Salvage title
A title brand given when a vehicle is declared a total loss — a status that follows the car through every later owner.
Part of the Exclusions & limits cluster.
What it means
A salvage title is issued when a vehicle is declared a total loss — typically after severe damage, flood, or theft recovery. The brand stays on the title through subsequent owners and affects resale, insurability, and how manufacturers treat coverage.
Why it matters
A salvage brand changes the money math of any repair story, and it is invisible in a casual inspection. Check the title status before buying — it is one of the highest-impact facts about a used vehicle.
What it is NOT
It is not a mechanical condition (a rebuilt car can run well), not named identically in every state, and not something that repair alone removes from the record.
Related terms
Terms in this glossary describe general warranty practice and US norms — they are informational, not legal advice, and not a reading of your specific warranty booklet.