How To Get Rebuilt Title in Alaska
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A rebuilt title marks a vehicle's transition from a total loss to a roadworthy condition, following extensive repairs.
Initially, such a vehicle is granted a salvage title, highlighting severe damage and deeming it unfit for the road.
In Alaska, vehicle owners with a salvage title can rehabilitate their car and apply for it to be reclassified as rebuilt, affirming its safety and functionality.
This article will guide you through obtaining a rebuilt title in Alaska, detailing the necessary steps to rehabilitate and legally drive your vehicle again.
Table of Contents
- What Distinguishes a Clean Title From a Rebuilt Title
- How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Alaska
- Cost of Getting a Savage and a Rebuilt Title in Alaska
- Selling an Automobile With a Salvage Title in Alaska
- Obtaining Insurance for a Vehicle With a Rebuilt Title in Alaska
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Distinguishes a Clean Title From a Rebuilt Title
Both clean and rebuilt title vehicles can be sold, insured, and driven. However, a vehicle with a clean title has never sustained significant damage.
It holds a higher value than a vehicle with a rebuilt title, which has undergone significant damage and carries a certain level of risk.
How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Alaska
Possessing a rebuilt title is vital for a previously totaled vehicle to be driven once again. Also, acquiring a rebuilt title can help sell a vehicle previously damaged due to an accident, hail, etc.
To get a rebuilt title in Alaska, you can use the following process:
1. Get a Salvage Title
A salvage title is a legal document given to vehicle owners whose cars have endured significant damage and have been officially labeled salvageable.
In Alaska, you don’t have to apply for a salvage title because it will be given to the car owner if the vehicle fits the description of a damaged car.
2. Repair the Vehicle
You must invest considerable time and financial resources to get a rebuilt title in Alaska.
Rebuilding a car can yield gratifying outcomes, but it is not devoid of substantial expenses, and the issuance of the rebuilt title necessitates a waiting period.
Upon the salvage title's arrival, you can undertake all requisite repairs independently or entrust the task to a licensed mechanic.
To ensure compliance with street legal standards, a comprehensive refurbishment of the following mechanical components is imperative:
- Vehicle operation and overall body condition
- The functionality of the head, tail, and brake lights
- The integrity of the windshield and defrost system
- The soundness of the steering system
- Adequacy of the foot and emergency brakes
3. Schedule an Inspection
Before titling and registering your reconstructed vehicle, it must undergo a meticulous inspection conducted by an authorized representative of the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (AK DMV) or an approved law enforcement officer.
To initiate this examination and acquire a trip permit for the transportation of your unregistered vehicle, it is advised to establish contact with the AK DMV and schedule an inspection appointment.
During the inspection, the examiner will meticulously record technical details encompassing the following:
- Odometer reading.
- Engine number.
- Vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Determination of the model year.
- Verification of the federal certification label status.
Additionally, the inspector will comprehensively evaluate the mechanical components to ensure the vehicle complies with street legal requirements. These components include the following:
- Vehicle operation and overall body condition.
- Functionality of the head, tail, and brake lights.
- Adequacy of the foot and emergency brakes.
- The integrity of the windshield and defrost system.
- The soundness of the steering system.
In contrast to many other states, Alaska permits the transportation of an unregistered vehicle to the DMV facility for inspection, provided that the owner obtains a special one-way drive permit.
4. Gather and Submit the Necessary Documents
The submission of the following documentation to the AK DMV is required to apply for a rebuilt title in Alaska:
- Application for Title and Registration (Form 812).
- Reconstructed Vehicle Affidavit (Form 829): The act of furnishing false statements or willfully omitting facts within this affidavit carries the serious consequences of a maximum penalty of $10,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
- Verification of Vehicle Inspection (Form 811). This must be diligently completed by the inspecting officer responsible for carrying out the comprehensive examination.
- Proof of ownership alongside other pertinent forms (such as bills of sale, receipts, invoices, and previous titles) about the vehicle and any constituent parts or materials utilized in the reconstruction, repair, or replacement processes.
- The original titles from all vehicles employed in the reconstruction, except in cases where they possess Junk titles. In such instances, parts belonging to one vehicle may be employed to repair multiple vehicles.
- Lien releases or evidence if a lien has been registered within the DMV records.
Cost of Getting a Savage and a Rebuilt Title in Alaska
Applying for a rebuilt title in Alaska costs $10. However, this does not include taxes and the repairs made to the vehicle.
In addition, specific fees are attached to the type of vehicle, model year, city, and other individual requests peculiar to your vehicle.
You can consult the AK DMV fees calculator to determine the precise fees that need to be paid, considering factors such as the vehicle's type, model year, and license plates.
Selling an Automobile With a Salvage Title in Alaska
Selling a vehicle with a salvage title to individuals interested in repairing it is possible. It is essential to recognize that potential buyers are commonly advised to exercise caution and prudence when contemplating the purchase of vehicles holding salvage titles, as they may face difficulties in the future when attempting to resell such vehicles.
Also, a rebuilt title does not erase the vehicle's damage history. However, prospective buyers tend to find solace when a certified inspector has verified the vehicle's satisfactory repairs, thereby establishing its safe operability.
Obtaining Insurance for a Vehicle With a Rebuilt Title in Alaska
Securing insurance coverage for a vehicle with a rebuilt title in Alaska is possible. But, insurance companies often feel rebuilt title vehicles have high-risk cars.
This is because the vehicle is more likely to require repairs or be more susceptible to damage in the future.
As a result, they may charge higher insurance rates for vehicles with a rebuilt title. It's vital for owners of rebuilt title vehicles to shop around for insurance providers specializing in covering them or offering competitive rates for such vehicles.
