Rebuilt, Salvage & Clear Titles on Cars | Here’s What You Need to Know

Can you get a loan on a rebuilt title? Well, the answer is not straightforward. A rebuilt title is a designation given to a vehicle that was previously considered a total loss by an insurance company. This means the car was heavily damaged, but someone decided it was worth repairing.

Once the vehicle was fixed, it went through an inspection by a local or state motor vehicle agency to ensure it is roadworthy. After passing this inspection, the car receives a rebuilt title, signaling its return from the brink.

However, this history raises several red flags, particularly when it comes to financing. Much like an insurance company would hesitate to cover a high-risk policyholder, many lenders are wary of financing vehicles with rebuilt titles.

The reason is simple: These cars pose a higher risk. If the car was totaled once, it could happen again, and lenders don’t want to be stuck with a bad loan.

Olly / Pexels / Essentially, a rebuilt title on a car means it has been through rigorous inspections by a motor vehicle agency. Something that can potentially turn into a ‘salvage title’ someday.

What Is a Rebuilt Title?

A rebuilt title is different from other vehicle title designations. When a car gets into a severe accident, flood, or another disaster, it may be deemed a “total loss” by an insurance company. This usually means the cost of repairs is more than the car is worth. When this happens, the vehicle gets a “salvage title,” indicating it is not fit for the road.

However, if someone chooses to repair the car, it can undergo a rigorous inspection process. Once it passes, the title changes from salvage to rebuilt.

So, can you get a loan on a rebuilt title? The short answer is yes, but it is not easy. Because the car was once considered a total loss, it is a risky investment. Most traditional lenders shy away from these vehicles. The few lenders that do offer loans for rebuilt title cars often impose high interest rates to offset the risk.

In many cases, you might find that paying with cash is your best option to avoid financial hurdles.

What Are Salvage and Clean Title Designations?

A “clean title” is exactly what it sounds like–a car with no significant damage or issues in its history. These vehicles are the easiest to finance because they pose the least risk to lenders. A car with a clean title has likely never been in a major accident. This makes it a safer bet for both you and the lender.

Mikhail / Pexels / Lenders simply do not want to take the chance of you defaulting on the loan because the car is not reliable. Hence, it is hard to get a loan on a rebuilt title.

On the other hand, a “salvage title” is a huge red flag. This title indicates that the vehicle was declared a total loss and is not fit for the road. Salvage vehicles can be repaired, but they will never regain a clean title. Instead, they get a rebuilt title after passing an inspection.

Can You Get a Loan on a Rebuilt Title?

So, can you get a loan on a rebuilt title? Well, it is practically possible, but it comes with challenges. The main hurdle is finding a lender willing to finance such a car. Many lenders simply will not do it because of the risk involved. After all, if the car was totaled once, it could happen again.

However, if you do find a lender willing to give you a loan, be prepared for high interest rates. Lenders charge more for loans on rebuilt titles to compensate for the higher risk.

This means you will end up paying significantly more over the life of the loan compared to a car with a clean title. The higher interest rates can make the overall cost of the vehicle much more expensive than it appears at first glance.

In many cases, people opt to pay cash for cars with rebuilt titles to avoid these financial challenges. Paying cash means you don’t have to worry about getting a loan or paying high interest rates.