9 Best Auto Insurance Companies That Take Salvage Titles (2023)
Progressive is our pick for best auto insurance company that takes salvage titles because you can still buy comprehensive insurance when your rebuilt car doesn't qualify for full coverage. Rebuilt salvage title insurance rates are more expensive, but Nationwide has the biggest usage-based and pay-per-mile discounts.
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Schimri Yoyo
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Schimri Yoyo is a financial advisor with active insurance licenses in seven states and over 20 years of professional experience. During his career, he has held roles at Foresters Financial, Strayer University, Minnesota Life, Securian Financial Services, Delaware Valley Advisors, Bridgemark Wealth Management, and Fidelity. Schimri is an educator eager to assist individuals and families in ach...
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
UPDATED: Dec 6, 2023
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Dec 6, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Progressive is our top pick because you’re more likely to get full or comprehensive coverage for a rebuilt title than with any other provider. Drivers also get cheap rebuilt title auto insurance rates with Progressive Snapshot.
- Salvage cars receive a rebuilt title after repairs and passing a state inspection
- Progressive and Nationwide offer full coverage pending an inspection
- Kemper has the most affordable high-risk car insurance for a rebuilt salvage title
Finding the best auto insurance companies that take salvage titles is difficult since most companies flat-out refuse to underwrite salvaged cars. Progressive is our top company because it offers liability and comprehensive insurance even if you don’t qualify for full coverage.
Nationwide has the best insurance rates for rebuilt salvage titles through its usage-based and pay-per-mile programs, but Kemper is the most affordable option for high-risk drivers.
Rank Company Usage-Based Discount Rebuilt Full Coverage Best For
#1 Progressive $321/yr Yes Qualifying Coverage
#2 Nationwide 40% Yes Usage-Based Coverage
#3 Kemper N/A Yes High-Risk Drivers
#4 State Farm 30% Yes Customer Service
#5 USAA 30% Yes Military Members
#6 Geico 25% Yes Cheap Rates
#7 Root 30% Yes Accident-Free Drivers
#8 Allstate 40% No Infrequent Drivers
#9 Mercury 50% Yes Discounts
Although initially cheaper to buy, salvage cars can be expensive to own and come with costly repairs and higher rates. This guide shows plenty of ways to find cheap auto insurance for salvage titles, but be aware of the long-term investment in your vehicle.
#1 – Progressive: Overall Best Auto Insurance Company That Takes Rebuilt Salvage Titles
Pros:
- National availability: Coverage in all 50 states
- Full coverage policies: Full coverage available pending a vehicle inspection
- More coverage options: Comprehensive policies for vehicles that don’t qualify for full coverage
- Usage-based savings: Annual savings of $231 with Progressive Snapshot in 49 states
Cons:
- Limited discounts: UBI participation discounts for new customers only
- No pay-as-you-go insurance: Progressive doesn’t offer pay-per-mile auto insurance
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#2 – Nationwide: Biggest Usage-Based Discounts on Rebuilt Title Auto Insurance
Pros:
- Pay-as-you-go savings: Lower rates with Nationwide SmartMiles
- Usage-based savings: Save 40% with Nationwide SmartRide
- Wide UBI availability: SmartMiles and SmartRide available in 44 states
- Few customer complaints: Receives half the number of complaints than other providers
Cons:
- No full coverage: Only offers liability policies unless damage was cosmetic
- Poor claims satisfaction: Scores below average in most regions for claims service
#3 – Kemper: Best For High-Risk Drivers
Pros:
- SR-22 filings: Kemper will file SR-22 insurance for drivers who need it
- Full coverage policies: Full coverage available pending a vehicle inspection
- Policy add-ons: Diminishing deductibles and accident forgiveness
Cons:
- Expensive: Insuring high-risk drivers leads to higher-than-average rates
- No UBI savings: Kemper does not offer UBI or pay-per-mile auto insurance
#4 – State Farm: Best For Customer Satisfaction
Pros:
- Usage-based savings: 30% discount with State Farm Drive Safe & Save in 47 states
- Full coverage policies: Full coverage available pending a vehicle inspection
