A late-model (newer) vehicle is defined as:

A vehicle 8,000 pounds or less manufactured in one of the last six model years, or
A vehicle 8,001 pounds or more manufactured in one of the last 16 model years.

Salvage Titles for Older-Model Vehicles

An older-model vehicle is defined as:

A vehicle 8,000 pounds or less over six model years old, or
A vehicle 8,001 pounds or more over 16 model years old.

Vehicle title branding is the use of a permanent designation on a vehicle's title, registration or permit documents to indicate that a vehicle has been written off due to collision, fire or flood damage or has been sold for scrap.

What Does Having a Salvage Title Mean?

A salvage title indicates that the car, at one point in its history, was classified by an insurance company as a total loss due to:

Flood damage
Hail damage
Car accident damage
Vandalism
Theft recovery

Are Salvage Cars Safe to Purchase?

There is nothing wrong with buying a salvaged auto, provided you avoid purchasing on impulse. You want to make sure there are no hidden damages, resulting in major repair costs three weeks after resuming ownership.

Vehicle title branding is the use of a permanent designation on a vehicle's title, registration or permit documents to indicate that a vehicle has been written off due to collision, fire or flood damage or has been sold for scrap.

The designation or brand is mandatory in most provinces and states in North America when an insurer or vehicle owner writes off a vehicle as a "total loss". Typically this means the cost to repair the vehicle would equal or exceed the car's value, although legal definitions vary.

In the United States the certificate of title for a vehicle (also known as a car title or pink slip; or pinks in the plural) is a legal form, establishing a person or business as the legal owner of a vehicle. Vehicle titles in the U.S. are commonly issued by the state DMV.

itle brands tell potential customers whether a used vehicle has sustained damage or might be potentially unsafe to drive. Note that if a vehicle's title has been "branded," it is an official designation made by a state agency and should appear on the vehicle's title paperwork. Neither individuals nor private companies can brand titles.

While title brands vary by state, some of the most common ones include:

Salvage
Junk
Totaled
Lemon
Flood
Reconstructed

Not only do different states have their own specific set of title brands, but what might be considered a salvage title in one state may have a slightly different definition in another state.
If you have questions about what title brands are used in your state, we recommend contacting your state's department of motor vehicles.

An AutoCheck vehicle history report is a valuable tool when trying to figure out whether a vehicle you want to purchase has a branded title. Within the report, you will be notified of any records that AutoCheck has in its database on whether or not a branded title has been issued on a specific vehicle.

What is a branded title in Utah?
A rebuilt/restored vehicle is a salvage vehicle that has been repaired and restored to operation. Note: A vehicle that has been "salvaged" or "rebuilt/restored" will be issued a different kind of Utah title, referred to as a "branded" title. A salvage vehicle's Utah title will state: "Salvage."

Abandoned
Any registered vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer, whether lost, stolen, abandoned or otherwise unclaimed, which has been abandoned on a public highway, public property or elsewhere within the state, including private property.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Accident or Vehicle Damage
Reported accidents or damage events are a result of vehicle collisions or other non-collision incidents such as vandalism or theft. Not all accidents or damage events are reported to AutoCheck. Certain accident or damage events are reported by the source to have resulted in minor, moderate or severe damage to the vehicle, or the events are calculated by AutoCheck to have resulted in minor, moderate or severe damage based on the information reported. It is recommended to have pre-owned vehicles inspected by a third party prior to purchase.


http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Abandoned
Any registered vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer, whether lost, stolen, abandoned or otherwise unclaimed, which has been abandoned on a public highway, public property or elsewhere within the state, including private property.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Auction Announced as Broken Odometer
A wholesale Auto Auction has reported that the odometer is not functioning properly or no longer accurately records the distance that the car has traveled.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Auction Announced as Exceeds Mechanical Limits

A wholesale Auto Auction has reported that the actual mileage/kilometers is greater than the odometer allows to be recorded. This commonly occurs with vehicles that have five-digit odometers that have exceeded 99,999 miles.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Auction Announced as Municipal Use
A wholesale Auto Auction has reported that a federal, state or local government agency previously used the vehicle.

Duplicate Title
The vehicle had a duplicate title issued by the DMV. A duplicate title is sometimes issued because the vehicle’s original title is missing.


https://www.auctionexport.com/

Exceeds Mechanical Limits
The actual mileage/kilometers are greater than the odometer allows to be recorded.

https://www.auctionexport.com/

Federal Government
The vehicle was part of a fleet registered and used by individuals in the United States federal government.

https://www.auctionexport.com/

Government Use
The vehicle was used by a government agency.
https://www.auctionexport.com/

Recall
A safety recall can be independently conducted by a manufacturer or ordered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In either case, the manufacturer must file a public report containing a description of the issue, the vehicles involved, and other information including a description of the solution. The manufacturer is obligated to provide a free remedy for vehicles involved in a safety recall.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Reconstructed
Reconstructed vehicles lose all identity as to make and model and do not carry the original make, year, and VIN. They usually have been reconstructed from various vehicles.

https://www.auctionexport.com/en/Home/ReviewsAndTestimonials

Remanufactured
A vehicle that has been constructed specifically by a licensed remanufacturer and consists of any used or reconditioned integral parts, including, but not limited to, frame, engine, transmission, axles, brakes, or suspension. This does not generally include repaired or restored vehicles, or those modified by replacing or adding parts or accessories.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Salvaged
A salvage vehicle is a vehicle that has been wrecked or damaged beyond repair; declared a total loss by the insurer; or declared a total loss by reason of theft. When an insurance company as a result of a total loss settlement acquires a vehicle, the insurance company must apply for a Salvage Certificate. If the owner retains possession of a salvage vehicle, the owner must obtain a Salvage Certificate before receiving a total loss statement from the insurance company.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

State Government
A state government has used the vehicle.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Water Damage
A vehicle that has been damaged by water or in a flood. Any vehicle title issued to an insurance company due to payment of a claim for flood damage sustained. If issued to a licensed rebuilder, who possesses or acquires a vehicle that is designated as, or for which there is evidence or information of, a "flood vehicle" has been provided, the vehicle is considered a salvage vehicle and designated as such on an Application for Salvage Certificate in an insurance company or licensee's name.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Vehicle Service Performed
The vehicle has been reported to have a service or repair performed.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Title
The vehicle had a title event reported by the state DMV. A title is official proof of ownership. A title is used to transfer a vehicle to another owner.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Theft Insurance Claim
An insurance claim was filed because the vehicle was stolen.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary