How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Arkansas
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In Arkansas, a vehicle that has sustained damage amounting to 70% or more of its value earns the designation of a rebuilt title.
This typically follows an insurance company declaring the vehicle a total loss due to it being unsafe for the road.
To transition from total loss to roadworthy, the vehicle must undergo extensive repairs to meet all safety standards.
It's important to follow Arkansas's specific procedures when applying for a rebuilt title to prevent any potential setbacks or rejections of your application.
This guide is designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the process to obtain a rebuilt title in Arkansas, ensuring you're equipped with the knowledge to successfully navigate the system.
Table of Contents
Salvage Title vs. Rebuilt Title
Cars labeled with a rebuilt or salvage title have suffered such extensive damage that repairing them proves more costly than replacing them altogether.
The key distinction is that a salvage title car remains unrestored, while a rebuilt title car has undergone the necessary repairs.
Simply put, a salvage car cannot legally operate on public roads and is ineligible for insurance coverage.
However, if you choose to restore a salvaged car, In that case, you can acquire a rebuilt title, which proves that the vehicle meets your state's stipulated requirements for roadworthiness and can be insured.
Restrictions or Considerations With a Rebuilt Title in Arkansas
It is important to note that vehicles with rebuilt titles may have certain restrictions and considerations.
For instance, insurance coverage might be more limited, and some insurers may have specific policies regarding coverage for rebuilt vehicles.
Prospective buyers may be cautious when purchasing a vehicle with a rebuilt title. It is advisable to thoroughly research and disclose the vehicle's history to potential buyers and insurers to ensure transparency and informed decision-making.
How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Arkansas
A rebuilt title signifies that a previously salvaged or total loss vehicle has been repaired and deemed roadworthy.
Getting rebuilt title for a vehicle in Arkansas involves the following steps and requirements;
Step 1: Get a Salvage Title in Arkansas
To be eligible for a rebuilt title in Arkansas, your motor vehicle must receive an official declaration as a salvage vehicle using the Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) Declaration of Damage form.
Also, to meet the salvage criteria, your vehicle should have incurred damage exceeding 69 percent of its average retail value or submerged in water above the dashboard level.
To successfully obtain an Arkansas salvage car title, you must personally submit your application at a nearby OMV facility that handles title applications.
The process for acquiring a salvage title for your vehicle entails the following steps:
- Complete the OMV Declaration of Damage for a Salvage Motor Vehicle form.
- Present a valid identification document.
- Submit the current vehicle title certificate.
- Provide any applicable lien release forms, if necessary.
- Pay the appropriate titling fee.
Please note that the specific requirements for obtaining the salvage title may vary depending on your circumstances.
Therefore, you must contact the state OMV directly to ascertain the precise documentation that will be required.
However, if you are applying for a salvage title certificate as an agent of the owner's insurance company, the steps involved are slightly different.
In this case, you must complete the OMV Insurer Notification and Declaration of Damage for a Salvage Motor Vehicle form and submit it, along with the total loss insurance report, either in person, by mail, via email, or by fax.
Step 2: Repair the Vehicle
Reviving your totaled car and getting it back on the road is not a task to be taken lightly.
It demands significant time and money to obtain the required titles and ensure the necessary repairs meet the specified standards.
However, if you are dedicated to the process, it can bring about numerous benefits and a sense of gratification.
Once you have obtained the salvage title, the next crucial step is to proceed with the essential vehicle repairs.
With the salvage title in your possession, you can either undertake the repairs yourself or enlist the services of a professional.
Since the vehicle has suffered damage exceeding 70%, you must restore it to a roadworthy condition will be an extensive undertaking.
Ensure to keep proper documentation of the repair and changed parts, including receipts and pictures.
Step 3: State Inspection
Once you have completed the necessary repairs, there is a comprehensive inspection process that the vehicle must undergo before being granted a rebuilt title in Arkansas.
This inspection is conducted by authorized personnel who assess the vehicle's structural integrity, safety features, mechanical components, and overall roadworthiness.
It ensures that the vehicle has been adequately restored and meets the necessary standards and regulations.
Step 4: Apply For The Rebuilt Title
Once you pass the inspection, it is time to initiate the application process for a rebuilt title. This involves submitting the following documentation to your local OMV:
- An Affidavit of Reconstruction for a Salvage Motor Vehicle (REV 2009): This official form serves as a sworn statement affirming the reconstruction of the salvaged vehicle.
- Details about the entity or individual responsible for the vehicle's repairs: It is imperative to provide comprehensive information regarding the party that conducted the restoration work.
- A comprehensive record of replaced or repaired parts, including the associated Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs): This entails documenting all components that were either replaced or repaired, along with the corresponding VINs of the donor vehicles they originated from.
- Payment of a $10 title fee: This fee covers the administrative costs incurred when processing the application for a rebuilt title.
- Valid photographic identification (Photo ID) and proof of vehicle registration: These documents indicate your identity and ownership of the vehicle.
Once you have submitted the necessary paperwork, you must know that the OMV may take some time to review and evaluate your rebuilt title application carefully.
Upon confirmation of your application, your diligently restored vehicle will be cleared to resume its rightful place on the road.
Selling a Vehicle With a Rebuilt Title in Arkansas
You can sell a car with a rebuilt title in Arkansas. However, it's essential to disclose the rebuilt title status to potential buyers to ensure transparency and comply with legal requirements. Not doing so is seen as fraud and may bring the wrath of the law if caught.
But, if you are buying a suspected salvaged car, you can ask for a vehicle history report and arrange for a qualified mechanic of your preference to assess the vehicle.
You can register a complaint with the Arkansas Attorney General if you suspect purchasing a salvage vehicle without complete disclosure and necessary documentation.