- High customer satisfaction: Top 5 in J.D. Power’s annual customer and claim satisfaction surveys
Cons:
- Not in every state: Not writing new auto policies in RI or MA
- No pay-as-you-go insurance: State Farm doesn’t offer pay-per-mile auto insurance
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#5 – USAA: Best For Military Members
Pros:
- National availability: Coverage in all 50 states
- Full coverage policies: Full coverage available pending a vehicle inspection
- Usage-based savings: 30% discount with USAA SafePilot
- High customer satisfaction: Consistently scores highest in customer and claims satisfaction
Cons:
- Exclusive: Only available to active military, veterans, and their families
- Limited UBI availability: SafePilot only in 37 states
#6 – Geico: Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates for Rebuilt Salvage Titles
Pros:
- National availability: Coverage in all 50 states
- Cheap rates: Lowest average rates for most drivers
- Full coverage policies: Full coverage available pending a vehicle inspection
- Usage-based savings: 25% discount with Geico DriveEasy
Cons:
- No pay-as-you-go insurance: Geico doesn’t offer pay-per-mile auto insurance
- Limited UBI availability: DriveEasy only available in 33 states
#7 – Root: Best For Accident-Free Drivers
Pros:
- Low rates: Drivers without tickets or accidents get the lowest rates
- Full coverage policies: Full coverage available pending a vehicle inspection
- Usage-based savings: Up to 30% discount for good driving habits
- Policy perks: Roadside assistance included in every policy
Cons:
- Not in every state: Coverage only in 34 states
- No high-risk coverage: Only good drivers are eligible for a policy
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#8 – Allstate: Best For Infrequent Drivers
Pros:
- Pay-as-you-go savings: Allstate Milewise pay-per-mile policies capped at 250 miles
- High-mileage discounts: Milewise Unlimited gives higher-mileage drivers a chance to save
- Usage-based savings: 40% discount with Allstate Drivewise
Cons:
- Limited UBI availability: Milewise and Drivewise only available in 21 states
- No full coverage: Only offers liability policies on rebuilt titles
# 9 – Mercury: Best For Discounts
Pros:
- Full coverage policies: Full coverage available pending a vehicle inspection
- Pay-as-you-go savings: Lower rates with RealDrive pay-per-mile policies
- Usage-based savings: Save up to 50% with MercuryGO UBI
Cons:
- Not in every state: Only available in AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, NJ, NV, OK, TX, VA
- Poor claims satisfaction: One of the lowest-ranking companies in the J.D. Power annual claims survey
How Much Salvage Title Auto Insurance Costs
The first step in getting affordable rebuilt title auto insurance is to shop around. Start with these top companies and speak with multiple providers to get the best rates based on your driving history and location.
This table shows the average rebuilt salvage title car insurance rates for liability and full coverage policies:
Rank Company Full Coverage Liability Only
1 Progressive $200 $78
2 Nationwide $185 $62
3 Kemper $172 $55
4 State Farm $168 $52
5 USAA $155 $48
6 Geico $133 $45
7 Root $95 $42
8 Allstate $87 $38
9 Mercury $75 $34
Root and Mercury have the lowest salvage auto insurance rates for rebuilt titles but availability is limited. Allstate is also more affordable than its competitors, but it only provides liability coverage on rebuilt salvage titles. Compare auto insurance quotes online to find the best auto insurance companies that accept salvage titles near you.
Read More:
- Allstate Auto Insurance Review
- Mercury Auto Insurance Review
- Root Auto Insurance Review
- State Farm Auto Insurance Review
- USAA Auto Insurance Review
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The Difference Between Salvage Titles vs. Rebuilt Titles
You might hear the terms salvage and rebuilt title used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. You can’t drive a car with a salvage title on a public road nor insure it, but you can legally drive and insure a repaired salvage car with a rebuilt title.
What does salvage mean? A salvage title is given to a vehicle after an insurance company has declared it totaled (i.e., the cost to repair the car compared to its value means it isn’t worth fixing). If you want to drive a salvage title car again, you’ll need to get it repaired and inspected. Once your vehicle passes inspection, you can apply for a rebuilt title through the local DMV.
