US car title brands explained
A US car's title can carry a permanent 'brand' after major damage or a buyback. Each one tells you something different about the risk. Here is what they mean — and why to check the VIN before you buy or import.
Choose a title brand
- Salvage titleThe car was declared a total loss by an insurer.
- Rebuilt titleA salvage car that was repaired and re-registered.
- Flood / water-damage titleThe car was damaged by water — a hidden long-term risk.
- Lemon / manufacturer buybackThe maker had to buy the car back over an unfixable fault.
- Junk / non-repairable titleThe car was written off as scrap — not legal to drive.
- Hail-damage titleWritten off for cosmetic storm damage — often the least severe brand.
Check this car's US history before you buy
One VIN, one payment of $12.99. Title brands, salvage and total-loss records, the odometer trail, owner history and salvage-auction photos — plus an AI summary in plain language.
Automatic refund if there is no US record for this VIN.