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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years of experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Updated
Buying a car with a rebuilt title is usually cheaper than the average used car. But it may be more difficult and expensive to insure.
Here’s what you should know about rebuilt title insurance, including coverage options, costs, and how to find the right insurance policy for your unique situation.
Some car insurance companies offer rebuilt title insurance, and many that do sell only liability coverage.
If you do lock in a policy for your rebuilt title vehicle, you’ll likely pay higher rates than if your car had a clean title.
Most insurers require certain documentation, such as a mechanic’s certification and inspection records, to insure a car with a rebuilt title.
Rebuilt title insurance generally costs more than standard car insurance because vehicles with rebuilt titles have been involved in a serious accident, deemed a total loss, and then repaired to be legally roadworthy.
Since the vehicle might have future mechanical or safety issues as a result of its history, car insurance companies often charge higher premiums to offset their risk. On average, drivers pay between 20% and 40% more to insure a car with a rebuilt title, but your exact rates depend on the insurer, the vehicle, and other factors.
On average, it costs between $55 and $90 per month to insure a vehicle with a rebuilt title, according to our research. But your exact premium depends on several factors, such as your vehicle’s accident history, your driving record, and the amount of auto insurance coverage you choose.
To find the best deal on rebuilt title coverage, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare policies from different insurers. But some companies don’t offer insurance for cars with rebuilt titles, so your options may be more limited compared to insurance for a car with a clean title.
Compare quotes from top insurers side by side.
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In general, three types of car titles are available: rebuilt titles, salvage titles, and clean titles. While it’s possible to secure an auto policy for a vehicle with a rebuilt title, you typically have fewer options to choose from, and you might pay more for coverage.
If you have a salvage title car, you won’t be able to insure it until the vehicle is repaired, passes Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) inspections, and receives a rebuilt title.
When a car has a clean title, it means the vehicle has never been considered a total loss after an accident.[1] Most insurers offer coverage for cars with clean titles, so it’s usually easier to find lots of insurers to choose from and a wide variety of coverage options when shopping around for quotes.
If you file a car insurance claim for a vehicle with a rebuilt title, you could face more complications than you would if your car had a clean title.
This is because your insurer may be unable to distinguish between pre-existing and new damage after the accident. As a result, you might have to wait longer for a payout, accept a lower amount, or pay out of pocket for car repairs.
You usually have several coverage options to choose from when buying a policy for a rebuilt title vehicle. The ideal choice depends on your vehicle’s value and how much financial risk you’re willing to take on.
Common coverage options for a rebuilt title vehicle include:
Every state except New Hampshire requires liability insurance, which covers the other party’s property damage and injuries after an at-fault accident. Many insurance companies offer only liability coverage for cars with rebuilt titles.
Comprehensive and collision coverages are optional, but they might be worthwhile if you want additional protection on the road. Comprehensive insurance can reimburse you for non-collision incidents, like fire or theft, while collision insurance helps pay for accident damage to your vehicle, no matter who’s at fault.[2]
Compared to liability coverage, comprehensive and collision coverage for rebuilt title cars is usually more difficult and expensive to get. That’s because it can be tough for insurers to determine the difference between old and new vehicle damage after you file a claim.
Some car insurance companies might offer other types of rebuilt title car insurance. For example, you may be able to secure uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect yourself from accidents with drivers who don’t have enough insurance or have no coverage whatsoever.[3]
Another option might be medical payments coverage. This add-on insurance helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault, after an accident.
Cars with rebuilt titles usually come with unique coverage needs. That’s why it’s important to weigh your options carefully to find the best coverage for your vehicle and situation.
If you have a loan or lease on your rebuilt title vehicle, your lender may require full-coverage car insurance. Before you buy your car or your policy changes, be sure to confirm insurance requirements with your lender.
Liability-only coverage is mandatory in most states, but it doesn’t protect your vehicle or cover your injuries. Liability insurance may be enough coverage if your vehicle isn’t worth much or you can afford to pay for repairs yourself after an accident.
