Salvage & rebuilt titles: the export mistake that costs thousands

2026-03-05 · 4 min

The cheapest auction car is worthless if it can't legally enter the country.

Why salvage is tempting — and risky

Salvage and rebuilt-title vehicles are cheap at US auctions, which makes them attractive. But many import markets restrict or ban them entirely. The Dominican Republic, for example, does not permit salvage-title imports under its customs rules.

Check the title before you bid

Copart and IAAI list the title type per lot. Always confirm it before bidding if the car is destined for a market with title restrictions. A clean title may cost more up front but actually sells in more places.

Taxes may ignore your bargain price

Some countries tax on an official table value, not your purchase price. So a cheap salvage car can owe taxes as if it were undamaged — erasing the savings. Know the destination's rules first.

The smart approach

Match the car to the market: clean titles for restricted markets, rebuilt only where allowed and where the buyer understands it. Transparency about title status protects your reputation and your repeat sales.