Yes, you can insure a WOVR car, but it is significantly more challenging, expensive, and restrictive than insuring a vehicle with a clean title. WOVR stands for Written-Off Vehicle Register, a database where insurers record vehicles deemed a total loss. Securing standard full-coverage insurance (which includes comprehensive and collision) is often impossible. Your primary option will typically be liability-only insurance, which is the minimum legal requirement in most states but offers no protection for damage to your own car.
The core issue is risk. Insurers view a WOVR car as inherently less safe and more prone to future mechanical or structural problems, even after being repaired. They also cannot accurately assess the vehicle's true value or the quality of the repairs performed. Before attempting to get a quote, you must be transparent about the vehicle's WOVR status; failing to disclose this is considered material misrepresentation and can void your policy.
Specialty insurers are your best bet. These companies, sometimes called non-standard auto insurers, specialize in high-risk vehicles and drivers. Expect to pay higher premiums and provide documentation, such as a detailed vehicle inspection and receipts for all repairs, to prove the car is roadworthy.
Here is a comparison of potential outcomes for a WOVR car versus a clean title car:
| Insurance Aspect | WOVR/Salvage Title Car | Clean Title Car |
|---|
| Eligibility for Full Coverage | Very rare, often impossible | Standard and widely available |
| Premium Cost (Liability) | 50% to 100% higher or more | Baseline, standard rate |
| Insurer Willingness | Limited to specialty/non-standard insurers | All major insurers (State Farm, Geico, etc.) |
| Required Documentation | Extensive (photos, repair receipts, inspection) | Standard (VIN, driver's license) |
| Resale Value Impact | Severely diminished, difficult to sell | Normal market value |
| Primary Insurance Type | Liability-only | Full coverage (comprehensive & collision) |
The process often involves getting the car reinspected by your state's DMV to change its title from "salvage" to "rebuilt." Once it has a "rebuilt" title, more insurers might consider it, but the limitations and higher costs will remain. Ultimately, while insuring a WOVR car is feasible, the hurdles and expenses make it a financially questionable decision for most people.
