Salvage title
The car was declared a total loss by an insurer.
What it is
A salvage title is issued when an insurance company declares a car a total loss — usually after a crash, theft or flood — because the repair cost was more than the car was worth. It is the most common brand on cheap US auction cars.
What it means before you buy or import
A salvage car is cheap for a reason. It is hard to insure, worth far less at resale, and may have hidden structural or safety damage. Importing one to Europe means it must pass individual roadworthiness approval, which a badly-repaired salvage car often fails.
How to spot it
The brand follows the VIN in the national record even if the paper title looks clean. Decode the VIN and check for salvage before you buy; a full US history report confirms the title status from NMVTIS.
Check the VIN before you buy
Title brands follow the VIN in the national record even when the paper title looks clean. Decode the VIN free and check the history before you send any money.