Estimate the market value of a car with a salvage title. This calculator considers factors affecting its worth compared to a clean title vehicle.
Minor (20%)
Moderate (35%)
Severe (50%)
Very Severe (65%)
Enter details to see the estimated value.
Understanding Salvage Title Car Value
A car with a "salvage title" has been declared a total loss by an insurance company due to significant damage from an accident, flood, fire, or other disaster. While these vehicles can sometimes be repaired and made roadworthy again (earning a "rebuilt" or "reconstructed" title), their market value is substantially lower than an identical vehicle with a clean title. This calculator helps estimate this reduced value by accounting for key factors.
How the Calculator Works
The core principle behind valuing a salvage title car is to start with its potential value if it had no damage (its clean market value) and then deduct the costs and reductions associated with its salvage status. The formula used by this calculator is a simplified representation:
Estimated Salvage Value = (Clean Market Value – (Clean Market Value * Damage Severity Percentage)) – Repair Cost – Title Branding Fee
Estimated Clean Market Value: This is the price the car would likely sell for if it had a clean title and was in good condition. You can find this information using resources like Kelley Blue Book (KBB), NADA Guides, or by researching similar vehicles for sale.
Damage Severity Percentage: This is a crucial factor. Salvage titles indicate severe damage, and the percentage reflects how much value is lost due to this damage, even before considering repair costs. Higher percentages indicate more significant damage and a greater reduction in value. The calculator provides common ranges.
Estimated Repair Cost: This is the projected cost to fix all the damage and bring the car back to a safe, functional, and aesthetically acceptable condition. This is often a significant deduction.
Title Branding Fee: Some jurisdictions charge a fee to officially brand a title as "salvage" or "rebuilt." This is a direct cost associated with the title status.
Why is a Salvage Title Car Worth Less?
Several factors contribute to the diminished value:
Structural Integrity: Even after repairs, the vehicle's original structural integrity may be compromised, posing safety risks.
Hidden Damage: There might be underlying issues not immediately apparent, such as frame damage, electrical problems, or mold from water damage, which can surface later.
Difficulty Reselling: Buyers are often wary of salvage title vehicles, making them harder to sell. Lenders may also refuse to finance them.
Repair Uncertainty: The cost and quality of repairs can be uncertain, adding risk for any potential owner.
Depreciated Value: The market simply values vehicles with a history of severe damage much lower.
Use Cases for This Calculator
Buyers: To determine a fair offer for a salvage title car you are considering purchasing.
Sellers: To set realistic expectations for the sale price of a salvage title vehicle.
Insurance Adjusters: As a reference point when assessing the value of a damaged vehicle.
Mechanics/Restorers: To gauge the economic viability of purchasing and repairing a salvage vehicle.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimated value based on the inputs provided. Actual market value can vary significantly due to negotiation, specific vehicle condition, regional demand, the quality of repairs performed, and the accuracy of the estimates used. It is always recommended to conduct thorough research and professional inspections.
function calculateSalvageValue() {
var marketValueInput = document.getElementById("marketValue");
var damageSeveritySelect = document.getElementById("damageSeverity");
var repairCostInput = document.getElementById("repairCost");
var titleBrandingFeeInput = document.getElementById("titleBrandingFee");
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
var marketValue = parseFloat(marketValueInput.value);
var damageSeverity = parseFloat(damageSeveritySelect.value);
var repairCost = parseFloat(repairCostInput.value);
var titleBrandingFee = parseFloat(titleBrandingFeeInput.value);
// Clear previous error classes
resultDiv.classList.remove("error");
// Input validation
if (isNaN(marketValue) || marketValue < 0) {
resultDiv.innerText = "Please enter a valid Clean Market Value.";
resultDiv.classList.add("error");
return;
}
if (isNaN(damageSeverity)) {
resultDiv.innerText = "Please select a Damage Severity.";
resultDiv.classList.add("error");
return;
}
if (isNaN(repairCost) || repairCost < 0) {
resultDiv.innerText = "Please enter a valid Estimated Repair Cost.";
resultDiv.classList.add("error");
return;
}
if (isNaN(titleBrandingFee) || titleBrandingFee < 0) {
resultDiv.innerText = "Please enter a valid Title Branding Fee.";
resultDiv.classList.add("error");
return;
}
// Calculation
var valueAfterDamage = marketValue * (1 – damageSeverity);
var estimatedSalvageValue = valueAfterDamage – repairCost – titleBrandingFee;
// Ensure the salvage value isn't negative (minimum value is often scrap value, but for simplicity we cap at 0 here)
if (estimatedSalvageValue < 0) {
estimatedSalvageValue = 0;
}
resultDiv.innerText = "Estimated Salvage Value: $" + estimatedSalvageValue.toFixed(2);
}