Auto Insurance for Salvaged Vehicles

Any vehicle that has been previously totaled (the repairs cost more than the value of the vehicle) and then returned to a safe, operational condition is considered salvaged. Most often, it is not immediately apparent whether a vehicle has been salvaged without checking the registration. It is, therefore, important when shopping for a used vehicle, to do a thorough check of the registration and check for mechanical signs of repair. When insuring a salvaged vehicle, there are a number of things to consider.To begin with, consider if the vehicle is safe. Many salvaged vehicles are repaired by part time mechanics at privately own garages. This can create a number of safety concerns when the vehicle is in operation. It is important to double check all work done to be sure proper parts have been used and no short cuts taken. It is also important to never drive a vehicle that has parts installed which were meant for another year, make or model. If you are involved in an insurance claim and it is found out that improper parts were installed, they may deny the claim if they determine these incorrect automotive parts was the cause of the claim.Moreover, consider that most auto insurance companies will only pay half the fair market value on a salvaged vehicle in the event of a claim. This is a somewhat controversial practice, but lawful. If a vehicle is salvaged, that means it has been totaled in the past. This is because the fair market value of the vehicle has been compensated at least once already and should not be again. Insurance is not meant to overcompensate or improve the financial standing of an individual, it is meant to bring them back to even when faced with a loss.When purchasing a vehicle with a salvaged title, it is important to first consider the overall mechanical integrity of the car, as failing to do so can result in an insurance provider refusing to pay a claim. If improper parts have been installed on a vehicle, or if inadequate work has been done to restore a salvaged vehicle, it can cause problems when purchasing insurance or when filing a claim. Secondly, it is important to consider the way in which insurance companies offer insurance for salvaged titled vehicles, as it can be different from insuring a car with a clean title. As salvaged cars typically cost less, and are generally worth less, insurers deal with them in a different manner.