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Can you drive a salvage title car in Michigan?
I’ve got an older Chevrolet Malibu that was previously totaled, but I’ve got it all repaired now. The problem is, all I have for it is a salvage title. Can you drive a salvage title car in Michigan?
Mary Alice Morris · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It is illegal to drive a salvage title vehicle on public roads in
Michigan
, but you can apply for a rebuilt title that will allow you to register and operate your car like anyone else. However, getting a Michigan rebuilt title takes a bit of legwork. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Repair and inspection: When your vehicle is completely repaired, whoever did the repair work will need to fill out section four of the TR-13A form. Then, you’ll need to take the form and your vehicle to a certified salvage inspector.
- Apply for rebuilt title: After your inspection, you’ll get more paperwork from the inspector. Take those documents, plus the completed TR-13A form and your original salvage title, to the local Secretary of State office.
- Wait patiently: Once you’ve submitted your paperwork and the $15 title fee, it could take as long as 60 days to receive your rebuilt title.
Although you’ll get a new title that makes your car legal to drive on Michigan’s public roads, you’ll never have a clean title. That means the car’s salvage status will remain, which in turn means your
car insurance
will be more costly than it would be if you had a clean title. View full answer
- Gregory R.
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