How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Wisconsin
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A rebuilt title means a car severely damaged and declared a total loss has been fixed and is safe to drive.
To get a rebuilt title in Wisconsin, the vehicle must have a salvage certificate of title. Once you have the salvage title, you can start repairing the car. Fix all the damages to make it safe and drivable again.
After the repairs, your car must be inspected to meet safety standards. Once your car passes the inspection, you can send a formal application for a rebuilt title.
Let’s discuss everything you need to know about how to get a rebuilt title in Wisconsin.
Table of Contents
Why You Need a Rebuilt Title in Wisconsin
Getting a rebuilt title is essential for several reasons;
- A rebuilt title in Wisconsin allows you to legally drive or sell a previously totaled vehicle.
- Rebuilt titles mean the vehicle has been repaired and inspected to meet safety standards, providing peace of mind to buyers.
- Rebuilt titles make a salvage vehicle eligible for insurance coverage.
How To Get a Rebuilt Title in Wisconsin
A rebuilt title in Wisconsin is issued for a vehicle previously classified as salvage but has undergone repairs to restore its roadworthiness.
To get a rebuilt title, you must first apply for a salvage title, complete the necessary repairs, pass a comprehensive inspection, and then apply for a rebuilt title through the local DMV.
Let’s break down the process in detail:
1. Get a Salvage Title in Wisconsin.
To get a salvage vehicle title in Wisconsin, you need to have a car that meets the state's salvage requirements.
Cars younger than seven can get a salvage certificate if the repair costs exceed 69% of their value.
If a car has damages between 30% and 70%, it may get insurance money but not a salvage title.
Cars that cost more to fix than their value are considered non-functional and can only be sold for parts.
On the other hand, Cars with salvage titles from other states can get a Wisconsin salvage certificate, regardless of age.
To apply for a salvage title, you must get the following:
- Title Application Branding Notification form (Form MV2849).
- If there's no lien on the car, get the MV2849 form.
- Fill out a Title/License Plate Application form (Form MV1), if needed.
- The original title certificate.
- Paperwork from your insurance company that shows the vehicle is a total loss.
- Titling fee of $164.50 and counter fee of $5.
Mail everything to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation at the given address:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 7949
Madison, WI 53707
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) will process your application and issue a new title certificate with the proper branding.
2. Repair the Vehicle to the Best Standard.
Once you get the salvage title, you can start fixing your vehicle. But first, take pictures of the car in its damaged condition. The Department of Transportation (DOT) wants four photos: front, back, driver's side, and passenger's side.
After that, you can begin making the repairs. You can do it yourself or go to a qualified mechanic.
3. Go Through a Salvaged Car Inspection.
In Wisconsin, a salvage vehicle inspection is essential to getting a rebuilt car title. Salvage vehicle inspections in Wisconsin are essential to ensure stolen parts weren't used in the repairs and the car is restored up to the state's safety standards.
To inspect your vehicle, you must schedule an appointment with an authorized agency that conducts salvage vehicle inspections.
During your appointment, the inspector will ask for the following documents:
- Completed Title/License Plate Application form (Form MV1).
- Completed Major Parts Statement form (Form MV2673).
- The rebuilt vehicle itself, with the exterior, engine, and transmission areas clean.
- The salvage title associated with the vehicle.
- Valid proof of identification.
- Four photographs showing the vehicle's condition before the repairs. Take pictures of the front, rear, and each side.
- Original bill of sale for each significant part replaced during reconstruction. The bill of sale should include details like the part's name, the vehicle it came from, the date of sale, and the price of the parts.
Prepare an envelope with first-class U.S. postage. The inspector will use this envelope to submit your rebuilt title documents and fees to the Wisconsin DMV.
Ensure to include a check payable to "Registration Fee Trust" to cover the fees, such as the inspection fee ($80), reconstructed car title fee ($164.50), and vehicle registration fee ($85).
Once your vehicle passes the inspection, the inspector will give you a certificate of inspection.
They will also put all the documents and fees you gave them into the envelope you provided.
The inspector will send you your rebuilt title application and everything else to the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Once the DMV finishes processing and approving your application, they will send your rebuilt vehicle title to you.
Costs of a Rebuilt Title in Wisconsin
Obtaining a rebuilt title in Wisconsin can involve fees of approximately $500, which covers the salvage title fee and other related costs.
However, it's important to note that this amount does not include expenses for repairs or labor.
Insurance Coverage for a Vehicle With a Rebuilt Title in Wisconsin
Yes, getting insurance for a vehicle with a rebuilt title is possible. However, insurance companies may have specific policies and requirements for insuring rebuilt title vehicles. It is recommended to contact insurance providers for more information.
Financing a Vehicle With a Rebuilt Title in Wisconsin
Financing options for vehicles with rebuilt titles may vary among lenders. Some financial institutions may have restrictions or higher interest rates for financing rebuilt title vehicles.
It is recommended to inquire with different lenders to explore your financing options.
