CARFAX title brands explained

Title brands are some of the most important signals in any vehicle history report because they can affect registration, insurance, and resale value. This guide explains common brands you may see in CARFAX-style reporting and what to verify before you buy.

What a title brand is (and why it exists)

A “title brand” is a label recorded by a state or authority to communicate that a vehicle has a material history event. Brands exist to protect buyers: they signal risk that may not be visible in photos or a short test drive. Importantly, rules and terminology vary by state—so treat the brand as a trigger to verify details, not as a complete explanation.

Common title brands and what they usually mean

Salvage

Salvage typically means an insurer declared the vehicle a total loss (due to damage, theft recovery, or other events) or the state flagged it as such. In many states, a salvage title indicates the vehicle is not road-legal until repaired and inspected. Expect higher risk: hidden damage, parts quality issues, and difficulties with insurance or resale.

Rebuilt / Reconstructed

Rebuilt (or reconstructed) often means a salvage vehicle was repaired and passed a state inspection process. This can be “good enough” for some buyers, but the burden is on you to verify repair quality. Ask for itemized repair documentation, inspection paperwork, and consider a professional pre-purchase inspection.

Flood

Flood branding is one of the most severe signals. Even if a vehicle “runs fine,” long-term corrosion and electrical issues can appear months later. Flood vehicles can be expensive to diagnose and may become unreliable. Many buyers avoid them unless they have specialized inspection and repair capability.

Lemon / Manufacturer Buyback

Lemon laws vary, but this typically indicates the vehicle was repurchased due to a repeated defect that could not be fixed in a reasonable number of attempts. Some buybacks can be harmless (paperwork issues, minor defects), but you should read the reason, request documentation, and price the vehicle accordingly.

Odometer / Mileage brand

Odometer brands can indicate tampering, an incorrect reading, or an “odometer discrepancy.” Mileage inconsistency is a major resale and reliability risk. Verify service records and inspection events, and be cautious with vehicles lacking documentation.

Hail, theft/recovery, and other state-specific brands

Some states use brands for hail, theft recovery, or other events. These brands may not always be catastrophic, but they can affect value. For hail, inspect body panels and glass. For theft recovery, verify whether components were replaced and whether documentation is complete.

What to verify before you buy a branded title car

• Title document: confirm the brand and that the VIN matches the vehicle.
• State rules: registration and inspection requirements can differ.
• Insurance: call your insurer with the VIN and brand type.
• Repair documentation: receipts, parts list, and inspection paperwork.
• Inspection: pay for a professional inspection—especially for salvage/rebuilt/flood.

How title brands affect pricing

Brands usually reduce value because they reduce financing options, increase insurance friction, and increase uncertainty about repairs. Two vehicles can look identical in photos, but a branded title can change the “true price” dramatically. If you’re considering a branded car, be conservative: budget for extra inspection, expect harder resale, and negotiate accordingly.

State-to-state variation (why you must verify)

Title branding terms and processes vary by state. Some states use different labels for similar events, and some states have stricter inspection requirements for rebuilt titles. That’s why you should always verify with the physical title and your local registration rules rather than relying on a single label in a report.

Run the VIN and compare sources

The report is only as good as the VIN you run. For auction cars or expensive purchases, cross-check with multiple sources.

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