Vehicle owners are required to obtain a Utah DMV salvage title if their cars have sustained significant damages and, consequently, have been classified as salvage. Overall, a UT salvage title is a legal document issued by the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to serve as proof of ownership. Prior to applying for this type of title, motorists must satisfy certain eligibility criteria that will enable them to begin the procedure. Moreover, they will also need to prepare a list of mandatory documents that they need to provide to the DMV as part of the application requirements.

Furthermore, car owners who apply for a salvage certificate will be required to pay certain fees. During the process for obtaining a rebuilt title, vehicles will also be required to undergo an inspection. For more detailed information about how to get a salvage title in Utah, continue reading the sections below.

What is a Utah salvage title?

A salvage title in Utah is a legal ownership document that is issued to vehicle owners to serve them as proof of ownership. Generally, salvage title cars are vehicles that have been damaged in a collision, flood or other circumstances, to the extent that their repair costs exceed their fair market value. Moreover, a vehicle may be declared as salvage by an auto insurance company.

Utah Salvage Title Eligibility Requirements

Vehicle owners who want to obtain a Utah salvage title will be required to meet certain eligibility criteria beforehand. For instance, they need to make sure that their vehicles satisfy the standards in place for this type of title. Moreover, in order to be eligible for a salvage certificate of title, motorists need to file for a total loss with their insurance agencies immediately after the damages have been sustained. Then, it will be important to decide whether they plan to take a full or partial settlement.

In the event that a motorist accepts a partial settlement, he or she will be required to apply for a salvage title within 10 days of the settlement. Obtaining a salvage certificate will enable vehicle owners to either sell the car for parts or repair it.

How to Get a Salvage Title in Utah

To apply for a Utah DMV salvage title, car owners need to first satisfy any imposed requirements that refer to salvage vehicles. Additionally, they need to make a decision to file a total loss claim with their insurance companies and make a partial settlement. Furthermore, applicants for a salvage certificate of title will be mandated to provide the following to the UT DMV:

  • A completed Vehicle Application For Utah Title (form TC-656)
  • Current UT car title
  • Payment for the applicable fees

When applying for a salvage title in Utah, be mindful that the procedure is the same in almost every situation. However, when filing a total loss claim but making a full settlement, the insurance company may become responsible for the motor vehicle instead. Therefore, prior to making a decision, make sure to inquire more information about the DMV salvage title application procedure.

Salvage Car Inspections in Utah

A salvage vehicle inspection in Utah must only be conducted on cars that are receiving this classification for the first time. That is because salvage vehicles will have to pass a safety inspection as part of the registration and title procedure. On the other hand, an inspection may be also conducted as part of the procedure for getting a reconstructed or rebuilt title in UT. In general, owners of salvage vehicles are able to rebuild or reconstruct their cars to an operable condition after obtaining a salvage certificate.

According to state law, certain salvage title cars may be rebuilt under limited circumstances. In such cases, they will have the “brand” removed. Overall, this procedure is only available in situations when the vehicle has not been damaged by flood and is younger than seven model years. Therefore, to obtain a reconstructed or rebuilt title for a salvage vehicle, motorists will have to inspect their vehicles. In addition, car owners may also have to present certain documentation to the UT DMV and pay the applicable fees.

Utah Salvage Title Fees

The final step of the DMV salvage title application procedure in Utah mandates vehicle owners to submit payment for the applicable fees. As a general rule, a title issued by the UT DMV costs $6. In addition to paying for the salvage title cost, motorists may also be subject to certain taxes and inspection fees.

Therefore, prior to making any salvage title payments, vehicle owners are encouraged to learn the exact fees and taxes that must be paid for the procedure. To discover the fees and taxes, motorists may contact the DMV beforehand.

Note: The safety inspection fees may vary based on the type of salvage motor vehicle that is being inspected.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.