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Does USAA insure salvage titles?
My car was in a hit and run a few months ago when I was running errands off-base. I wasn’t inside, but it was declared a total loss. It was a sentimental car to me, so I kept it and have been slowly repairing it. Now I’m wondering what I need to do to drive it. Does USAA insure salvage titles?
Bonnie Stinson · Answered on Jan 19, 2023
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
No, USAA does not insure salvage titles—but they may insure a repaired salvage title car if it has a rebuilt title.
Salvage cars are not insurable since they’re not legal to drive on the road. A car earns a salvage title when it is declared a total loss. That means it’s no longer covered by insurance and it’s not considered driveable.
Some people hold on to their salvage title car after an accident with the intention of repairing and rebuilding the car. But after the repairs are complete, there’s one crucial step before you can get car insurance and get back on the road. You need to apply for a rebuilt title for your formerly salvage-title car.
This involves getting an inspection from a professional mechanic and applying for a new title at the DMV. Be prepared to show proof of all the repairs you’ve made.
Once your salvage title car has been fixed and upgraded to a rebuilt title car, USAA may be able to insure your vehicle.
Be aware that many major insurance companies are reluctant to cover rebuilt title cars due to the higher risks associated with failure. USAA is likely to limit your coverage to liability only. That’s enough to get you back on the road, but it may not offer as much protection as you desire.
Hope this helps!
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