How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Nebraska
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A rebuilt title means that a previously totaled car has been sufficiently repaired and is now suitable for road use.
In Nebraska, the rebuilt title is also called the previously salvaged title. You need the rebuilt title to operate the vehicle on public roads.
To get a rebuilt title in Nebraska:
- first, you must get a salvage title
- Then, the vehicle must undergo repairs
- Next, it must pass the state's vehicle inspection requirements
- Finally, submit the documentation, application, and fees to get the rebuilt title
Let’s discuss everything you need to know about how to get a rebuilt title in Nebraska.
Key Takeaways
- The vehicle must have a salvage title before it can be converted to a rebuilt title.
- The vehicle must undergo a detailed inspection by the county sheriff's office to ensure it meets Nebraska's safety and roadworthiness standards.
- After passing the inspection, the owner must submit the required documents and fees to the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain the rebuilt title.
- Obtaining insurance for a vehicle with a rebuilt title in Nebraska may require additional steps, but it is possible.
Table of Contents
Rebuilt Title vs. Salvage Title
A rebuilt title is a legal document that signifies a once-totaled vehicle has been thoroughly repaired and restored to a roadworthy condition.
It indicates that the vehicle has undergone the necessary repairs and inspections after being declared a salvage vehicle.
In contrast, a salvage title is issued when a vehicle has significant damage and is written off as a total loss by an insurance company.
How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Nebraska
To get a rebuilt title in Nebraska, you should:
1. Obtain a Salvage Title in Nebraska
- Prompt Notification: Your insurance provider must promptly notify the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles about the situation.
- Salvage Branding: The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles will update the vehicle's title records by adding the salvage brand designation.
- Time Limit: You have a 30-day timeframe to apply for a salvaged title, starting from the acceptance of the settlement.
- Application Submission: To initiate the application process for a Nebraska salvage title, you need to submit the following documents to the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles office:
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- Completed Application for Certificate of Title, with the "Salvage" box appropriately marked.
- The original title of the vehicle.
- Any relevant documents proving the satisfaction of liens, if applicable.
- Payment of the $10 salvage title fee.
- Different Salvaged Title Types: It is worth noting that apart from cars, salvage titles can also be pursued for the following vehicle types:
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- All-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
- Utility vehicles (UTVs).
- Minibikes.
- Motorboats.
2. Get Your Car Inspected
Before getting a rebuilt title in Nebraska, you must undertake repairs on your salvage car per the state's legal and safety standards.
Upon completing the necessary repairs, bring your vehicle to your county sheriff's office for inspection.
During the salvage inspection, the inspector will perform the following tasks:
- Verify Vehicle Details: The inspector will ensure that the vehicle identification number corresponds accurately with the VIN stated on the car title.
- Odometer Examination: The inspector will examine the reading to verify its accuracy.
- Scrutiny of Component Parts: As part of the inspection, there may be a potential examination of bills of sale, receipts, et cetera. This scrutiny aims to ascertain that the parts were not acquired through unlawful means, such as theft.
When the scheduled inspection date arrives, you must ensure that you have the following items:
- Salvage Title: Carry the salvage title of your car as evidence of ownership.
- Liens on the Vehicle: If there is a lien on the automobile, you must contact your county treasurer's office. A representative from the office can facilitate the acquisition of a copy of the title from the lienholder or leasing company.
- Documentation of Component Parts: Gather the bills of sale, receipts, and invoices about the major parts used in the reconstruction process.
- Inspection Fee: Prepare the $10 inspection fee for submission.
After your vehicle successfully passes the inspection, the inspector will complete and sign a vehicle inspection form which remains valid for 90 days.
3. Apply and Submit the Documents
To process the application, make your way to the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles office and bring the following documents and information:
- Salvage Certificate of Title: Present the salvage certificate of title for your vehicle, as it serves as a vital document in the application procedure.
- Completed Application for Certificate of Title: Ensure this application form is meticulously completed, with the essential "Previously Salvaged" box appropriately marked to indicate your desired title designation.
- Vehicle Inspection Form: Bring the vehicle inspection form, which was given to you after your vehicle's triumphant completion of the salvage inspection.
- Payment for Applicable Fees:
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- Fee for the "Previously Salvaged" title: $10.
- Lien recording fee (if applicable): $7.
Once all the requisite documents and payments have been approved, you will be issued a "Previously Salvaged" title.
With this title, you can register your car with the DMV and confidently resume your journeys on the open road.
Getting Insurance for Cars With Rebuilt Titles in Nebraska
Insurance companies are cautious about offering coverage for previously salvaged cars because they cannot be sure the vehicle is structurally sound.
However, these tips can increase your chances of getting an insurance policy for the car with a rebuilt title:
- Obtain an independent appraisal of the vehicle from a neutral third party. Present this appraisal to the insurance company as evidence of the car's insurability and to facilitate negotiations for the appropriate coverage and premiums.
- Provide before and after pictures of the automobile to the insurance company. Demonstrate the value you have added through repairs and showcase its excellent condition to help strengthen your argument for coverage.
- Inquire whether your current insurance company can bundle coverage for your salvage car with your existing policies. While they may be hesitant to cover a new customer with a salvage car, they may be more inclined to retain you as a customer if you already hold policies with them.
- Consider accepting a liability coverage policy for the initial six months, with the understanding that you intend to negotiate for expanded coverage during the policy renewal. This approach allows you to establish an initial period of coverage while leaving room for discussions regarding enhanced protection in the future.
Conclusion
In Nebraska, transforming a totaled vehicle into one with a rebuilt title involves: obtaining a salvage title, completing necessary repairs, and passing a thorough inspection.
This process ensures the vehicle is safe for road use, allowing owners to legally drive and insure their restored vehicles.
Find out how to get a rebuilt title in all 50 states with our helpful guides!
