How to Get a Rebuilt Title in Rhode Island
You can get a rebuilt title in Rhode Island by submitting the application, required documents, and applicable fees to the Rhode Island DMV.
Written by Sarah Gray
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
To get a rebuilt title in Rhode Island, you’ll need to submit a title application along with proof of your passed salvage inspection to the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) along with the title and registration fees.
When your insurance company declares your vehicle a total loss, it may seem like you’re out of options. You may find the number of options you have through the Rhode Island DMV surprising though—including options for rebuilt titles.
Getting a rebuilt title in any state can be tricky, and it usually requires a good deal of work and money for repairs. To help make things easier,
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comparison and trusted broker app Jerry
gives you a rundown of everything you need to know to get a rebuilt title in the Ocean State. Stick around to find out how you can lower your Rhode Island insurance cost
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What is a rebuilt title?
Rebuilt titles
are issued to vehicles that were previously declared totaled but have since been repaired to safe and legal operating standards. Guidelines vary by state, but in Rhode Island, a car will be declared “salvaged” or a total loss if the cost of repairs exceeds 75% of the vehicle’s fair market value.
You
can replace your salvage title
once the vehicle is repaired to the point where it will pass all necessary inspections. Does my car need a rebuilt title?
If you choose to do anything with your totaled car other than use it for parts or sell it to a dismantler, you’ll probably need a rebuilt title. Buying and selling salvage cars can be a bit of a gamble—one
experts generally advise against
.While a rebuilt title doesn’t automatically make your car brand-new again, it does let buyers know that it’s safe and driveable and that a state-licensed inspector has signed off on it.
Key Takeaway If you want to legally drive a totaled vehicle again, you have to repair it and get a rebuilt title.
How to get a rebuilt title in Rhode Island
Getting a rebuilt title in Rhode Island is comparatively easy—but only comparatively. There are a lot of forms to fill out and steps to take, so Jerry has made sure to get all the information you need.
Apply for the salvage title
If the vehicle does not already have one, you’ll need to apply for a Rhode Island salvage title within 10 days of the car’s having been declared totaled. To do this, you will need to gather the following:
- The car’s original Rhode Island title, including:
- Proper assignment of vehicle ownership
- Disclosure of mileage
- Statement from your insurance company indicating:
- The vehicle is a total loss and you’re maintaining ownership
- Whether the vehicle will be sold for parts or repaired
- Damage appraisal from your insurance company
- The $52.50 salvage title fee
Submit the documents in person OR by mail to:
Division of Motor Vehicles
Research/Title Office
600 New London Ave.
Cranston, RI 02920
Once you receive your salvage title, you can begin the process of repairing and retitling your vehicle.
Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle
In Rhode Island, you MUST have the repairs to your salvaged vehicle completed by a state-licensed salvage rebuilder. Remember to take pictures of the vehicle BEFORE the repairs begin to document the damage. You’ll need these pictures for your salvage inspection.
When the rebuild is completed, you’ll need to do the following:
- Upon completing the VIN check, the officer will provide you with a VIN Verification (Form TR-5)
- Apply for a salvage inspection by mailing the following to the RI DMV:
- A completed and notarizedApplication for Salvage Inspection
- A copy of the car’s salvage title
- Copies of the receipt(s) (with VIN numbers) for all new and used parts used to repair the vehicle, repair work order(s), and bill(s) of sale
- Insurance company’s damage appraisal
- The pictures you took of the damaged vehicle prior to repairs
- The Certificate of Salvage Repair and used parts VIN list (provided by your licensed rebuilder)
- A certified check or money order for the $57.50 inspection fee made payable to “DMV.”
Once your salvage inspection application is approved, take your car in for salvage inspection.
Once your car passes the salvage inspection, your inspector will provide you with the paperwork you need to apply for a rebuilt title and register your car. We’re almost there, but there’s still some work to do!
Essential documents for a rebuilt Rhode Island title
Apply for a rebuilt title (reconstructed salvage title) by submitting the following in person or by mail to the Rhode Island DMV:
- The VIN Verification (Form TR-5) you received after your VIN check.
- The paperwork you received from the inspector after your car passed the salvage inspection.
- Your Rhode Island driver’s license or identification card.
Once all this is done, you’ll receive your reconstructed vehicle title, and you’re ready to hit the road!
How long does a rebuilt title take in Rhode Island?
It depends. The RI DMV doesn’t specify how long each step in this process will take, but the more organized you are, the less hassle and the less time it will take.
Key Takeaway Keep track of all your paperwork, and don’t forget to take pictures of your car BEFORE the repairs start.
Finding cheap car insurance in Rhode Island
After doing the hard work to get your Rhode Island rebuilt title, the last thing you want to worry about is shopping for
car insurance
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FAQs
Is a rebuilt title bad in Rhode Island?
Not necessarily—Getting a rebuilt title can be a bit of a hassle, but once you have it, it means your car is safe and legal to drive.
How much does it cost to get a rebuilt title in Rhode Island?
Costs can vary depending on where you live in Rhode Island, but you can expect to pay around $150 to $200 in taxes and fees to get your rebuilt title.
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