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Follow these steps to lock in an auto policy for a car with a rebuilt title:
Gather your vehicle documents. Make sure you have the certified mechanic’s statement, photos of your vehicle, your car’s original repair estimate, state inspection reports, and any other relevant documents on hand.[4]
Determine your preferred coverage. Figure out whether you prefer liability-only insurance or a full-coverage policy, and if you’d like any add-ons like medical payments coverage.
Shop around. Get car insurance quotes from a few car insurance companies that offer rebuilt title insurance.
Explore your options. Compare insurance premiums, coverage options and limits, claims processes, and reviews to find the best fit for your needs.
Know when to choose a car with a clean title. If you find that the car insurance costs for your rebuilt title vehicle exceed the amount you saved by buying the car in the first place, it might make sense to invest in a car with a clean title.
Find the best policy for your rebuilt title vehicle.
Not all car insurance companies sell rebuilt title insurance, but many larger insurers do. But average rates tend to be much higher than you’d pay for a vehicle with a clean title, and some insurers offer only liability coverage.
Check out the table below to see some of the insurers that may cover rebuilt title cars.
Company | Insures Rebuilt Titles? | Offers Full Coverage? |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Progressive | ✓ | ✓ |
| GEICO | ✓ | ✓ |
| Allstate | ✓ | ✗ |
| USAA | ✓ | ✓ |
| Farmers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Liberty Mutual | ✓ | ✓ |
| AAA | ✓ | ✓ |
| American Family | ✓ | ✓ |
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.7 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $54/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $103/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.4 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.5 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.3 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.3 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.2 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.
State Farm offers both liability insurance and full coverage for cars with rebuilt titles. You could save up to 40% on your policy through Drive Safe & Save, State Farm’s telematics program. Drive Safe & Save may reward you with a 10% participation discount plus up to 30% off your rate for safe driving.
Offer liability and full coverage
High customer satisfaction rating by J.D. Power
Poor Trustpilot rating
Not available in Rhode Island or Massachusetts
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.6 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $81/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $146/mo |
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.4 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.4 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.3 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.3 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.4 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the easy communication and good customer service, but many are unhappy with the regular and significant price increases.
GEICO insures rebuilt title vehicles with liability-only and full coverage. You might be able to lock in a more affordable policy if you qualify for some of the insurer’s discounts, such as homeownership or multi-vehicle discounts. GEICO’s DriveEasy telematics program could also lead to additional savings for safe drivers.
Offers liability and full coverage
A++ (Superior) rating by AM Best
Below-average ratings for digital experience
Fewer local offices than other insurers
| User Reviews | 4.2 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.5 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $52/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $101/mo |
USAA's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.8 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.5 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.9 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the prompt customer service and claims handling but are frustrated by the significant and frequent price increases.
USAA offers liability insurance and full coverage for cars with rebuilt titles for military members, veterans, and their families. It advertises a variety of military-specific discounts, plus SafePilot, a telematics program that offers up to 30% off your premium.
SafePilot Miles for low-mileage drivers
A++ (Superior) rating by AM Best
Available only to the military community
Not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Check out these answers to commonly asked questions about insuring cars with rebuilt titles.
Yes, you may be able to secure car insurance for a vehicle with a rebuilt title. But options might be limited, and you’ll likely pay higher premiums than drivers with clean-title cars.
Some car insurance companies offer full-coverage insurance for rebuilt title cars. But others may only offer liability insurance since it’s difficult to distinguish new damage from previous damage after a claim.
It may cost between $55 and $90 per month to insure a rebuilt title car. Factors like your location, vehicle condition, driving history, coverage options, and deductibles play a role in determining your exact premium.
To insure a car with a rebuilt title, most auto insurance companies ask for a certified mechanic’s statement, photos of your vehicle, and the original repair estimate.
Yes, it’s generally more difficult to get car insurance coverage for cars with rebuilt titles than for vehicles with clean-title status. This is because rebuilt title vehicles have a history of major damage, some of which may be unknown or undisclosed.
Yes, a rebuilt title will influence a total loss payout because it reduces the car’s actual cash value. You can usually expect a smaller payout with a rebuilt title vehicle that has a lower resale value.[5]
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years of experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
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