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Heavy Salvage | Difference Between Salvage and Vehicle Inspections

April 21, 2023

If you're interested in buying a vehicle with a salvage title, it's important to understand the difference between a salvage title inspection and a vehicle title inspection. Both types of inspections are important for ensuring that the vehicle is safe to drive and that the title is properly transferred, but they serve different purposes and have different sets of requirements.

Here, we’ll break down the key differences between the two and what you can expect for a salvage title inspection vs. a vehicle title inspection.  

Purpose of Salvage Title Inspection vs. Vehicle Title Inspection

A salvage title inspection is a specialized inspection that is performed on a vehicle that has been previously declared a total loss by an insurance company and issued a salvage title. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that the vehicle has been repaired to a safe and roadworthy condition before it can be registered for road use.

In contrast, a vehicle title inspection (also known as a title transfer inspection) typically focuses on verifying the identity of the vehicle and ensuring that the title is properly transferred to the new owner. 

Required Documentation 

A salvage title inspection requires additional documentation that proves the extent of the damage to the vehicle and the repairs that were made, such as:

  • Receipts for parts and labor
  • Photos of the vehicle before and after repairs
  • Other documentation that shows the repairs were done correctly and to a high standard. 

    • A vehicle title inspection typically requires proof of ownership, registration, and insurance.

    Inspection Criteria

    A salvage title inspection usually involves a more thorough inspection of the vehicle's safety and roadworthiness. This includes checking the brakes, steering, suspension, tires, and other critical components of the vehicle, such as:

  • Damage Assessment: In a salvage title inspection, the inspector will assess the extent of the damage that caused the vehicle to be declared a total loss. 
  • Safety Inspection: A salvage title inspection will also involve a thorough safety inspection to ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive on the road. 
  • Emissions Inspection: Depending on the state or country where the inspection is taking place, a salvage title inspection may also involve an emissions inspection to ensure that the vehicle meets local emissions standards.
  • Verification of Repairs: In a salvage title inspection, the inspector will verify that any repairs made to the vehicle were done correctly and to a high standard.  

    • A vehicle title inspection, on the other hand, is typically a more basic inspection that verifies the vehicle identification number (VIN), odometer reading, and other basic information about the vehicle.

    Inspection Location

    In some cases, salvage title inspections may need to be performed at specialized inspection facilities while vehicle title inspections can typically be performed at a DMV or other government inspection station.

    Research and Preparation

    Overall, preparing for a salvage title vehicle inspection requires a higher level of attention to detail and documentation than preparing for a regular vehicle title inspection. If you're not confident in your ability to prepare the vehicle for inspection or perform the inspection yourself, it's recommended to have a professional mechanic or vehicle inspector take a look before you take the vehicle for the official inspection.

    If you're interested in purchasing a salvage vehicle, it's important to do your research and understand the risks and challenges involved. Look for insurance companies that offer coverage for salvage titles and consider having the vehicle inspected by a professional. With the right precautions and a bit of luck, you could end up with a great deal on a salvage vehicle that will serve you well for years to come.

    Salvage Inspection | Heavy Salvage

    Heavy Salvage offers the industry’s most trusted system of buying and selling commercial salvage. We specialize in connecting verified buyers to certified sellers of wrecked or salvaged semi-trucks, trailers, equipment, or other heavy-duty specialty vehicles with insurance companies and certified sellers. Check out hundreds of certified salvages today!