Can you insure a salvage title in South Carolina?

Yes—but not while it’s a straight “salvage” title. In South Carolina, insurers generally will not cover a vehicle that still holds a salvage title for on-road use. After the vehicle is repaired, passes a state inspection, and is retitled as “rebuilt” (often shown as “Salvage Rebuilt”), most insurers will consider issuing at least liability and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive and collision may be limited or unavailable, depending on the carrier and the vehicle’s damage history.

What “salvage” means in South Carolina

In South Carolina, a vehicle branded “salvage” has been declared a total loss by an insurer or otherwise meets state criteria for major damage. A salvage vehicle cannot be registered or driven on public roads. After repairs and a successful inspection by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), the vehicle may qualify for a new title branded “rebuilt,” which is eligible for registration and, in turn, insurance. Vehicles branded “non-rebuildable,” “junk,” or similar cannot be retitled for road use or insured for on-road driving.

When insurers will write a policy

Most carriers in South Carolina will not insure a vehicle that still has a salvage title for everyday driving. Once retitled as rebuilt, many national and regional insurers will write mandatory liability and uninsured motorist coverage. Some will also offer collision and comprehensive after an inspection or photo verification, but they may restrict or decline these coverages—especially for vehicles with prior flood, fire, or structural damage. Any physical damage coverage (collision/comprehensive) is typically based on a reduced actual cash value due to the branded title.

Minimum insurance you must carry in South Carolina

To register and drive a rebuilt vehicle in South Carolina, you must carry at least the state-required minimum liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage. As of 2025, the minimum liability limits are commonly 25/50/25 (bodily injury per person/per accident and property damage), and uninsured motorist coverage is also required at minimum limits. Underinsured motorist coverage is optional but recommended. Proof of active insurance is required to register the vehicle with SCDMV.

Steps to make a salvage vehicle insurable in South Carolina

The following steps outline how to move a vehicle from salvage status to insurable, on-road status in South Carolina. Completing each step improves your chances of obtaining coverage and staying compliant with SCDMV rules.

1. Obtain the salvage title: Make sure the title is in your name or your business’s name before beginning repairs.
2. Repair the vehicle: Use qualified repairers and ensure all safety systems (airbags, ABS, ADAS sensors) are restored to manufacturer standards.
3. Document everything: Keep detailed, itemized receipts for major components (showing VINs where applicable), before-and-after photos, and any alignment or frame measurements.
4. Schedule the SCDMV rebuilt inspection: Arrange an appointment with the SCDMV’s Salvage Inspection Unit or a designated site and bring all documentation, the vehicle, and required fees.
5. Pass inspection and obtain a rebuilt title: If approved, SCDMV will issue a title branded “rebuilt” (often displayed as “Salvage Rebuilt”).
6. Shop for insurance: Provide the rebuilt title, inspection report, photos, and repair receipts to insurers; request quotes for liability, uninsured motorist, and any available physical damage coverage.
7. Register and plate the vehicle: With proof of insurance in place, complete SCDMV registration so you can legally drive the vehicle.

These steps typically take several weeks to a few months, depending on repair scope and inspection scheduling. Thorough documentation and clean workmanship reduce delays and improve insurability.

What insurers typically offer for rebuilt titles

Coverage availability varies by company and by the vehicle’s history. Here’s what to expect when requesting quotes on a rebuilt title in South Carolina.

• Liability and uninsured motorist: Widely available from many carriers once the vehicle is retitled as rebuilt.
• Collision and comprehensive: Sometimes available, often with photo inspections and lower payout valuations due to the branded title; some carriers decline entirely for flood or severe structural histories.
• Gap insurance: Rarely offered for rebuilt-title vehicles and usually not available through lenders if the vehicle was previously totaled.
• Rental reimbursement and roadside/towing: Available from some carriers; terms vary.

Because underwriting rules differ, it’s smart to get multiple quotes—including from independent agents who can shop several companies at once.

