Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

Can I insure a car with a rebuilt title?

I purchased a car thinking it had a clean title. This was not the case— the only reason it has a rebuilt title is because it was impounded by the city of Cleveland, Ohio. If it was impounded it would have to have a clean title, since there was no damage to the car. Can I still insure the car?

Sep 16, 2021 Garfield, OH

Answer
Author profile picture

Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

Thanks for reaching out to The Zebra! Rebuilt, or salvage-titled vehicles, can be a little more tricky to deal with but you can still insure them.

To get insurance on a vehicle with a rebuilt title, you need to find the proper insurer since not every company will offer coverage. It’s important to note that most carriers will only insure vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles for liability coverage. Full coverage insurance, which includes comprehensive and collision coverage, isn't an option for a car with a rebuilt title.

Although in this case, you've already purchased the vehicle, we typically suggest looking into a few things if you're considering buying a rebuilt car (or, really, any used vehicle):

  1. Have the vehicle inspected by a reputable mechanic
  2. Do a VIN inspection (many dealerships will do this)
  3. Get repair information or a loss report from the seller for details
  4. Research the vehicle's value through NADA or Kelley Blue Book
  5. Get insurance quotes before purchasing the vehicle (you can use the VIN for this)

You can get an online auto quote or call us at 1-888-255-4364 to speak to one of our Licensed Insurance Advisors. They can assist in finding you the right carrier that best meets your insurance needs, and talk through any additional questions you might have about your situation.

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Icon Agent

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare auto insurance rates and save up to $670 per year!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Will I get dropped by my insurance company for two totaled cars?

Thank you for reaching out to The Zebra! I'm sorry to hear about your recent accidents. Making claims can be complicated, so I understand your concern. Accidents rarely fall at a convenient time but it is a great opportunity to experience your insurance company's customer service and clai…
Feb 27, 2023 Dillon, CO

How can I get more liability insurance?

Thank you for reaching out to The Zebra! This is an excellent question. There are very few carriers in the state of Florida that will write that high of liability coverage. The insurance companies that we offer here at The Zebra will offer up to 250/500.  What this means is if you are at fault for …
Jan 23, 2023 Miramar, FL

I was rear-ended but the driver drove off before we exchanged information

The safest course of action would be to contact your insurance company with all the information possible. Including the police report and the at-fault driver's license plate information. Your insurance company's claims department will be able to sort out the other driver's informatio…
Dec 11, 2017 Fairfield, Ohio

Can an insurance company recant liability and ask for a refund one month after paying me for damages to my vehicle?

I have not heard of a claim decision being reversed and asking for the claims payout money back. They should be providing you with evidence of why they are refusing to pay the claim — if you haven't asked for this already, you should demand it. I strongly advise getting help from someone who i…
Nov 19, 2019 Jacksonville, FL