Just like any other state, Mississippi has a specific set of rules on how salvage vehicles are handled. Once a vehicle is issued a salvage title, it will not be legally drivable in Mississippi. The only way that this vehicle can be legal again would be for you to repair it and receive a rebuilt title from the state.
Getting a Rebuilt Title
If you purchase a salvage car in Mississippi, then there are a few things you will need to do in order to get it back on the road legally. Even if the car is in perfect working condition without repairs, you will be breaking the law if you drive it – even if you are driving it to the mechanic. You must have it towed at all times until it has been retitled.
This process isn’t that difficult, but you will need to take several steps. You will need to provide several documents including the salvage certificate and fees required for inspections.
You will also need notarized bills of sale for all the major component parts used in the reconstruction of the vehicle, as well as invoices for the minor component parts used in the reconstruction process. The bills of sale and invoices will need to include the name, address, and phone number of the person who sold or otherwise provided the parts. They also need to include the make, model, year, and vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which they came.
The parts will also need to be described in the Tax Commission form (78-021), which is to be included in the inspection application.
Your car will need a specialty salvage inspection through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. This inspection is not to check the safety of the car. Instead, it is to look for stolen parts. They could have been used in the repair or they could have been an issue if the car was recovered from theft. Once the inspection is complete and you have provided all necessary documentation, then you can get a new title on the car.
Mississippi does not issue clean titles on cars that were previously salvaged. You will receive a title that has been stamped one of the following: rebuilt, rebuilt hail, or rebuilt flood depending on what damaged the car in the first place. With that rebuilt title, you will be able to get the vehicle registered.
Getting Insurance on Your Rebuilt Vehicle
Once you have everything else done and you have the rebuilt title for your car, then the next step would be getting insurance coverage. To make things as easy on you as possible, keep all of your documentation together, including repairs, pictures, bills, and anything else pertaining to the process of rebuilding the salvage vehicle. That way, when the insurance company has questions, you will be able to provide them with answers and information.
Don’t get discouraged if some insurance companies turn you down. Additionally, be prepared for the fact that you may need to pay more money in premiums. Insurance companies usually consider a rebuilt salvaged car as somewhat of a risk, so they usually charge more. Additionally, they usually are only willing to offer liability coverage so that you can legally drive the car. If you want comprehensive coverage you will have to spend more time looking around for different options.
Find information on Rebuilt Title Laws for Other US States. Explore our Vehicle Auctions, as well as finding more information about How These Auctions Work.
Comments