How to Insure a Rebuilt Title
You recently bought a car with a rebuilt title, and now you need insurance. A rebuilt title means that the vehicle was damaged extensively enough that an insurer considered it a total loss; then it was purchased from the insurance company, rebuilt to your state's specifications and put back on the road. Some states require rebuilt titles based simply on the extent of damage. Insurance companies are not required to insure these vehicles, and those that do may only write liability coverage. But you may be able to find a company willing to fully insure your vehicle.
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Instructions
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Obtain a report from the facility that performed the repairs after the vehicle was declared a total loss. If this is not available, have a trusted mechanic perform a safety inspection and write a report detailing the vehicle's condition.
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Find an insurance company that will write coverage for the rebuilt vehicle. Make sure the agent knows the vehicle has a rebuilt title.
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Provide the agent with the repair or inspection report, as well as any other information she needs to create a quote for coverage.
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Review the quote. If you requested physical damage coverage, verify that the quote contains this. Some insurers will not write physical damage coverage on a rebuilt vehicle but will write liability coverage.
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Pay the policy premium or the down payment required to begin coverage.
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Tips & Warnings
To avoid problems if you file a claim, have your agent perform a visual inspection of the vehicle, even if he doesn't require it. A claims adjuster may want to see photo documentation of the vehicle's condition prior to the loss to assist in the claims process.
Insurance agents are not underwriters. Even if your agent applies for coverage, the insurance company may still turn you down. Be prepared to apply to several companies to find one that will insure your vehicle.
References
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