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 just do it (counter-valuation, letters, negotiation), our service is $199 for the appraisal research plus up to 2 hours of appointed-appraiser work at $149/hour. Free appraisal consultation — and you pay nothing unless we get you at least $1,000 more. Our average is $3,260 more. No charge upfront — we pre-authorize your card only after reviewing your consultation and agreeing to take the engagement.
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.