<P> Many people are confused about the actual repair cost that insurance companies use to deem the vehicle a salvage title . Skeptical shoppers automatically assume that 50 - 70% repair to value ratio of a vehicle would suggest that the vehicle is completely totaled and beyond reasonable repair . This is not always true and the shoppers who understand this are the ones who can obtain very good bargains . Although it is true that salvage titles are typically issued to vehicles when the repair costs exceed 50 - 70% of the vehicle value, this percentage needs to be considered in detail before assumptions are made . </P> <P> Upon paying the claim, the insurer may offer to return the vehicle to the owner as an insurance buy - back, in which case the owner is responsible for having the repairs made and having the car inspected by a State - designated facility . Depending on the state, this inspection may remove the salvage brand from the vehicle's title . The exact percentage of value that triggers the decision to total the vehicle is guided by applicable laws and regulations . The damage estimate is calculated at retail repair rates, which may be more than the cost of wholesale repair . Vehicles that are not bought back are auctioned as salvage to an auto recycler or a rebuilder and given a salvage title . </P> <P> In the US, motorcycles and cars which carry a salvage title may not be registered and driven on public roads in most states, which impacts resale value . Rebranding of the title is not permitted without having an inspection to verify that they meet all safety standards . The inspection procedure may be complex, and attempts to illegally circumvent the inspections are periodically reported . </P> <P> Industry standards followed by the National Automobile Dealers Association Appraisal Guides, Kelley Blue Book Market Report Official Guide, and the International Society of Automotive Appraisers devalue a motor vehicle that has a salvage title . The Kelley Blue Book automatically rates any salvage vehicle as "poor" and does not value it at all . The value of a vehicle with a salvage title is generally 65 - 75% lower than the vehicle's estimated value . </P>

Where does it say salvage on the title