[gearby]

A Salvage title is not what most think it is. A salvage title is a title to a car that has been totaled. This is where the confusion is: PLATES AND REGISTRATION CAN NOT BE ACQUIRED FOR A VEHICLE WITH A SALVAGE TITLE AND A CAR WITH SUCH TITLE CAN NOT BE DRIVEN ON THE ROAD. It only shows ownership of the totaled vehicle. Once the car is repaired, the car must be certified as roadworthy. It is then inspected and issued a branded title. A "branded title" is a typical title with a totaled or salvaged notation on it. This "branded" title can be used to obtain plates and registration so the car can be driven again. Laws vary from state to state but this is the way it is in Oregon and Washington state. I've purchased insurance salvage cars from both states.