Buying a salvaged vehicle may save you a lot of money. Many car or truck auctions sell salvaged vehicles at a discounted price over the same age vehicle with a regular, non-salvage, status.

A salvaged vehicle is a car, truck, or any motor vehicle that has been in an accident or badly damaged. The insurance carrier of the owner, at that time, declared the vehicle a total loss. The history of the accident and insurance declaration are all filed with the state.

Even though the vehicle has been called a total loss, it is very possible to rebuild the car. If the vehicle is rebuilt and repaired to safe road worthy condition, it may be sold. What about the title?

Applying for a Salvage Title

The nature of a salvaged vehicle is similar to that of a home-made or custom-built car. Many of the parts on the salvaged car may not be original and the result is a vehicle that doesn't bear enough resemblance to its original condition.

For registration you need a title or title application. Before your town clerk will file a title application, you need to have a salvage inspection. Bring the proper paperwork and fee to a DMV Salvage Location, a list of which is available online using the free Adobe Reader:

• Insurance Adjusters Report.

• Salvage Certificate Application.

• Bill of Sale.

• Title Certificate for frame or any major replaced parts.

• Proof you own the vehicle.

• $50 fee.

• 20-day Temporary plate.

The officer will complete a Verification of Vehicle Identification for you to bring with you when you register your salvaged vehicle.

Registering a Salvaged Vehicle

Registering a salvaged vehicle is like most other car registrations in that you need proof of ownership and a Bill of Sale.

Without an assigned title from the seller, a title in your name, or a title application completed by a dealer, you will need to prove ownership another way. Use the completed Salvage Inspection Form and Verification of Vehicle Identification to prove ownership.

The town clerk will file for a title and the Title Bureau will mail the new title to you. The vehicle will be classified as rebuilt using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) you provided.

Some municipal town clerks can issue license plates. If yours isn't authorized to issue plates, take your registration to a DMV substation for your license plates. You'll also need to pay the state portion of your vehicle registration.

Inspection of a Salvaged Vehicle

Your salvaged vehicle must pass all the same safety inspection criteria that other vehicles are subjected to. The inspection station will verify the VIN on all your paperwork, check for emissions compliance, and perform the routine vehicle inspection.

Salvaged vehicles, if repaired properly, can be safe for New Hampshire highways. If you have any questions about inspecting, titling, or registering your salvaged vehicle, check with your town clerk first. Many of the forms you'll need are available at your local town office.

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