Visited DMV today and they won't complete my salvage title without fixing my airbag light first. I will have to fix it or go have the car inspected by CHP first..Have until Sep deadline to do this...
Your two part videos are extremely helpful. I first visited the DMV website for info but it's a little confusing. I was able to print out the application for a salvage cert. & new title app. Now I have a much better idea as to the process. Thank you!!
Glad it helped. I know the whole (insurance, DMV, inspection) process is challenging and long. I goal is to decode the whole process especially how insurance claim works for or against us, and how to deal with them in for fair settlement.
Get the application for title and 2 one-day moving permits from the dmv. Use the permits to get your certifications for vin and brakes/lights. Any chp station can do the vin verification, by appointment only, call them first. Next you need to call local repair shops to check if they can issue the official brake/light certificate accepted by the dmv and get that done. Take these 3 forms, your plates, and your title/pink slip to the DMV and pay the fees. Hope this helps someone.
Is this in California? And what is the application for the title? Cause I think I'm required to apply for a salvage certification? Or does the DMV send it upon the request of my insurance?...
@@vincentxiong16 your insurance company should take care of the salvage title. You need to apply for a Revived Salvage title after you repair the vehicle and have the inspections done. The DMV forms are all on the ca DMV website. Have all of your certifications completed before going to the DMV.
How about for a car that was stolen and insurance considered it a loss and sold it to auction? Is it the same process? It’s got a Duplicate salvage certificate
So i do the smog, brake and light, as well as the inspection prior to submitting the certification for those, the application for title, and the salvage certificate? When all those are completed, i also take in my plates? What happens if i need to still drive my car around?
Im here because we opt to retain total car. So is it ok to be driving the car around to get it fix. Or do we need like something like a red tag that gives us couple days to sort this out??? Is it ok to drive it around to get expected?
I have a coupe that was hit on the passenger side quater panel. Cost more to fix than the car is worth so it's a total loss. Still drives completely fine tho. Would I have to repair that? Also is a smog required everytime becuz I do have a check engine light on and don't want to deal with that. Also I just paid for registration the month the accident took place.
Did you take the applications and plates prior to taking the vehicle for inspection? Is it two separate visits or one? At the moment my vehicle is not road ready.
If I remember it did this on 2 separate days - DMV (told me to get inspection first), went to a local shop for brake/light inspection, came back to DMV for inspection, went inside to get paper works done and a new plate(bring you old plate to exchange) and paid fees.
Hello sir, that was a great video! Thank you so much for the information! I have an urgent question, I have already done brake and lamp inspection, and smog check, and have the forms, but would i need to fix my car to pass dmv inspection? There is just superficial scratches to the side of my car but nothing is wrong and everything works fine. Do I also have to give up my license plates, can i keep the same plates? Thank you!
I think you are ok to go. DMV just look for anything unsafe. Minor cosmetics and dents should not cause safety concern. I don't think you can keep the same license plate but go find out, and let us know.
Hi,James,thank you for your vedio. My car was hit by another car in the front driver side and the fender got a dent but everything works well. Insurance company report a total loss and I changed to salvage title. My questions are : if i want to rebuilt my title, my brake is 90% worn off, can I pass the inspection without fixing it(because it will cost 500$ and i don't want to do this). and second is if I got the rebuilt title , it is easy to get insurance? thank you for your time and best wishes.
I recently purchase a vehicle with a california title the car has been inspected. but what i notice the title still said salvage instead of rebuilt is everything in california is salvage even after inspection
Do I turned in the two forms, application for salvage certificate and application for title or regulation first to the DMV before bring my vehicle to get it smoke and brake test?
Is there a certain time frame for you to apply for the salvage certificate. Because I read online that it has to be 10 days after the settlement and if you don't do it, you might have to pay a penalty?
Basically you have until you next registration renewal date to apply not 10 days. At least that was what DMV told me. So no worry. After your settlement, an insurance company will need to send their document first to DMV which can take time , and then DMV might take up to 30 days to update their system. You can call the ins co. and DMV to track status.
Also something else to tell the folks. I took my Crown Vic for the brake / lamp inspection. B4 one goes there.... Check the light bulbs...including the license plate bulb. I have 4 brake light bulbs...one was burned out and so was the license plate bulb.... the inspection place in Torrance, CA off of western would not let me come back for a retest...(unless I pay full price for no-free retest) Charged me 100.00 to change the two stupid bulbs. The brake pads were too thin. Only had 1mm....again no free retest. 650.00 later, I got my stupid 'post it sticky' sized certs....change those things before you go to the station....
Can you drive your car to the get the smog test and to the dmv if you have 2018 sticker? Do you have to bring the car with you to the dmv for them to inspect it, that day when you plan to register it?
How long dose the DMV give you to complete the salvage title process? Dose the damage to the car have to be fixed before going to the DMV even if it doesn't affect the way the car drives ? Thanks
Hello, I'm currently in the process of purchasing a car through an online auction. The only damage is to the rear left door and a small portion of the door trim. Is it necessary to undergo a CHP pre-inspection to document the damage initially, and then after I've repaired it, do I need another CHP pre-inspection?
