I feel the need to write this post about the issuance of non-repairable vehicle certificates, due to the rise of salvage vehicles in this country and people that I see who are caught up in non-repairable certificate dilemmas.  To shed light on this subject, the following will be observed in this post: what a non-repairable certificate is, buying or receiving a vehicle with a non-repairable certificate, how to avoid a non-repairable certificate mishap.

 

 

Before I state what a non-repairable certificate it, I must say that a non-repairable vehicle is also a salvage vehicle and in this case, is non-repairable.  Note: refer to my previous blog on salvage vehicles (a salvage vehicle can fall in different categories).  A non-repairable certificate is a certificate that has been issued for a vehicle that has been declared non-repairable by the vehicle's owner or insurance provider.  In order for a vehicle to be classified as such, the estimated cost of repair of the vehicle must exceed 90% of its actual cash value, before the damage occurred.  Accordingly, to ensure that this last stage of this type of vehicle is filed and documented properly; any title, salvage title and or registration card, must submitted and cancelled, when applying for a non-repairable certificate.

 

 

 

 

From the eyes of someone with experience in vehicle titles; I come across people who buy vehicles that have non-repairable certificates, without having a true understanding of what the term mean and then some will buy the vehicle knowing full well that this type of vehicle isn't road worthy, but will try to slip through the cracks anyway and sell it to unauthorized buyers anyway.  What do I mean?  First, let me say that whenever a non-repairable certificate is present, no one can sell such a vehicle, unless the buyer is a demolisher, recycler or scrap processor of some sort.  These types of individuals/businesses are only to use the vehicle for parts, scrap, or recycling purposes only.  So if anyone other than the types stated above, buy a vehicle that has a non-repairable certificate then they are putting themselves in an unfortunate situation.  Second, some people may try to sell or "flip" a non-repairable vehicle to a buyer who isn't savvy about non-repairable vehicles.  The recipient, believes that they have a good deal and will try to get a title, only to face rejection.   For example, I've advised clients who have bought vehicles (and I'm talking about late model vehicles that appeared to be in excellent condition) with non-repairable certificates, thinking that they were able to get a regular title for the vehicle and drive it without any problem at all.  Unfortunately, I've had to relate the bad news to them that the vehicle that they have purchased is good for nothing but parts or scrap.  At then end, money was lost and they had a vehicle that didn't do them any good.

 

 

 

To save yourself time, frustration and the reality of not getting a clear and legitimate title, adhere to the following points when it comes to non-repairable certificates:

 

 

For questions regarding a non-repairable certificate, submit your concerns to swhite@wisdomandauthority.com