Salvage title vs clean title: what you are buying at auction

Many Copart, IAAI and ADESA vehicles carry salvage titles. Here is what that means and what to check before you bid.

A salvage title usually means an insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss, often after a collision, flood, fire or theft. A clean title has no such brand. Copart, IAAI and ADESA sell both, and salvage vehicles typically sell for much less.

Rules for registering, repairing and inspecting salvage vehicles vary by state. Many states let a repaired salvage vehicle pass an inspection and receive a rebuilt title. Check your state’s rules before you bid.

Before you bid

• Read the title type and damage on the vehicle page.
• Look through every photo; auctions sell vehicles as they are.
• Check whether it runs and drives, if the listing says.
• Add the auction fees, Carena’s fee and shipping to your budget.

Questions

Can I filter by title type?

Yes. Browse clean title and salvage title vehicles separately, or use the title filter in search.