No need, fix it keep all the paperwork and then have it inspected later if needed. Will this become a savage title car? If there is not total loss, maybe you don’t even need to mention just fix it. They only looking for something that looks unsafe.
Just getting everything fixed and working first before you go to DMV for inspection. They might tell you to get break and line inspection after that. You don’t need to Chp least at the beginning.
DMV told me I need DMV Vehicle Inspection. Do I need to make an appointment? Also how long is the inspection at the DMV? Do they ask any questions? Just want to know as much details before I go to the DMV.. Thanks Sir
Did you fix everything? If so , just drive thru for vin verification outside DMV next to where driving test is. No appt needed. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Watch my video. You will need to stop by a shop that do brake/light inspection, go to DMV inspection, and then apply for salvage title on same day once we are clear with inspection. Good luck.
I got hit and run, and they backed into my drivers side door and a little bit of the front quarter panel, but is 100% safe to drive. The insurance said its totaled. My question to you is , do I have to fix the cosmetic damage if it doesn't matter when I drive? Very little damage, the guy who hit me was going like 5 mph. My concern is that the brake and light check is take up most of my insurance payout, and I don't think I will be able to afford to fix the minor body damage. I really hope and pray I don't, but I'm guessing that's up to the final DMV inspection?? The estimated price to fix the door is around 1400.00. I think I may have to pay that much just to pass the break and light check...thank you for the help with this frustrating issue...especially since I was the hit in the hit and run...
Brake and light inspections should not cost that much maybe $100-150. You might want to shop around and a cheapest bodyshop (or junk car places and ask around for a used door or something) to use aftermarket or used doors on your car. DMV doesn't care as long as it looks safe and no dash warning lights. You can always stop by Vin verfication drive-in and ask just to be sure if you need will need to fix the door. If it looks unsafe, DMV probably wants you to fix but check with them first.
Chip official told me that the damage wasn't bad enough and he let me drive away from the hit and run...the guy that hit me was only moving around 3 mph. So , he told me that they should not make me fix the minor damage bcuz it won't be worth it. My brake pads are pretty worn , I'm wondering if I can pass the brake inspection with the existing brake pads, if I have to replace, no big deal, but if this starts adding up to be too much money, I'm going to lose it! Lol! Also, my insurance adjuster told me most likely that I won't have to repair the door. It closes and latches great, I also thought it would leak rain water when it rains, but, it didn't. So, I don't see any reason to replace the door. Thx a lot for any advice on this ridiculous matter. There should be a certain law that protects people from hit and run.
Also, small crack in the bottom of the windshield, was done prior to the fender bender....I asked the CA DMV about that and she put me on hold bcuz she wasn't sure, then came back and said that I don't have to replace the windshield. Just thought I'd put that on here in case anyone in the future is wondering the same thing. Another thing about the cosmetic damage on the door, it shuts and seals perfectly. CHP let me drive off the scene only bcuz he said that it was safe. All of the power instruments are in working order....power windows are fine ,power mirrors are fine, and power locks are all fine. I will update after I get the brake and light check tomorrow, I'm assuming that I'm gonna have to replace the brake pads for sure, but I don't get any pulling to the left or right when braking. Nor do I have any pulsing when braking. I'm praying that it's just the front pads only....I'm on a serious budget. Thx again for any advice on this.
Hi Michael, It was smart that you asked DMV and us first before doing fixing or spending money, and find out you later don't need to. On of my wisdom after 56 years is to always think first and try not to spending any money and use other free / available resources, good research via internet or asking others, use our brain after all nature given to us before spending hard earn money that we put our life time working for. Cosmetics is not needed only safety items like seat belt/air bag light, brake light and other light bulbs etc. Good luck and thanks for sharing which is all utube and social media are good for at least.
So here’s my problem I’m having. I bought a car from auction and have the Salvage certificate. Went and got the Brake and light inspection and smog done and passed. Went to the DMV to get Vin verification and the inspector told me I have to pay the fees and register the car in my name before he does the inspection. I thought I had to get an Inspection before I register the car. So I called CHP to ask them and they also told me I had to register the car first. Why is that? Doesn’t make any sense to register it then get Vin verification. Am I missing something here??? Oh by the way the car is not from out of state. It’s always been here in California.
@@jamescc2010 Update: went back to DMV and paid the All the back fees, title change, registration and tags. Did VIN verification there and was given my new plates on the spot and got my New title within a week. Thank you for your video!
@@jamescc2010 yes it was, took me awhile cause it was my first time dealing with a Salvage car. I must say the next time will be a lot easier, now that I’ve been thru it. 😁
When the dmv does the inspection what are they inspecting if we already have to get the light and break check? And so we have to repair any damages in order to pass inspection? In my case there jus damage to my passenger side door it’s smashed in and don’t open but other then that it’s perfectly fine
Mostly safety issues - brake, lights, airbag, body etc. I think they will ask you to fix the jammed door due to safety as a passenger cannot get out in case of emergency. You can call them and find out.
