The decision to keep a totaled car is a big one!
Peggy Claytor
Has your vehicle been in accident and deemed a total loss? Should you retain it or let the insurance company keep it? Here are some things you need to know:
Insurance companies must notify DMV by filing Notification of Owner Retained Late Model Vehicle (VSA 58) on all late model vehicles that have a paid claim for damages and an estimated cost of repair that is more than 75 percent of the actual cash value if the vehicle is titled in the Commonwealth and is to be retained by the owner.
Insurance companies are required to notify DMV by submitting a Notification of Owner Retained Late Model Vehicle (VSA 58) of late model vehicles titled in Virginia which are determined to be nonrepairable and are retained by their owners. DMV will cancel titles to nonrepairable vehicles and issue nonrepairable certificates to the owners.Insurance companies must notify DMV by filing Notification of Owner Retained Late Model Vehicle (VSA 58) on all late model vehicles that have a paid claim for damages and an estimated cost of repair that is more than 75 percent of the actual cash value if the vehicle is titled in the Commonwealth and is to be retained by the owner.
Any salvage vehicle that has been repaired for use on public highways, or any late model vehicle with an estimated repair cost of over 75 percent of its actual cash value, will receive a title certificate branded as “REBUILT.” The brand is permanent and will carry forward to each title issued for the life of the vehicle.
Scheduling a Rebuilt Vehicle Examination
To schedule a rebuilt vehicle examination, mail DMV the following:
- The original Virginia salvage certificate in your name
- An original Request for Examination of Rebuilt Salvage Vehicle
- The $125 examination fee
- The $15 substitute title fee
Mail to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Branding Work Center
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269-001
A DMV Special Agent will contact you to schedule an exam appointment. Bring the following items to the exam:
- Proof that the vehicle has passed a Virginia state inspection
- A photocopy of the Request for Examination of Rebuilt Salvage Vehicle
- Receipts for any original parts
- A photograph of the vehicle before the repairs
- Old component parts displaying the vehicle identification number (VIN) (if applicable)
- Once the salvage vehicle has passed the exam, the Agent will notify the Vehicle Branding Work Center to release and mail the certificate of title with the appropriate brand.
