How To Get a Salvage and Rebuilt Title in Montana
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If the cost of repairing a wrecked vehicle exceeds its worth, it is dispatched to the salvage yard, and the insurance company declares it as a loss. Subsequently, the insurer compensates the policyholder for their damages.
In certain instances, a totaled car can be restored and obtain a rebuilt title for legal operation in Montana.
To get a rebuilt title in Montana, you must first acquire a salvage title indicating that the car sustained significant damage to be deemed irreparable.
Once the essential repairs have been completed, the salvage title can be substituted with a rebuilt title.
Let’s dive into how to get a rebuilt title in Montana!
Table of Contents
How To Get a Salvage Title in Montana
To obtain a salvage title from the Montana Motor Vehicle Division, visit your local county treasurer's office. Remember to bring along the following items:
- A duly filled out Application for Salvage Certificate of a Vehicle (Form MV206).
- The original title of the car.
- If the salvage vehicle is less than 20 years old, complete the odometer disclosure section on the back of the title.
- Your valid Montana driver's license.
- If applicable, furnish proof of lien satisfaction.
- Arrange payment for the salvage title fee. Before your visit, ensure you verify the acceptable forms of payment with the county treasurer's office.
After completing these steps, you will be issued your salvage title in Montana. At this juncture, you can sell the car, potentially to an individual capable of investing the required time and finances for repairs.
Alternatively, you can take on the challenge of rebuilding the vehicle yourself. However, remember that the Montana Motor Vehicle Division will inspect before issuing a rebuilt title.
Salvaged Cars Inspection in Montana
Once you have completed rebuilding a vehicle in Montana, it is crucial to undergo a VIN inspection.
This inspection serves several purposes, including verifying the vehicle's description, ensuring it matches the information on the title paperwork, confirming the accuracy of the title details, and validating that the state-issued VIN is unique.
Montana implements three distinct inspection stages: Stage I, II, and III.
Stage I inspection
Stage I inspections are conducted to identify the vehicle, particularly when submitting a bonded application or Canadian registration.
Proof of ownership is not required for Stage I inspections. These inspections can be carried out by motor vehicle office staff at the local county treasurer's office, driver exam station staff, or law enforcement officers.
They will complete the Vehicle/Vessel/Off Highway Vehicle Identification Number Inspection Certificate (Form MV20) during the inspection.
If the examination is to be conducted by driver exam station staff, it is necessary to schedule an appointment through their offices.
Stage II Inspection
Stage II inspections are mandatory for specific types of vehicles, such as those five years or older, with an out-of-state or Montana salvage certificate issued before October 1, 2011.
Additionally, reconstructed vehicles, vehicles requiring additional VIN information, and those with identity questions must undergo Stage II inspections.
Qualified VIN inspectors are authorized to conduct these examinations, including driver exam station staff, Department of Justice employees, Montana law enforcement officers, and motor vehicle compliance specialists.
They will also complete the Vehicle/Vessel/Off Highway Vehicle Identification Number Inspection Certificate (Form MV20).
To schedule a Stage II inspection, customers must use the online Appointment Scheduling Service on the Montana Department of Justice website or contact local offices that do not offer online scheduling. Essential documents include:
- The salvage certificate.
- Bills of sale for the vehicle and reconstruction parts.
- Purchase receipts.
- Determination of the vehicle's age.
- Payment of the applicable examination fees.
It is advisable to check the Montana DOJ site for the most up-to-date fee information.
Stage III
Stage III inspections are required for vehicles under five years old with an out-of-state or Montana salvage certificate issued before October 1, 2011. These inspections are also necessary when concerns about the vehicle's identity exist.
Only authorized individuals can conduct Stage III inspections, such as Commercial Vehicle Operating Licensing examiners, motor vehicle compliance specialists, and driver licensing regional managers. As part of the inspection process, they must complete Form MV208.
To schedule a Stage III inspection, customers must provide all the required documentation for Stage II exams, indicate the vehicle's age, pay the necessary fees, and arrange their appointment by phone in their respective regions.
How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Montana
To get your Montana rebuilt title through the Motor Vehicle Division, visit your local county treasurer's office and submit the following items:
- Filled-out Application for Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle (Form MV1).
- The salvage title of your car.
- The paperwork provided by the inspector (as evidence of your vehicle's successful completion of the salvage inspection).
- Retain the bills of sale and receipts you previously presented during the inspection.
- Make payment for the applicable title and registration fees, which will vary based on factors such as your car's age and local taxes.
Once all the necessary documentation and payments are submitted and verified, you will be issued your rebuilt title.
This will reinstate the legal status of your car, allowing you to drive it on the road in compliance with all relevant regulations.
Rebuilt Title Cost in Montana
Several fees must be paid to get a rebuilt title in Montana. The standard fee for a salvage certificate of title is currently $5.
However, if you are applying for a salvage title after acquiring the vehicle from an insurance provider, an additional fee of $5.15, known as the Salvage Receipt fee, is required.
If you later decide to restore the vehicle to a functional state and apply for a rebuilt title in Montana, there are additional fees to consider.
These include an $18.50 fee for the comprehensive vehicle inspection, a standard title fee of $10, and the registration costs applicable to your specific circumstances.
Documents To Submit for a Rebuilt Title
When applying for a rebuilt title in Montana, you are typically required to submit the following:
- The salvage title, proof of ownership.
- Receipts and documentation evidencing the repairs and parts used.
- A completed application form.
- Any other supporting documents specified by the Motor Vehicle Division.
Ensure to provide accurate and comprehensive information to facilitate the process.
Obtaining Insurance for a Vehicle With a Rebuilt Title
Insuring a vehicle with a rebuilt title can pose challenges, as insurance companies may view it as a higher risk.
Insurance companies generally approach such cars cautiously as they cannot be sure that the rebuild and re-titling process did not overlook any underlying structural damage.
However, it is possible to find insurance providers who offer coverage for rebuilt title vehicles.
You can negotiate with your current insurance company for additional coverage or potentially secure better premium rates than those offered to new customers.
Restrictions or Limitations With a Rebuilt Title
Vehicles with rebuilt titles may have certain restrictions or limitations imposed by the state or insurance providers.
These could include limitations on coverage, reduced resale value, or additional inspections for registration.
You must be aware of potential restrictions and comply with the applicable regulations to ensure legal compliance and a smooth ownership experience.
