Pennsylvania law sections 1163 and 1164 outline procedures for transferring vehicles to scrap metal processors and handling stolen vehicles. Section 1163 details the process for documenting flattened vehicles and transferring titles, while Section 1164 covers the branding and assessment of stolen vehicles upon recovery. These provisions ensure proper documentation and prevent illegal reconstruction or resale of vehicles.
When a vehicle is flattened or crushed, its title or salvage certificate must be sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and it can no longer be reconstructed or retitled.
The vehicle owner must assign the title or salvage certificate to the processor, who then attaches it to a department form, sends it to the department, and keeps a copy for records.
After paying the insured the replacement value, the owner or insurer applies for a salvage certificate branded as a theft vehicle, especially if the vehicle is recovered with significant damage.
If repairs exceed the vehicle's replacement value, the salvage remains branded as a theft vehicle, and it cannot be reconstructed or retitled without proper clearance.