To get a rebuilt title in South Carolina, you must request a salvage title, pay the $15 fee, make the necessary repairs to the vehicle, have the car undergo inspection, and then apply for the rebuilt title.
In most cases, when a car is deemed “totaled” by an insurance company, there is no saving it. It is written off, disassembled and stripped of salvageable parts, and sent to the car crusher. However, there is the potential for even the most totaled of cars to have a second chance–it’s called a rebuilt title.
If you want to restore and/or sell a previously damaged car in South Carolina, you must apply for a rebuilt title to let buyers know that the car has been fixed and is safe to drive. Car insurance
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What is a rebuilt title?
Before we can answer what a rebuilt title
is, we first need to cover what a salvage title is. When an insurance company deems a car “‘totaled” they assume ownership of the car, and it is given a salvage title. In some cases, salvage title cars are in better condition than expected and can still be repaired or restored to a driveable condition. However, a car can’t be legally driven until the salvage title has been replaced with a rebuilt title. In order to receive a rebuilt title, cars must undergo full repair and a rigorous inspection to ensure they are safe.
Does my car need a rebuilt title?
If you’re in possession of a car that has been totaled and you want to sell or drive it, chances are that you will need a rebuilt title. While selling a car with a salvage title may appeal to a car enthusiast who is keen on fixing it up, most people will advise against buying a car with a salvage title.
For the people willing to purchase a car with a rebuilt title, they can rest easy knowing that the title is only awarded to cars that have undergone complete restoration or repair and are safety-approved by a licensed inspector. Every rebuilt title car comes with a detailed account of all the previous damages and a thorough record of every repair it has undergone.
Any car that has previously had a salvage title must obtain a rebuilt title before it can be sold or driven.
How to get a rebuilt title in South Carolina
If you want to get a rebuilt title in South Carolina, you’re likely going to have to invest a substantial amount of time and money. While some car owners can make a chunk of change selling a salvaged car, the financial input to repair a totaled car can be steep and the three- to six-week wait for a title is a big deterrent for most people.
Apply for the salvage title
If your vehicle does not already have a salvage title, you will first need to coordinate with your insurance company to apply for one through the South Carolina DMV.
In order to do this, your insurance company will need to submit:
A letter from your insurance company verifying that your car has been deemed a total loss and that you will retain ownership
Documents can be mailed to:
Blythewood, SC 29016-0044.
You can usually expect a salvage title to be granted within three to six weeks.
Make the necessary repairs to your vehicle
Once you are granted a salvage title for your vehicle, you can start the repairs. If you’re car-savvy, you may be able to do the repairs yourself, otherwise, take it to a certified mechanic.
Before applying for a rebuilt title, you must get your car inspected at a valid South Carolina vehicle inspection agency. Call the DMV for specifics on making an appointment, fees, and required documentation.
The inspection will cover all repaired and replaced parts in the vehicle such as fenders, the engine, transmission, frame, doors, and airbags to ensure the car is safe and driveable.
Essential documents for a South Carolina rebuilt title
After your car has passed the safety inspection and received a Salvage Vehicle Inspection Report, you can go to your local DMV to apply for a salvage rebuilt title. You must include proper documentation for all parts to certify that the parts used in the repair have not been stolen.
To apply for your rebuilt title, you must provide:
Once complete, you can then receive your salvage rebuilt title and register the vehicle. However, note that the rebuilt title will be attached to the vehicle for the duration of its life, even if sold, to notify any subsequent buyers of the vehicle's history.
How long does a rebuilt title take in South Carolina?
From start to finish, applying for a rebuilt title in South Carolina generally takes anywhere from three to six weeks. However, the exact length will depend on the condition of the car and repair time prior to applying for the title.
MORE: Title transfer in South Carolina
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