Need to sell a salvage car in New Jersey? Easy peasy! This article will inform you of the ins and outs of junking a car in the Garden State and everything in between.
What is a Salvage Car in NJ?
A salvage car has been severely damaged, and the insurance company has deemed it a salvage because the cost of repairs exceeds the actual value of the vehicle. The good news is that salvaged cars CAN be repaired with parts from other cars and rebuilt. However, in New Jersey, salvage cars are not legally operational, which means you would need to rebuild the car to NJ’s safety standards and obtain a rebuilt car title.
How Do You Sell a Salvage Car in New Jersey?
You can legally sell a salvage car in NJ. However, you are responsible for disclosing ALL information regarding the vehicle, including the car being a salvage. If you have made repairs to the car, you will need to show receipts for the repairs and information about the parts used to repair the car.
Be advised that it is ILLEGAL to sell a salvage car without informing the buyer of the car’s history. You can sell your salvage car to a junkyard, salvage yard, or online. Make sure you cancel the auto insurance policy on the salvage car, so you aren’t paying for coverage for a car you no longer use. You will also need to cancel the car’s registration.
How is a Salvage Title Different from a Junk Title?
Salvage car titles are often confused with junk titles because they are similar in many ways. However, there are significant differences between these titles. Cars with a salvage title can be repaired and rebuilt to meet New Jersey’s safety standards. Cars that have a junk title can NOT be repaired or rebuilt. Once a car has a junk title, it can not be reversed and must be junked.
Who Buys Salvage Cars Near Me?
You have a lot of options when it comes to salvage yards in New Jersey. However, we can’t list all of the salvage yard locations, but we’ve done the research, and created a list of highly-rated New Jersey salvage yards for you!
Central Jersey Auto Salvage
378 W commodore Blvd
Jackson, NJ 08527
(732) 928-2904
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday (8 AM – 2 PM)
Sunday (Closed)
Lentini Auto Salvage
130 US Highway 202
Ringoes, NJ 08551
(800) 735 – 8464
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
1st Class Auto Salvage
105 Patterson Ave
Hamilton Township, NJ 08610
(609) 586-6222
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 4:30 PM)
Saturday (8 AM – 12 PM)
Sunday (Closed)
Scarpati Recycling
1300 New York Ave.
Trenton, NJ 08638
(609) 396-7040
Monday – Friday (7:30 AM – 4 PM)
Saturday (7:30 AM – 12 PM)
Sunday (Closed)
Can You Insure a Salvage Title Car in New Jersey?
Here’s where things can get a little tricky! You can NOT insure a salvage car in the state of New Jersey. However, you can rebuild the salvage car to New Jersey’s safety standards and obtain a rebuilt car title.
So, what you’ll need to do is rebuild the car using parts from other cars and save the receipts, including the receipts from the mechanic, if applicable, and receipts for car parts that were purchased. Once your car passes inspection, you can receive a rebuilt car title and obtain auto insurance.
Can I Salvage My Car Without a Title in New Jersey?
Yes. You can salvage a car without a title in NJ. However, if you’ve lost the car’s title, you can complete an Application for Salvage Certificate of Title (Form ISM/SS-61). You need to submit this application to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC).
Having the car’s title lets buyers know that you are the legal owner of the car. Things can get a little sticky when it comes to paperwork and legal matters. Whether you’re selling the salvage car to a salvage yard or an individual, it’s always good to have the car’s title.
Did you know some dealerships purchase salvage cars? If you don’t have the car’s title, the dealership will use the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) to obtain a salvage title, which will save you money.
Junkyards will also take your salvage car, and most of the time, you don’t have to worry about towing fees and you can make some extra cash!
What is a Rebuilt Car Title?
A rebuilt car title is for cars that have had a “troubled” past, meaning they have sustained extensive damage. Cars with a rebuilt title mean the car was a salvage at one time and considered a total loss, but restored to New Jersey’s safety standards, and can now legally be operated on roads and highways.
What is the Difference Between a Rebuilt Car Title and a Salvage Car Title?
A salvage car title can also be confused with a rebuilt car title, but they are NOT the same. Let’s take a look at the comparison chart between these two titles.
| Rebuilt Title | Salvage Title |
| Cars that have a history of extensive damage, depending on the state, usually ranging between 70% and 90% of the average resale value | Cars that have a history of serious damage, depending on the state, usually ranging between 70% and 90% of the average resale value |
| Could specify the type of damage sustained, such as flood, hail, theft, or vandalism damage | Could specify the type of damage sustained, such as flood, hail, theft, or vandalism damage |
| Previously had a salvage title, but was repaired | Indicates if the vehicle is repairable or has only a market value for its parts (scrapped or junked) |
| Restored and passed a rebuilt vehicle inspection (legal to drive) | Deemed NOT roadworthy and illegal to drive |
How Do You Register a Salvage Title Car in New Jersey?
To register a salvage car in New Jersey, you need to apply for a standard NJ car title. Once you prove your salvage car has been rebuilt properly and passed inspection, you can convert the car’s New Jersey standard title the same way you would if you were titling and registering a recently purchased car.
When you have the car’s standard title, you will officially have a legally operational car! If you have questions or concerns about retitling your salvage car, you can call the NJ MVC at (609) 292-6500 ext. 5063.
Older Salvage Cars
A salvage car that is at least 8 years old is not required to be inspected to obtain a standard New Jersey title. If your salvage car falls into this category, you can apply for an NJ standard vehicle title with the NJ MVC by providing the following:
- The salvage title
- Color photos of the vehicle on ALL sides before AND after repairs were made
- Bill of sale
- Receipts and/or invoices for the replacement of major component parts
- All work orders for repairs performed on the car
- A damage report from your insurance provider
- Payment for the $60 standard-title fee
Make sure you include the vehicle’s make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN). You can click here for more information on the NJ MVC’s complete list of major component parts.
You can mail the above items to
NJMVC Special Title Unit
P.O. Box 017
Trenton, NJ 08666
You now know how to sell a salvage car in New Jersey. Take what you just learned and sell your salvage car!
