Selling a Totaled Car
After a total loss declaration, you have options — surrender the vehicle, keep it with a salvage title, or sell it. Here is how each path works.
Keep or Surrender?
Surrender to Insurer
You receive full ACV payment. Insurer takes the vehicle and title. Simple and clean.
Best when: repair cost exceeds salvage value; you want a clean settlement.
Retain with Salvage Title
You receive ACV minus salvage value. You keep the vehicle and receive a Salvage Title.
Best when: you can repair and sell for profit; vehicle has valuable parts; you have a buyer.
How to Sell a Salvage Title Vehicle
| Method | Typical Return | Effort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local junkyard | $100–$500 | Low | Non-driveable, low value vehicles |
| Scrap metal yard | $50–$300 | Low | Very old or heavily damaged vehicles |
| Copart / IAAI auction | $500–$5,000+ | Medium | Popular models with repairable damage |
| Parts sale (eBay, Facebook) | $500–$3,000 | High | Vehicles with expensive intact parts |
| Private buyer | $1,000–$8,000+ | Medium | Runs and drives, low mileage salvage |
State Salvage Title Thresholds
California
Threshold: Insurer decides
Brand: Salvage Certificate
Texas
Threshold: 100% ACV / airbag deploy
Brand: Salvage Title
Florida
Threshold: 80% ACV
Brand: Salvage Title
New York
Threshold: 75% ACV
Brand: Salvage Title
Illinois
Threshold: Insurer declares TL
Brand: Salvage Certificate
Ohio
Threshold: 75% ACV
Brand: Salvage Title