Salvage Retention Decision Worksheet (Template)

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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
----------------------------
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:   $______________
Minus repair cost:           -$______________
                                ============
Total value if you retain:   $______________

Compare to net cash from standard settlement.
   Standard cash:            $______________
   Retention math total:     $______________
   Better path:              ____________________________________________


INSURANCE LIMITATIONS
---------------------
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
-------------------------
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

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