Yes, you can get full coverage insurance on a rebuilt title car, but it is significantly more challenging and expensive than insuring a car with a clean title. Most major insurance companies are hesitant to offer comprehensive and collision coverage on rebuilt vehicles due to the unknown history of prior damage. You will likely need to seek out specialty insurers who are willing to underwrite these higher-risk policies.
The primary reason for the difficulty is the inherent risk associated with a rebuilt title. This designation means the car was previously declared a total loss by an insurance company, often due to a severe accident, flood, or other major damage, and was subsequently repaired to a road-worthy condition. Insurers are concerned about potential hidden structural or electrical issues that could compromise safety and lead to future claims.
When you do find a provider, expect the process to be more involved. They may require a thorough pre-inspection by a certified mechanic to verify the quality of the repairs. Your premium will also be higher, and the coverage may differ. A common alternative is stated value coverage, where you and the insurer agree on the car's value upfront, which is often much lower than the book value of an equivalent clean-title model.
| Consideration | Clean Title Car | Rebuilt Title Car |
|---|
| Availability of Full Coverage | Widely available from all major insurers | Limited, often requires specialty insurers |
| Average Insurance Cost | Standard market rates | Typically 20-40% higher |
| Vehicle Value Assessment | Based on standard market value (e.g., Kelley Blue Book) | Often a negotiated "stated value," significantly lower |
| Required Inspection | Usually not required | Often a mandatory pre-inspection |
| Resale Value Impact | Normal depreciation | Drastically reduced (often 40-60% less) |
Your best course of action is to shop around with companies that explicitly handle non-standard auto insurance. Be prepared to provide detailed documentation of the repairs and be transparent about the vehicle's history.