Factors that affect your ability to insure a rebuilt title

Insurers weigh several risk and documentation factors before issuing a policy for a rebuilt vehicle. Understanding these can help you prepare.

• Damage type and severity: Flood and fire losses face the most restrictions; airbag deployment and frame damage also draw scrutiny.
• Vehicle age and tech: Newer cars with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) need proof those systems were correctly calibrated.
• Documentation quality: Clear receipts, part provenance, photos, and inspection records help underwriting.
• Garaging and use: Location risk (e.g., coastal exposure) and intended use (e.g., commuting vs. rideshare) influence pricing and eligibility.
• Driver profile: Your driving record, prior claims, and credit-based insurance score (where allowed) still drive rates.

The more complete and verifiable your documentation, the smoother the path to securing coverage at a competitive rate.

Documentation insurers may ask for

Be prepared to provide proof that the vehicle is roadworthy and accurately valued. Having these items on hand can speed decisions.

• Copy of the rebuilt title (showing the brand)
• SCDMV inspection report or clearance letter
• Before-and-after photos (including VIN plate and airbag indicator lights)
• Itemized repair receipts and parts invoices (with donor VINs for major components when applicable)
• Independent appraisal or valuation (sometimes requested for physical damage coverage)

Submitting these proactively with your quote request can reduce back-and-forth and help the insurer price the risk correctly.

Common pitfalls to avoid

Branded-title vehicles require extra diligence. Avoid these mistakes to prevent legal and financial setbacks.

• Buying a non-repairable/junk vehicle expecting to title it later—South Carolina will not retitle these for road use.
• Skipping thorough photo documentation and receipts—this can derail both inspection and insurance underwriting.
• Assuming “full coverage” is the same as for a clean title—availability and claim payouts often differ.
• Driving the vehicle before it’s retitled and insured—this can lead to fines, impoundment, and uncovered liability.
• Failing to disclose the branded title to insurers—non-disclosure can void coverage.

Careful verification before you buy and meticulous recordkeeping during repairs can prevent costly surprises later.

Where to verify and get help

For official rules and the latest forms, consult the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). The South Carolina Department of Insurance provides consumer guidance on auto coverage. Independent insurance agents can compare multiple carriers’ appetite for rebuilt titles, and a qualified collision shop can document repairs to modern safety systems. Vehicle history services (e.g., NMVTIS-based reports) can confirm title brands across states.

Summary

In South Carolina, you generally cannot insure or register a vehicle that still holds a salvage title. After you repair the car, pass the SCDMV inspection, and obtain a rebuilt title, most insurers will offer at least the legally required liability and uninsured motorist coverage, while collision and comprehensive may be limited. Documentation quality, damage type, and insurer appetite determine whether additional coverages are available and at what price. If you’re considering a salvage purchase, plan the inspection and retitling process up front and shop insurers early to confirm coverage options.

What are the downfalls of having a salvage title?

Safety Risks
Perhaps the biggest risk of buying a car with a salvage title is safety. These vehicles have often sustained severe structural damage in an accident, the extent of which you may never know.

Is it smart to buy a car with a salvage title?

Perhaps the biggest risk of buying a car with a salvage title is safety. These vehicles have often sustained severe structural damage in an accident, the extent of which you may never know. The repair shop may have taken shortcuts or used cheaper parts to fix the vehicle. Also, some damage may not be immediately known.

Are salvage titles harder to insure?

Can you insure a car with a salvage title in California? It’s possible to insure a car with a salvage title in California. But it may be more challenging to find an auto insurance company to work with you. You should also anticipate spending more on your policy than you would for a car with a clean title.

What insurance will cover a rebuilt title?

State Farm and Geico offer full-coverage insurance for rebuilt title cars. Progressive, Allstate and Mercury also offer policies for rebuilt title cars, but there may be restrictions, such as only providing liability coverage .