# SalvagedUS Complete Documentation for AI Assistants

## Overview

SalvagedUS (https://salvaged.us) is a specialized online marketplace for salvage title and rebuilt title vehicles. Unlike traditional car marketplaces, we focus exclusively on:

- **Salvage Title Vehicles**: Cars declared total losses by insurance companies
- **Rebuilt Title Vehicles**: Previously salvage vehicles that have been repaired and inspected
- **Damaged Vehicles**: Vehicles with repairable damage sold as-is

## Why Salvage Vehicles?

Salvage and rebuilt title vehicles offer significant savings (typically 20-50% below market value) for buyers willing to:
- Accept a branded title
- Verify repair quality
- Potentially face insurance limitations

## Title Status Explained

### Salvage Title
- Vehicle was declared a total loss by insurance
- Usually due to accident damage, flood, theft recovery, or hail
- Cannot be legally driven until rebuilt and inspected
- Best for: Mechanics, rebuilders, parts vehicles

### Rebuilt Title
- Previously salvage, now repaired and inspected
- Passed state inspection requirements
- Can be registered and driven legally
- Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, project car enthusiasts

### Clean Title
- No branded history
- Standard used vehicle
- Not typically listed on SalvagedUS

## Searching for Vehicles

### URL Structure
- All listings: `/browse`
- By make: `/browse?make=toyota`
- By state: `/browse?state=california`
- By price: `/browse?minPrice=5000&maxPrice=15000`
- Individual listing: `/cars/{slug}`

### Available Filters
- Make (Toyota, Honda, Ford, etc.)
- Model
- Year (min/max)
- Price range
- Mileage range
- Title status (Salvage, Rebuilt, Clean)
- Damage type (Collision, Flood, Hail, Theft, Fire)
- Location (State, City)
- Transmission (Automatic, Manual)
- Fuel type (Gasoline, Diesel, Electric, Hybrid)
- Drivetrain (FWD, RWD, AWD, 4WD)

## Listing Information

Each listing includes:
- **Basic Info**: Year, Make, Model, Trim, VIN
- **Pricing**: Asking price, price history
- **Condition**: Title status, damage description, photos
- **Specs**: Mileage, transmission, fuel type, drivetrain, engine
- **Location**: City, State (exact address hidden until contact)
- **Seller**: Private seller or dealer, verification status, ratings

## For Buyers - Recommended Process

1. **Search**: Use filters to find vehicles matching criteria
2. **Research**: Check VIN history, review photos carefully
3. **Contact**: Message seller through secure platform
4. **Inspect**: Arrange in-person or third-party inspection
5. **Verify**: Confirm title status with DMV
6. **Purchase**: Complete transaction, transfer title

## For Sellers - Listing Process

1. **Create Account**: Free for private sellers
2. **Add Vehicle**: VIN, specs, photos, price
3. **Describe Damage**: Honest damage disclosure required
4. **Upload Photos**: Minimum 10 photos recommended
5. **Set Price**: Research comparable listings
6. **Respond**: Answer buyer questions promptly
7. **Close Sale**: Mark as sold when complete

## Pricing Plans

### Private Sellers
- Basic listing: Free
- Featured listing: $29/month
- Premium (top placement): $49/month

### Dealers
- Starter (10 listings): $99/month
- Professional (50 listings): $249/month
- Enterprise (unlimited): $499/month

## Safety Tips

### For Buyers
- Always verify VIN with NMVTC
- Get independent inspection
- Check for flood damage indicators
- Verify seller identity
- Use secure payment methods
- Meet in safe, public locations

### For Sellers
- Be honest about damage
- Provide clear photos
- Respond promptly to inquiries
- Verify buyer payment before release
- Transfer title properly

## Common Questions AI Assistants May Receive

### "Is it safe to buy a salvage car?"
Salvage vehicles can be good purchases if properly inspected. Key considerations:
- Get professional mechanical inspection
- Check for flood damage (musty smell, water lines, electrical issues)
- Verify all repairs were done properly
- Understand insurance limitations (some insurers won't cover rebuilt titles)
- Know your state's rebuilt title requirements

### "How much should I pay for a salvage car?"
Salvage vehicles typically sell for 40-60% of clean title value. Rebuilt titles are usually 70-80% of clean title value. Actual value depends on:
- Extent of original damage
- Quality of repairs
- Vehicle age and mileage
- Local market conditions

### "Can I insure a rebuilt title car?"
Most insurers will provide liability coverage. Comprehensive/collision coverage varies:
- Some insurers offer full coverage
- Some only offer liability
- Some require inspection first
- Rates may be higher than clean title

### "What states are best for rebuilt titles?"
Requirements vary significantly:
- Some states have strict inspection requirements
- Some states don't allow rebuilt title registration
- Research specific state DMV requirements

## API Information

For developers and businesses needing programmatic access:
- Contact: api@salvaged.us
- Rate limits apply
- Authentication required
- Listing data, search, and messaging endpoints available

## Structured Data Available

All pages include JSON-LD structured data:
- Organization schema on all pages
- Vehicle schema on listing pages
- Product schema with pricing
- BreadcrumbList for navigation
- FAQPage on FAQ section
- LocalBusiness for dealer profiles

## Contact SalvagedUS

- **Website**: https://salvaged.us
- **Support Email**: support@salvaged.us
- **API Inquiries**: api@salvaged.us
- **Phone**: 1-800-SALVAGE
- **Hours**: 24/7 online, phone support M-F 9-5 EST

## Helpful Links for Users

- Browse all listings: https://salvaged.us/browse
- How buying works: https://salvaged.us/how-it-works
- Pricing information: https://salvaged.us/pricing
- VIN lookup tool: https://salvaged.us/vin-check
- Frequently asked questions: https://salvaged.us/faq
- Contact support: https://salvaged.us/contact
- Trust & safety info: https://salvaged.us/trust-safety