How to Get a Rebuilt Title in Montana
When applying for a rebuilt title in Montana, you will need to get a salvage title, repair the car and pass the inspection, and pay a fee of $18.50.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
To get a rebuilt title in Montana, you will need to acquire a salvage title and make the necessary repairs. The car must pass the salvage vehicle inspection before you can apply for the rebuilt title. The associated fee will depend on the age of your car.
When a totaled car is more costly to repair than its value, it gets sent to the salvage yard and the insurance provider will write it off. The insurer then pays the policyholder for their loss. However, in some cases, a totaled car can still be repaired and get a rebuilt title to be driven again in Montana.
If this is a project you want to pursue, the
car insurance
comparison and trusted broker app Jerry
has come up with a quick guide to help you through the process. This article covers what a rebuilt title is, when you would need it, how to apply for one in Montana, and how you can lower your Montana insurance costs
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What is a rebuilt title?
A
rebuilt title
is a certificate that proves a once-totaled car that was written off by insurance has been adequately repaired and is now safe to drive. Before you can apply for a rebuilt title, you will need to obtain the salvage title, which shows that the car was so severely damaged that it was deemed a total loss. The salvage title
can be replaced
with a rebuilt title once the necessary repairs are made.Does my car need a rebuilt title?
If you want to drive or sell a once-totaled car, you must obtain a rebuilt title. However, some buyers will prefer to repair the car themselves. In this case, you can sell the car with its salvage title instead. Most buyers will
avoid cars with salvage titles
though, so note that they can be harder to sell if that’s your intention. Having a rebuilt title will not reset the car’s damage history, but it gives buyers more confidence as it ensures that the car has been restored to its working condition.
MORE: How to insure a car with a salvage title
How to get a rebuilt title in Montana
To get a rebuilt title in Montana, you need to be prepared to spend a substantial amount of money and time. The cost to restore a once-totaled car is usually very high and a lot of effort is required to complete the project. You will also need to wait for the rebuilt title to be issued before the car can be insured and driven legally.
Apply for the salvage title
As mentioned, first you will need to apply for a salvage title if the vehicle doesn’t have one. You will need the following documents for your application:
- The original car title
- Your Montana driver’s license
- Proof of lien satisfaction (if applicable)
- Payment for the $5.15 salvage title fee
Once your request is processed, you will receive your salvage title.
Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle
Once you obtain the salvage title, you can begin the repairs to restore the vehicle to its working condition. You can do this yourself or have a licensed mechanic complete the work.
You must complete a salvage vehicle inspection before you can apply for a rebuilt title. After scheduling an appointment for a Stage II VIN inspection or Stage III VIN inspection, you will need to apply for a temporary registration permit to drive to the inspection site.
You will need to pay the following fees:
- Stage II VIN inspections: $18.50
- Stage III VIN inspections: $18.50
You also need the following documents for the vehicle inspector:
- Salvage title
- Receipt for the inspection fee
- All bills of sale and/or receipts for the component parts used to rebuild the vehicle, including names and addresses of the buyer(s) and seller(s), applicable costs, and the makes, models, years, and VINs of the vehicles from which the parts were pulled
Once you pass the inspection, you will be provided with the paperwork needed to apply for a rebuilt title.
Essential documents for a rebuilt Montana title
Once the car has been repaired and you have the required paperwork, you can apply for the rebuilt title. You’ll need to provide the following with your application:
- Salvage title
- Proof your vehicle passed the salvage inspection (paperwork from inspector)
- Bills of sale and/or receipts you provided at the inspection
- Payment for the applicable fees for title and registration—costs will vary depending on your car’s age and local taxes
The documents above can be submitted to your local county treasurer’s office. You will receive your rebuilt title once your application is processed.
How long does a rebuilt title take in Montana?
The time it takes for the application can vary. The time for the entire process also depends on the time taken to complete the necessary repairs.
Finding cheap car insurance in Montana
All Montana drivers are required to carry minimum insurance coverage, whether you plan to drive or sell your rebuilt car. You’ll need to get
car insurance
for the car after receiving your rebuilt title.As a
licensed insurance broker
app, Jerry
can help you speed up the process. Jerry is an insurance comparison app that shops for low prices with over 50 insurance companies like Nationwide and Allstate for free. You will get quotes in seconds, and if you ever have any questions, agents are just a text away.Through the app, Jerry users save an average of $887 a year on car insurance in under 10 minutes!
“I felt like I was paying too much for my insurance policy, so I downloadedJerry. I literally only typed in 3 pieces of info and Jerry found my current insurance. In a few minutes, they pulled up 2 Progressive policies that showed $900 in savings over 6 months!” —Maeve J.
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FAQs
Is a rebuilt title bad in Montana?
A rebuilt title isn’t bad since it certifies that the car has been repaired and inspected to ensure that it is road safe. However, since the car was once-totaled, there could be hidden issues that won’t surface until later on.
How much does it cost to get a rebuilt title in Montana?
Getting a rebuilt title in Montana will cost $18.50 for the inspection fee plus additional fees to get the required documents approved.
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