It is mandated in the law that every vehicle is required to undergo an emissions inspection to determine if the vehicle still performs to its potential without harming the environment. Every country and state has its own emissions laws. In New York, you should have a certificate that says your vehicle passed on the inspection. However, there is what you call a “salvage title.” This is far different from the emissions test that your vehicle goes through. It is still an inspection but tends to cater to vehicles that suffered major damage. The vehicle must pass a specific standard before the Department of Motor Vehicles can issue a new certificate.
A salvage title in New York means that a vehicle passed all the necessary tests conducted by the Department of Motor Vehicles for these vehicles to deem roadworthy.
At Giordano Law Offices Personal Injury & Employment Lawyers, we handle salvage titles and help you process to file a rebuilt title; in concurrence to the salvage title. We will guide you through the tedious process of obtaining a salvage certificate for your salvage vehicle.
What Is Bad About A Salvage Title?
It is not necessarily bad to have a vehicle with a salvage title. The edgy notion against salvage vehicles stems from the condition of the vehicle since most of them are rebuilt or repaired heavily. Many have learned, however, that some of these vehicles are not properly rebuilt. In addition, before you can rebuild a vehicle in New York, you need to have a rebuilt title and undergo inspection if the repair is guaranteed to make the vehicle roadworthy again.
There are some issues that might arise in previous repairs that can affect the longevity and useful life of the vehicle. Hence, the bad reputation of salvage title holders.
What Qualifies For A Savage Title In New York?
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, a salvage vehicle is qualified as one if:
- Title issued by another state before being brought to New York
- Has repair costs amounting to more than seventy-five percent of the pre-damaged vehicle’s retail value
- Reassigned to an insurance company through a Salvage Certificate due to significant damage caused by water, collision, theft, or vandalism
- Declared a “wreck” on the title certificate by an owner when it was sold or transferred.
If the situations mentioned above apply, a vehicle must be inspected by the DMV before a new title certificate is issued. The salvage vehicle examination is not an emission, insurance, or safety inspection.
What Types Of Vehicle Need A Salvage Examination?
The inspection aims to determine if the rebuilt salvage vehicle has stolen parts. The New York State Auto Theft Prevention Program requires mandatory salvage vehicle inspection. If the proof of ownership for a salvaged vehicle is a New York State salvage certificate, the DMV will not release a new certificate without any salvage vehicle examination.
This is to assess the salvaged vehicle since some are not eligible for an inspection and even a new rebuilt salvage title. If the DMV investigator determines that the vehicle is scrapped, destroyed, non-repairable, and non-rebuildable, the DMV will not conduct an inspection or provide a new certificate title.
If you received a new title certificate after a rebuilt vehicle, you might pay higher insurance rates for car insurance. Several insurance companies are uncomfortable insuring salvage vehicles.
How Can An Insurance Company Secure A Salvage Title?
An insurance company can work on your behalf to inspect and assess the retail value of your vehicle. An insurance adjuster will conduct the assessment and the one responsible to decide the extent of damage and the total cost of repair of the damage. But before that, you need to secure a new certificate or a vehicle registration for rebuilt salvage vehicles issued by New York for this process to go proceed. After that, the Department of Motor Vehicles will inspect your vehicle and once it completes the examination process, the title will be then issued.
What If My Car’s Damage Is Repairable?
If your vehicle has been damaged, seek advice from a trusted repair shop or mechanic. If they deemed the vehicle is still repairable, the insurance company should shoulder the repair costs. However, you must also do your part in estimating the total costs by gathering at least two estimates from certified repair shops.
It is important to have a reference cost because the insurance company will not hesitate to buy used or aftermarket parts for repairing your vehicle. The downside of resorting to used parts is it decreases the value of your car. So, if you are planning to sell the car in the future or repurpose it, the value will dip from your expected value even after a grand repair material. Also, the accident itself gets the lion’s share of depreciating the value of the vehicle.
Is It Worth Buying A Car With A Salvage Title?
If they have the money, most car buyers would always resort to owning a brand new car since a salvage title vehicle presents more risks than the typically bought vehicles. Unless you are a skilled mechanic or aiming to build a project car, it’s often best to avoid buying a salvage title car. If you’re stuck in a decision, be sure to get a vehicle history report and have a mechanic inspect the car.
Also, keep in mind the number of safety concerns, the potential of a costly repair, and difficulty insuring and selling the car.
Can You Drive A Car With A Salvage Title In NY?
Yes, you can, provided that the DMV examined the vehicle so they can issue a new title or certificate. The required examination is important to assess if the vehicle is still roadworthy. This is also part of the New York State Auto Prevention Program.
Can I Get Insurance On A Car With A Salvage Title?
You might have trouble insuring a car with a salvage title, even if the car has already been repaired and issued a rebuilt salvage title. Used-car buyers, car dealerships, and insurance companies may have trouble assigning a value to your vehicle because they have no idea of its condition beforehand. This can result in a steeper resale value.
Are There Any Benefits Of Buying A Salvage Car?
Though it is not for everybody, buying a car with a salvage title is also a gain.
Salvage vehicles are usually cheaper because of their title status. If the damage is mostly aesthetics and you don’t care much about looks, the car may still be reliable. In addition, you should get the car thoroughly checked by a mechanic to ensure there are no potential safety issues.
GIORDANO LAW OFFICES CAN TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIM
If you are having trouble with your property damage claim, Giordano Law Offices Personal Injury & Employment Lawyers can guide you. We are an award-winning law firm that can help you fight for your rights. We will take care of the whole process of your property damage claim, assuring you a desirable result. Call us now for a free initial consultation. With us, it’s personal.