a car with a rebuilt title can save a ton of money upfront on a used vehicle purchase, but these vehicles can also come with risks and challenges—like finding someone willing to insure your vehicle. If you’re searching for a car insurance policy for a rebuilt title car, State Farm is one provider worth pursuing.
Learn more: Everything you need to know about State Farm car insurance
Does State Farm insure cars with rebuilt titles?
Yes, State Farm can insure vehicles with rebuilt titles if they meet the necessary requirements.
However, you wouldn’t be able to insure a salvage title vehicle through State Farm—or any major insurance provider, for that matter—because these vehicles are deemed unsafe for the road in their current condition, making them illegal to drive.
Before you’d be able to insure a salvage title car, you’d need to ensure the vehicle had the necessary repairs and passed any required inspections
Learn more: Insuring a rebuilt title car, explained
Which auto insurance companies cover cars with rebuilt titles?
Not all insurance providers will offer coverage for vehicles with rebuilt titles, and some that do may only offer specific coverage types. Provider A may offer you full coverage insurance for your rebuilt title vehicle, while Provider B may only offer you the minimum amount of liability-only insurance required by your state.
Of those that offer full coverage for rebuilt title cars, it may only be available for certain vehicles, or your car may have to undergo an inspection first. You’ll likely also see higher car insurance rates.
In addition to State Farm, other car insurance companies that cover vehicles with rebuilt titles include:
Why is it so hard to find insurance for a car with a rebuilt title? Well, there are a number of influencing factors—the bottom line is that they come with more risks than a car with a clean title would.
For one thing, it may not be clear how well repairs were made and whether all existing problems were detected with the vehicle.
For another, when it comes time to make an insurance claim on a rebuilt title car, it may be difficult to distinguish what problems are new and which ones were preexisting. Depending on why the vehicle was totaled, there may also be undetected issues that could present safety hazards.
Then, there’s the value of the car: rebuilt cars are generally worth less, meaning most insurance providers may not offer more than a certain amount of coverage
The following steps will usually make it easier to get car insurance coverage for a vehicle with a rebuilt title (and some providers will require them first):
- Show the provider the necessary repairs are made: When you purchased your rebuilt title car, you should have received a repair estimate laying out the damages and repairs made to the vehicle.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle: A mechanic with the proper certifications for inspecting salvage and rebuilt title vehicles can give your insurance provider more confidence that the vehicle is in safe, roadworthy condition. Many insurers will require a certified mechanic’s statement before offering coverage.
- Take photos of the vehicle: This can give your insurance provider a better sense of what kind of condition the vehicle is in, and it can be helpful later on if you ever need to file a claim.
What is the best type of car insurance for a rebuilt car?
On any vehicle you plan on driving, you’ll need to carry at least the minimum amount of car insurance required by your state. Beyond that, the best car insurance coverage type(s) for a rebuilt car will depend on a variety of factors, including the condition of the vehicle, its value, and how you intend to use it.
For a car with a rebuilt title, some drivers may feel comfortable sticking with the minimum amount of required car insurance in their state, especially if it’s an extremely low-value vehicle
Other drivers might prefer the security that collision coverage and comprehensive coverage offer, since basic liability insurance won’t cover damages to your own vehicle. Full coverage is generally recommended until the cost of its premium exceeds the vehicle’s value and/or the cost of any repairs.
As mentioned above, the coverage options available to your rebuilt title car will also depend on what your provider is willing to offer.
Is car insurance more expensive for rebuilt vehicles?
While you can buy rebuilt title cars at much cheaper prices than their clean-title counterparts, you’ll typically pay higher auto insurance rates.
To find the cheapest auto insurance possible for your rebuilt vehicle, while still getting the coverage level you’re looking for, it’s best to seek out multiple car insurance quotes from multiple providers so you can compare your options—and be sure to inquire with providers about available car insurance discounts to trim down your insurance costs even more!
FAQ
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What is the different between a rebuilt title and a salvage title?
Melanie Mergen is an insurance writer with more than 8 years of writing, research, and editing experience. She’s covered topics like car insurance, home insurance, finance, and car ownership for Jerry. Her mission in doing so is to help people secure and protect their most important assets while making the best possible use of their finances.
Prior to joining forces with Jerry, Melanie worked as a freelance content writer and editor, a teaching artist, and journalist. She received her Creative Writing MFA from Columbia University.
Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who previously lead up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.
