How to Get a Salvage Title in Rhode Island
Salvage cars begin as junk cars which were once declared an "absolute loss" by an insurance company. This can happen for many reasons; cars can be totally destroyed by fire, vandalism, collision or natural disaster. When a car is salvaged -- rebuilt -- the owner must obtain a salvage title. A salvage title protects consumers by ensuring they are informed of the previous condition of the car. In Rhode Island, salvage titles are obtained at the Enforcement Section of the Division of Motor Vehicles.
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Instructions
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Complete the Application for Salvage Inspection and compile the necessary paperwork. (The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles has a long list of forms and information that is mandatory for obtaining a salvage title.)
First, complete the application itself, which identifies the owner and the vehicle and affirms under penalty of perjury the information listed on the application. You will need to have this document notarized.
Along with the application, you will need a Certificate of Salvage Repair, certifying that the vehicle was repaired by a Rhode Island licensed salvage rebuilder, and the fee of $56.50 (as of 2010).
Submit this form to: Division of Motor Vehicles, 600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920-3024.
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Call the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles at 401-462-4368 and make an appointment with the Enforcement Section to have a salvage inspection completed. Most branches are open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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Compile the additional paperwork you will need to bring to the inspection.
First, you will need photos of the complete car -- front, back and sides -- before any repairs were completed. To explain all the work done on the vehicle, you will need to bring original (not copied) receipts for all parts and work done to repair the vehicle, as well as the repair work order. With these, you will need an appraisal report completed by your insurance company.
Finally, bring the vehicle's bill of sale and photo identification (a Rhode Island drivers license or identification card).
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Go to your salvage inspection appointment, bringing the vehicle to be inspected. Be prompt, and make sure you have all your paperwork in order. An inspector will review your application, paperwork, and vehicle, then decide whether to grant the title. If you pass the inspection, you will be immediately issued a salvage title.
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Tips & Warnings
If you appear at your salvage inspection without all the necessary paperwork, your appointment will be canceled. The fee you submitted with your inspection application will be forfeit, and if you wish to reapply for inspection you will need to pay it again.
References
- Photo Credit Headlight on an old car image by Scott Griessel from Fotolia.com
