Declaring a Vehicle Salvage

The owner of any vehicle titled in the Commonwealth of Virginia may declare the vehicle to be a salvage vehicle by:

• applying to DMV (VSA 56) for a salvage certificate
• submitting the vehicle's title with a description of the damage and an itemized estimate of the repair cost, and
• paying the titling fee.

Every owner of an uninsured or self-insured late model vehicle that sustains damage in excess of 75 percent of the actual cash value must apply to DMV for a salvage certificate. The certificate will be noted "BRANDED IF REBUILT". Owners must pay the titling fee and obtain an itemized estimate of the cost of repairs. This estimate must be on the official stationery of the insurance company or a Virginia independent appraisal firm and must include:

• the description of the vehicle (make, year and vehicle identification number)
• a list of all parts that will be repaired or rebuilt including the cost and weather the part is new or used, and
• the total cost for labor and total cost for parts.

Insurance companies that take possession of a late model vehicle that has been damaged and pay the owner or lienholder for the value of the vehicle, must apply to DMV for a salvage certificate. Insurance companies may also apply for salvage certificates for vehicles not defined as late model. Insurance companies must submit the Application for Salvage within 15 days of paying the owner or lienholder.

Insurance companies must notify DMV by filing Notification of Owner Retained Late Model Vehicle (VSA 58) on all late model vehicles which have a paid claim for damages that exceeds 75 percent of the actual cash value if the vehicle is titled in the Commonwealth and is to be retained by the owner.

A vehicle that is declared salvage cannot be operated on the highways of the Commonwealth and may not be registered as long as there is an active salvage certificate.

A salvage certificate may be used for reassignment to a licensed rebuilder if the vehicle is to be rebuilt.

Additional Information