Auto Insurance for a Salvage Vehicle in Illinois

If a car has a salvage title, it typically means that the car has been deemed a total loss by an insurance company. This may indicate that the vehicle has received substantial damage and can’t be driven legally anymore.   

However, once a total loss vehicle is repaired and re-certified, you may be able to apply for a rebuilt title through the Illinois Secretary of State. Before getting behind the wheel, your repaired car typically will need to go through a state inspection and pass safety requirements.  

If you have a car with a rebuilt title, you may have heard the terms salvage title insurance or rebuilt title insurance tossed around. Here, we’ll outline what kind of insurance you may be able to get for a car with a rebuilt title, things to consider before purchasing insurance, and how Illinois Vehicle Insurance Agency, LLC (Illinois Vehicle) can help you.  

What type of insurance can you get for a rebuilt title? 

Once you get a rebuilt title for a salvage car, you may want to look into liability insurance, which is a minimum required coverage to drive in Illinois. Liability insurance can help pay for repairs to a third-party vehicle or injuries to someone else after an accident that you cause. As of 2025, here are the limits the state mandates:  

• $25,000 for injury of one person in a crash  
• $50,000 for injury of more than one person in a crash  
• $20,000 for damage to a third party’s property 

Drivers in Illinois are also required to purchase the state minimum for uninsured motorist coverage. Though this coverage could mean both uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) and uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD), the state only mandates that drivers purchase the former. UMBI can help pay for injuries you receive from an accident involving an at-fault uninsured driver, while UMPD may cover damages to your vehicle from an at-fault uninsured driver. In Illinois, your required UMBI limits are:  

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person  
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident  

For many drivers, minimum liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage may not be enough. Getting comprehensive or collision coverage, though, may be trickier with a rebuilt title. Some insurance companies won’t offer a full coverage policy for rebuilt title vehicles, while others may but typically at a higher price.  

Does a rebuilt title affect insurance? 

Insurers may offer full insurance policies or additional coverages for costly rates because they may consider rebuilt cars as higher risk. These cars have been through major damage, which means that they may have future issues on the road.  

To get car insurance coverage in Illinois with a rebuilt title, you may want to be ready with these documents for your insurer:  

• The rebuilt title 
• Proof of state inspection 
• Photos of the vehicle 
• A detailed list of repairs 

Staying prepared and having your documentation ready may help you navigate the insurance process with a rebuilt title.  

What to consider before buying a salvage car 

Thinking about buying a salvage car in Illinois? Here are a few things you may want to keep in mind: 

• Get a professional inspection: It may be crucial to have a mechanic or professional inspect the vehicle before purchasing.  
• Know the insurance costs: Rebuilt cars may have higher premiums, and some insurance companies might not cover them at all.  
• Check the title status: You may want to make sure the car you’re buying is listed as “rebuilt” not just “salvage.”  You can’t typically drive a car legally that only has a salvage title.  
• Resale value may be lower: Even if the car runs great, you may not be able to sell a rebuilt title car for the price you’re expecting.  

How Illinois Vehicle can help 

Finding insurance for a rebuilt title car can be frustrating, but Illinois Vehicle can assist you with your insurance journey. We can offer:  

• Flexible plans from multiple carriers for higher-risk drivers  
• Agents who understand the ins and outs of salvage and rebuilt titles 
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking agents to help you avoid a language barrier 
• Discounts from various carriers that may help lower your premium 

Buying or insuring a rebuilt car in Illinois may take some extra effort. By understanding Illinois state laws, how to get a rebuilt title, and working with an agency like Illinois Vehicle, you may be able to better navigate this insurance process.  

Would you like help comparing quotes for a rebuilt title vehicle in Illinois? Call Illinois Vehicle at 1-630-581-4805, stop by one of our Chicagoland locations, or visit our website to get a free personalized quote today!  

Disclaimer:    

This material is for general informational purposes only. Products, services, and discounts referenced herein are not available in all states or in all companies. All statements are subject to the terms, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy. In all instances, current policy contract language prevails. Coverage is subject to individual policyholders meeting the insurer's underwriting qualifications and state availability. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply.