The Ins and Outs of Salvage Titles in Pennsylvania

The Ins and Outs of Salvage Titles in Pennsylvania

As an official Pennsylvania enhanced inspection station, BBack Car Care gets a lot of calls about enhanced inspections, which are required for cars with salvage titles, as an example. Here are some of the most common questions about the process should you require one or are considering purchasing a vehicle where an enhanced inspection may be required.

What is an enhanced inspection?

An enhanced inspection is a specific inspection performed to ensure a vehicle, motorcycle or trailer meets the requirements to be operated on public roads and apply for a new title. Not all facilities are equipped or licensed to perform these inspections.

What needs an enhanced inspection?

Any vehicle with a salvage certificate needs an enhanced inspection to get a title for use on the road. The most common reason for an enhanced inspection is a vehicle that was in an accident and declared a total loss by the insurance company.

Additionally, any homebuilt or specially constructed vehicle, motorcycle or trailer requires an enhanced inspection as well. Any vehicles coming into Pennsylvania with a salvage titles from another state will also require an enhanced inspection.

What documents are required?

You will need:

·      The original salvage certificate or salvage title. Copies are not acceptable.

·      A buyback letter from the insurance company if the vehicle was a total loss.

·      Receipts for any repairs made or parts purchased to make repairs.

If you purchased the vehicle you will need:

·      A bill of sale that identifies the vehicle with a VIN and includes the purchase price, date and signatures from both parties involved

·      An original title for the vehicle.

What gets inspected?

The inspection covers all safety items such as brakes, tires, suspension, lights, frame and body condition, as well as other checkpoints similar to a standard annual state inspection.

Any warning lights or messages must be repaired. These include but are not limited to the check engine, ABS, traction, tire pressure, low fuel and other warning indictors.

When it comes to field of view, all window stickers and decals must be removed and any window tint must be removed unless it was applied at the factory.

Cosmetic damage does not need to be repaired to pass the enhanced inspection. However, the inspection requirements extend to the entire vehicle and not only the damaged area. Other repairs may be necessary to meet the enhanced requirements even if the collision or cosmetic damage remains unrepaired.

What if my vehicle is titled in another state?

If you move to Pennsylvania or buy a vehicle with an out of state, salvage title, then an enhanced inspection is required. All requirements and regulations apply, regardless of how long you’ve owned the vehicle.

What about trailers?

Much like a vehicle, a trailer title with a salvage certificate or an out of state, salvage title requires an enhanced inspection.

Homebuilt and kit trailers also require an enhanced inspection. Lights and reflective tape are required based on trailer size and height. Brakes are required based on weight and number of axles. With some exceptions, all trailers must have a complete, secure deck. Open frames are generally not allowed.

Can I get a street rod or modified vehicle title?

Yes. Each of these titles has a specific set of rules. Give us a call and we can guide you through the requirements and the best option for a title based on your plans for the car.

Does this apply to kit cars?

Yes. A kit built on the chassis of an existing donor car will require an enhanced inspection. A completely new car built from a kit will also require an enhanced inspection. There are different requirements based on the model year of the donor car and of the model year a kit is meant to replicate.

Will my new title be different from a regular title?

A branded title will be issued after completing the enhanced inspection. The title looks the same as a regular title but will have a notation, or brand, indicating the reason for having the title reissued. This is to inform any future owners of past damage or alterations.

What happens after the enhanced inspection?

After applying for a title, a new registration and license plate will be issued. Passenger cars and light trucks are then eligible for annual safety and emissions inspections. Trailers with a gross weight of 3,000 lbs or more, or with brakes, are also given an annual inspection.

Trailers under 3,000 lbs require no annual inspection and are ready for the road. Specially constructed, classic, kit cars and other designations have varying inspection requirements. We will help you figure this out during the process.

For any vehicle, an enhanced inspection is a one-time process. Once a new title is received the process is complete.

I’m ready to get an enhanced inspection. How long does it take?

We advise our customers to expect 2-3 business days for the process. Aside from the inspection of the vehicle, there is paperwork and documentation to fill out. When our portion is done we will need the vehicle owner to sign the paperwork in person. If there are multiple owners all parties must be present.

How much will the enhanced inspection cost?

In addition to our inspection fee the notary and tag service will have service fees for title work, registration, license plate and any applicable taxes. Give us a call for more details.

Is it worth it?

Every situation is different. We can’t make the decision to buy or repair a salvage titled car for our customers but we can offer advice and guidance on the process and your plans for the vehicle.

How can I schedule an enhanced inspection?

Great! You can call or email our front desk to set up an appointment. We are happy to answer any questions you may have on salvage titles and get your vehicle back on the road.