I fixed my car that I bought from an auction here in California. I replaced the steering wheel airbag but the light is still on. I plan on getting it the light removed with my $300 dollar OB2 scanner. I know I need to take it to the brake & light inspection , which it will pass. Do I need it inspected by the CHP Inspection or DMV Inspection? The car has a California Salvage Certificate. I’ve heard I don’t
You will get a new plate for salvage title so do it as soon as you can. Before that, just show cop paper work that you are applying for salvage title plate.
@@vincentxiong16 Should be if the body shop is good and they warranty it. Inspect a new bumper before you pay. Tell them you want a nice job that look good. You save money with aftermarket. Good luck.
Not sure. What did you mean by undercarriage? You need to have experts inspect the car throughoutly, fix, and then get a salvage title which all can be costly and time consuming if needed.
Hi Jonathan, Yes :) Thanks for asking. Please see my short update video on airbag here...ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-vRR7_K070q0.html I had to send my front 2 seat belt retractors to get them fixed at safetyrestore.com for $65 each plus shipping, and my airbag light was gone once I replaced the last retractor. Took me about 2 months and a lot of asking and ODB2 scans and $350 or so to get it clear. But I am good now just have to pay off those cc expenses lol. The key here about airbag codes are that you must fix those component(s) first in ensure that the light is clear. In my case, codes B1361 and B1367 on 2005 Hyundai Elantra indicated too high/low resistance with my 2 front seat belt retractors. safeyrestore.com guys were great and quick (and honest imo) as they only fixed what was broken so you shipped buckles and restractors in one box to check or fix and they only charged what needed to be fixed. So there is no worry on your side about they taking advantage of you.
Nope. I bought the car back to DMV for vin verification. I would recommend to fix all lights before going to DMV first trip, or else they will send you to CHP after you fix everything.
Great question, ask for inspection and DMV paperwork Normally they are supposed to be inspected before DMV issuing a salvage title making sure it is safe.
@Simple Living so if the car is updated registration it means it already passed inspection? Guy told me he has recently done smog and car is under his name bur car has paper plates
@@rubenhernandez5281 Need to see salvage title on hand, and complete paperwork. We should have a new license (salvage) plate soon to replace an old one.
Do I need to have the vehicle insured during this entire process?. My insurance is refusing to cover the vehicle until I get the vehicle registered successfully with the DMV. Thank you for your help!.
hmmm interesting my ins Allstate didn't revoke mine. So what is your DMV registration status - still active until the next registration renewal right? I won't not try to drive the car unless I have too. Did you check with other ins companies to see if they will cover and let us know?
Probably yes in good safe driving condition. Your car have have good brake, light, no engine code of any kind, and clean body, and safe to drive. The car needs to be inspected at authorized shop.
Good evening sir I have to get a salvage title for my vehicle but I have a problem. Even though I paid my registration in full last year the accident caused me not to get my orange sticker for 2018. So mine is july of 2017 still even though I paid registration fee in full. I have an air bag light that is going to cost money to fix, dealership says two days and they need to remove the passenger seat and trace the wires to find the short or something. Personally I think my light is the same problem you had with your car for your vin verification. I have to drive my car to go to work everday but I risk getting pulled over by a cop. I just do not have enough money yet to fix the light. Is there way the dmv can give me a pass or grace period with some kind of temporary plate till I get it fixed so I can drive my car without worrying about getting pulled over by a cop and having my car towed?
Even though I paid my registration it is listed as incomplete. It says, smog, brake and light, and title needs to be done. I am worried about a cop pulling me and towing my car. I got pulled over once already he let me go with a warning. I need my car to go to work everyday. I don't have a second vehicle and I am a poor man. I don't have a lot of money.
Looks like you have until July 2018 deadline to pay. Cop should not fine you as you still have time to fix the issues until the next title renewal. Do yourself a favor and stop by DMV to see what they can do like extending period longer so you can fix the issues. Did DVM tell you the deadline to get your car fix and complete the title process?
I was at the DMV yesterday and I told the lady at the counter the same thing I told you. I asked for some kind of sticker or paper to put on my car so if I get pulled over I will have a pass. She said I could only get one if I didn't pass the break and light inspection. Well what am I supposed to do in the meantime because right now? I cannot afford the cost of fixing my airbag light on the passenger side so it can pass inspection. And what if my brakes do not pass it will take longer to raise money for that too. It will take me a while to come up with that kind of money. I am a single father and I am barely scraping by as it is. Even $100 is a lot of money for someone like me. Its so messed up my car was hit while it was parked by a side walk in the dead of night by a drunk driver hit and run. I was resting in my apartment in bed when this happened to me. Now I am suffering because of a drunk guy.
It is difficult and costly to maintain a car which we depend just like legs to walk these days. I can feel you pain. Not sure what to say at this point but do what best you can. I am not sure what fine if a cop after you explaining your situation to still wants to give you a ticket.. Bad things happen without our faults sometimes....old karma things if you believe in it. Hopefully it will not happen and you can fix everything. Airbag is not cheap to fix unfortunately unless you can remove seats and seat belts yourself to send it for repair or replaced. It took me over a month to fix it myself after sending belts (and maybe about $100-120 for repair seat belt retentioners) in to a repair place, and I put everything back.
