Chapter 1-12 Salvage Vehicle Process Salvage Vehicle Process A. What is a “Total Loss”? A total loss is when the insurance company determines that it is economically unfeasible to repair your vehicle. There are two types of titles issued as the result of a total loss: Owner Retained Total Loss Title - An Owner Retained Total Loss Title is issued to a vehicle that has been declared by the insurance company to be a total loss resulting from fire, vandalism, collision or flood and for which a total loss settlement has been paid. This vehicle is registered and can be driven. The owner of the vehicle has chosen to retain title to the vehicle. If the vehicle is a Recovered Theft, you must apply for a Salvage title. Repairable Salvage Title - A Repairable Salvage Title is issued to a vehicle that has been declared by the insurance company to be a total loss resulting from fire, vandalism, collision or flood and for which a total loss settlement has been paid. The owner has chosen to retain the title and has decided to repair the vehicle back to its operating condition. Although the vehicle may be drivable, it cannot be driven until it has passed a registry inspection. Therefore, it is important to note that this vehicle will be considered unregistered by the Registry and law enforcement authorities. 1:65