OAR 735-024-0130: Salvage Title — Vehicles Subject and When/Who Required to Apply

(1) An Oregon salvage title is an ownership document that is used to assign interest and to make an odometer disclosure on a vehicle, from the time that the certificate of title is required to be surrendered to DMV until: (a) The vehicle is repaired, rebuilt or is issued a certificate of title; or (b) It is determined that: (A) The vehicle will not be rebuilt or repaired; and (B) The frame or unibody of the vehicle will not be used to repair or construct another vehicle. (2) Vehicle types subject to the issuance of salvage titles, include any vehicle: (a) Of the type required to be titled or registered in this state, if operated over the highways; (b) Snowmobiles required to be titled and registered by DMV; and (c) Any other vehicle that has been issued a certificate of title by DMV, or some other jurisdiction. (3) Unless exempt under ORS 819.016(3), an application for a salvage title is required on a subject vehicle that is: (a) Wrecked, dismantled, disassembled, or where the form of the vehicle is substantially altered, as covered in ORS 819.010 and OAR 735-024-0050; or (b) Determined to be a totaled vehicle, and the title is required to be surrendered to DMV under ORS 819.012 or 819.014; or (c) An abandoned vehicle that is acquired under the provisions of ORS 819.215. (4) When a salvage title is required, application must be made: (a) For a vehicle that is declared a total loss by an insurer that is obligated to cover the loss, or that the insurer takes possession of or title to: (A) The insurer must apply for the salvage title if the insurer obtains the title as provided under ORS 819.014, unless a salvage title has already been issued; or (B) The owner must apply for the salvage title if the vehicle owner does not surrender the title to the insurer. (b) By the owner for a vehicle that is totaled due to damage when the loss is not covered by an insurer; or (c) By any person who acquires an abandoned vehicle under ORS 819.215; or (d) By any person who receives or purchases a vehicle subject to salvage title requirements unless: (A) A salvage title or similar document has already been issued by Oregon or some other jurisdiction, and the person is not required to apply for salvage title in his or her name under OAR 735-024-0170; or (B) A totaled vehicle that was purchased before January 1, 1992, and is not subject until the vehicle, frame or unibody is transferred, or the vehicle is wrecked, dismantled, disassembled, or substantially altered in form. (5) The term “receive” as used in section (4) of this rule and ORS 819.012, does not apply to auctions or other parties who as an agent of another, take possession or control of a vehicle, but who do not actually acquire an interest in the vehicle or vehicle salvage. This section does not: (a) Relieve insurers or persons who are actually transferring interest in the vehicle or vehicle salvage from the responsibility to apply for and provide any purchaser with a salvage title, as required under ORS 819.012 through 819.018 and this rule; or (b) Prevent parties from entering into agreements to allow agents to apply for and provide salvage titles to any purchaser on behalf of another. (6) An odometer disclosure is required when application is made for the issuance or transfer of a salvage title for motor vehicles, except those exempt from disclosure requirements under OAR 735-028-0010.