Insurance companies declare a car totaled when it reaches a specific damage threshold. Every company is different, but most report cars totaled when the cost of repairing damage reaches 75% to 90% of its total value.Zach Fagiano Licensed Insurance Broker
Typically, after the insurance company declares a total loss, you’ll receive a payout equal to the value of your car before the accident, less your deductible. At that point, the vehicle is typically issued a salvage title by the local motor vehicle department.
An easy way to tell which type of title your car has is by the color of the title’s paper:
- Green titles are clean.
- Blue titles are salvaged.
- Orange titles are rebuilt.
A salvage car is street-legal again when it receives a rebuilt title, but there is a permanent record of the previous salvage title which can impact your auto insurance.
How to Get Rebuilt Salvage Title Auto Insurance
To get coverage for vehicles with rebuilt titles, you’ll need to provide some documentation, including:
- Certified mechanic’s statement: This proves your rebuilt vehicle has passed an inspection for safety and roadworthiness
- Photos of your vehicle: This provides a record of the current state of your car so that if you file a claim (after buying full coverage), companies can more accurately determine the value of the claim and differentiate between old and new damage
- Proof your vehicle was rebuilt: You can most easily achieve this by providing the original repair estimate, as it will include a list of the damages and repairs completed to rebuild your vehicle
When you speak to the insurance company, have this documentation ready to get the most accurate salvage title auto insurance quotes.
The Bottom Line on The Best Auto Insurance Companies That Take Salvage Titles
If you’ve successfully obtained a rebuilt title on your salvage car, you will be able to buy auto insurance coverage. Most companies only offer liability on rebuilt salvage titles, but Progressive, Nationwide, and Kemper are our top picks for having full coverage options.
These companies require an inspection and expect documentation that proves your vehicle has been repaired, but you can still get affordable rates through usage-based and pay-per-mile discount programs. Progressive is the best auto insurance company that takes salvage titles because it is the only provider that will still offer comprehensive insurance when you don’t meet full coverage qualifications.
Use our free comparison tool above to see what rates you’ll get from car insurance companies that take salvage titles in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salvage value of a car?
The salvage value of your vehicle is the amount you received from your insurance company after it totaled the car, minus your deductible.
How do I negotiate salvage value?
Bring proof of your vehicle’s value to counter the insurer’s offer. Kelley Blue Book and local dealerships can help you determine the actual value of your salvaged car.
How do I register a car with a salvage title?
You cannot legally register a car with a salvage title in any state. If you want to register your totaled vehicle, get it repaired to pass inspection and get a rebuilt title. You can register and insure a rebuilt title as long as it passes your state’s inspection criteria.
Will having a salvage or rebuilt title affect the resale value of my vehicle?
Yes, having a salvage or rebuilt title will generally impact the resale value of your vehicle.
Can I remove the salvage or rebuilt title designation from my vehicle?
The ability to remove the salvage or rebuilt title designation depends on state laws and regulations.
Do I need to disclose the salvage or rebuilt title when obtaining insurance quotes?
Yes, it’s important to disclose the salvage or rebuilt title status of your vehicle when getting quotes or you could lose coverage and face insurance fraud charges.
Can I switch insurance companies if I have a salvage or rebuilt title vehicle?
Yes, you can switch insurers, but not all companies provide coverage for salvage or rebuilt title vehicles.
Will insuring a rebuilt title vehicle be more expensive than insuring a vehicle with a clean title?
Yes, insurance rates for rebuilt title vehicles are often higher due to the increased risk.
Will USAA insure a salvage title?
No insurance company will cover a salvage vehicle, but USAA will provide full coverage to rebuilt salvage titles that pass inspection.
Are salvage title vehicles eligible for full coverage auto insurance?
In most cases, salvage title vehicles are not eligible for full coverage auto insurance, but most of the companies on this list offer full coverage pending an inspection.
Why should you avoid salvage titles?
Vehicles with salvage titles may have long-term mechanical defects that make them dangerous and unreliable to drive.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Schimri Yoyo
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Schimri Yoyo is a financial advisor with active insurance licenses in seven states and over 20 years of professional experience. During his career, he has held roles at Foresters Financial, Strayer University, Minnesota Life, Securian Financial Services, Delaware Valley Advisors, Bridgemark Wealth Management, and Fidelity. Schimri is an educator eager to assist individuals and families in ach...
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.