Best Insurance Companies for Rebuilt Title Vehicles in 2023

Purchasing a car that has a rebuilt or salvage title can be a great way to save money. However, insuring these vehicles comes with some unique challenges. Not all insurance companies are willing to offer coverage, and those that do often charge higher premiums.

Finding the right insurance provider is crucial to getting affordable rates and comprehensive protection for your rebuilt title car. But with hundreds of options, how do you determine the best insurance companies for salvage title vehicles?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore top insurers for rebuilt title cars based on:

• Availability of coverage
• Cost of premiums
• Customer service reputation
• Discounts and savings opportunities
• Financial strength ratings

Plus, we’ll overview what rebuilt titles are, what affects insurance costs, and tips for getting the best policy. With the right insurer, you can secure quality coverage for your restored salvage vehicle.

What Is a Rebuilt Title?

Before jumping into insurance, it’s helpful to understand what a rebuilt or salvage title means.

A rebuilt title indicates a vehicle has been severely damaged and deemed a total loss by an insurance company in the past. After repairs, it can be inspected, certified safe to drive, and issued a rebuilt title by the state DMV.

Cars can be totaled from accidents, floods, fires, theft, vandalism, or other causes. The repairs required exceed ~75% of the car’s market value.

Once restored, rebuilt title cars must pass safety inspections before being retitled and insured. However, insurers still consider them higher risk.

Factors Affecting Rebuilt Title Insurance Costs

Insurers view rebuilt title cars as riskier to insure than clean title cars. As a result, premiums are typically higher for rebuilt title policies.

Several factors determine your exact rates:

• Extent of prior damage – More severe damage equals greater risk in insurers’ eyes.

• Quality of repairs – Shoddy repair work can increase chances of future breakdowns and claims.

• Vehicle type – High-performance models often cost more to insure.

• Age of vehicle – Older cars tend to have higher premiums.

• Driving record – Drivers with accidents/violations get charged more.

• Coverage limits – Higher liability and collision/comprehensive limits raise rates.

• Deductibles – Lower deductibles lead to pricier premiums.

• Location – Insurance costs more in urban areas than rural.

Shopping around is crucial, as rebuilt title premiums can vary over $1,000 between insurers. Comparing quotes helps find the best deal.

Tips for Insuring a Rebuilt Title Vehicle

Follow these tips when shopping for coverage:

• Compare quotes from at least 3-5 different insurers. Rates and eligibility rules vary.

• Ask about all available discounts to maximize savings. Look for multi-policy, safe driver, and anti-theft discounts.

• Consider raising deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage to lower premium costs.

• Drop unnecessary add-ons like rental reimbursement or roadside assistance to save money.

• Maintain a good driving record to keep rates as low as possible.

• Keep proof of repairs and inspections to provide documentation of your car’s restored condition.

• Be open to basic liability-only policies if you can’t find affordable full coverage.

Top Providers for Rebuilt Title Insurance

While many insurers shy away from rebuilt titles, we’ve identified several top options known for offering salvage title policies:

Progressive

• Available in all 50 states
• Competitive pricing, including for rebuilt titles
• Usage-based Snapshot program helps lower rates
• Range of money-saving discounts
• A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

GEICO

• Covers rebuilt titles in 43 states
• Low rates and significant discounts for multi-policy, safe driving, etc.
• Usage-based program (DriveEasy) reduces premiums
• A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

State Farm

• Largest auto insurer in U.S. with availability in 48 states
• Usage-based Drive Safe & SaveTM program offers up to 30% off
• Numerous discounts like multi-car, safe driver, and anti-theft
• A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

The General

• Specializes in higher-risk drivers, including rebuilt titles
• Affordable rates and policy options like accident forgiveness
• Available in 43 states across the U.S.
• A- (Excellent) financial strength rating from A.M. Best

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Direct Auto

• Specializes in non-standard auto insurance, including rebuilt titles
• Broad availability with policies in 33 states
• Low down payments and monthly premium options
• A- (Excellent) financial strength rating from A.M. Best

Our rating: 4 out of 5

American National

• Covers rebuilt title cars in select states
• Range of discounts like multi-car, safe driver, and paid-in-full
• Policies available in 20 states, mainly in the South/Midwest
• A (Excellent) financial strength rating from A.M. Best

Our rating: 3.5 out of 5

What To Look For in a Rebuilt Title Insurer

When comparing insurance companies, keep the following criteria in mind:

✔️ Availability – Do they offer rebuilt title policies in your state?

✔️ Cost – How do their premium quotes compare to competitors?

✔️ Discounts – Do they offer ways to reduce your rates?

✔️ Customer service – Are existing customers satisfied overall?

✔️ Financial strength – Do they have strong financial ratings from agencies like A.M. Best?

✔️ Coverage options – Can you get liability, collision, comprehensive, etc.?

Finding the right insurer provides peace of mind by securing tailored coverage at reasonable rates. With extra diligence, you can gain affordable protection for your unique situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is insurance for a rebuilt title?

Expect to pay 25-50% more to insure a rebuilt title car versus an equivalent clean title car. Rates vary based on damage extent, vehicle, age, driving record, and other factors. High-risk specialists may offer cheaper rebuilt title premiums than standard insurers.

Why is insurance more expensive for rebuilt titles?

Insurers charge more because rebuilt title cars have higher claim rates on average. There is increased risk of recurring issues from previous damage. Estimating repair costs is also difficult with extensive prior damage. Insurance companies account for this added risk via higher premiums.

Can you get full coverage on a rebuilt title?

Full coverage with collision and comprehensive is difficult to obtain for rebuilt titles, but possible in some cases from certain insurers. You’ll likely pay significantly higher premiums for full coverage and need to provide documentation on repairs made.

What documents do you need to insure a rebuilt title?

To prove repairs and get the lowest premiums, provide documentation like:

• Receipts/estimates for all repair work done
• State inspection certificate showing the car passed
• Photos documenting damage before and after repairs
• Mechanic statement verifying car is roadworthy

Should I avoid rebuilt title cars?

Rebuilt title cars involve more hassle and costs. Unless you have mechanic skills or are getting an exceptionally good deal, it may be best to avoid rebuilt title vehicles altogether. Their insurance and maintenance can become expensive.

Get Your Salvage Title Insured Today

Insurance coverage provides important protection for your assets and finances. While it may take extra effort, finding the right insurer at fair rates is possible even with a rebuilt title car.

We recommend comparing quotes from the top providers Progressive, GEICO, and State Farm. Their expertise in covering non-standard risks while offering competitive pricing can provide peace of mind behind the wheel.

With some smart shopping, you can secure quality insurance protection for your unique situation. Feel confident your restored salvage vehicle is covered affordably so you can enjoy driving with less financial risk.