Salvage vs. Clean Title

A Clean Title means the vehicle has never been declared a total loss. A Salvage Title is issued when an insurance company determines repair costs exceed the car's value.

The Risks of Salvage Titles

While often cheaper, salvage titles carry hidden risks such as structural damage, compromised safety systems (like airbags), and difficulty obtaining insurance.

How to Spot Title Washing

Fraudsters sometimes move cars across state or provincial lines to "wash" a salvage brand into a clean title. Decoding the VIN can help identify the original manufacturing intent and history.