Salvage Retention Decision Worksheet (Template)
Salvage retention can be a smart move or a costly mistake depending on the math. This worksheet captures every factor — repair cost, salvage value, rebuilt-title resale haircut, and ongoing insurance limitations — so you can decide with eyes open.
When to use this template
Use when the insurer offers you the option to retain the vehicle in exchange for a reduced settlement. Run the math BEFORE accepting; salvage value estimates are sometimes inflated to depress the cash payout.
The interactive form below is the same playbook we run for clients, given away free. If you'd rather we do the appraisal itself: The Appointed Appraiser Service is $495. It includes the Appraisal Research, our appointment as your appraiser under your insurance policy's appraisal clause, determining the amount of loss with your insurer's appraiser, and the appraisal award letter. At least $1,000 more than your insurer's offer, or your $495 fee is waived, once we accept your consultation. We pre-authorize your card only after we accept your consultation, so there's no upfront payment.
What this involves, honestly
Salvage retention math is highly state-specific (rebuilt-title rules vary, and the haircut on resale ranges from 25-40%). The worksheet below walks the math; if any of the inputs are uncertain, we'll run the numbers for free.
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Loading…Anything still wrapped in [BRACKETS] you haven't filled in yet — that's how you can spot what's left.
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SALVAGE RETENTION DECISION WORKSHEET
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VEHICLE
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Year/Make/Model/Trim: ____________________________________________
Mileage: ______________
Pre-loss ACV: $______________
THE INSURER'S OFFER
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Standard total-loss settlement (ACV minus deductible):
ACV: $______________
Less deductible: -$______________
Net cash to you: $______________
Owner-retain settlement:
ACV: $______________
Less salvage value: -$______________
Less deductible: -$______________
Net cash to you (retain): $______________
Difference (you keep car): $______________
REPAIR COST ESTIMATE
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Get a written estimate from an independent body shop (NOT the insurer's
preferred shop). Include parts, labor, and any frame/structural work.
Parts: $______________
Labor: $______________
Paint / refinish: $______________
Frame / structural (if any) $______________
Mechanical / drivetrain: $______________
Detail / cleanup: $______________
Subtotal: $______________
10% contingency: $______________
Total repair cost: $______________
REBUILT-TITLE RESALE HAIRCUT
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Rebuilt-titled vehicles typically sell for 60-75% of an equivalent
clean-title vehicle. Estimate post-repair market value:
Post-repair clean-title equivalent: $______________
Rebuilt-title haircut percentage: ______ %
Estimated rebuilt resale value: $______________
RUNNING THE MATH
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Net cash from retention: $______________ (from above)
Plus rebuilt resale value: $______________
Minus repair cost: -$______________
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Total value if you retain: $______________
Compare to net cash from standard settlement.
Standard cash: $______________
Retention math total: $______________
Better path: ____________________________________________
INSURANCE LIMITATIONS
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Most insurers will cover liability on rebuilt-titled vehicles but
restrict comprehensive/collision. Verify with your insurer BEFORE
retaining:
Will my insurer cover liability on rebuilt-title? [ ] Yes [ ] No
Will my insurer cover comp/coll on rebuilt-title? [ ] Yes [ ] No
What is the rate impact? ____________________
STATE REBUILT-TITLE RULES
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Some states have restrictive rebuilt-title rules (e.g. mandatory
inspections, branded titles that follow the vehicle forever, lower
resale ceilings). Check your state's DMV website.
State rebuilt-title rules verified: [ ] Yes
WHEN TO RETAIN
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[ ] You have aftermarket equipment you want to keep
[ ] Vehicle is rare or sentimentally valuable
[ ] Repair is cosmetic / mechanical (not structural)
[ ] State rebuilt-title rules are reasonable
[ ] Your insurer will continue to cover comp/coll
[ ] You have a trustworthy body shop with a binding repair quote
WHEN TO PASS
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[ ] Salvage value estimate looks inflated
[ ] Frame damage or airbag deployment
[ ] State rebuilt-title rules are restrictive
[ ] Insurer will drop comp/coll coverage
[ ] You can't access a vetted body shop
DECISION
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[ ] Retain the vehicle (math favorable, eyes open on limitations)
[ ] Take the standard settlement (cash is the better path)
[ ] Need more information — request salvage-value justification
from insurer in writing before deciding
Have a SecondAppraisal advisor call you
Stuck on a step, want a sanity check, or ready to just hand it off? Check the box and we'll call within 24 hours on weekdays. No charge to talk; no obligation.
Retention can be a smart move or a costly mistake. Don't sign the salvage authorization until the math checks.