A Salvage Title In New York Indicates A Vehicle Has Been Declared A Total Loss By An Insurance Company. Read the directions carefully and provide all requested information. Fees.Salvage title vehicles are typically vehicles that have undergone significant structural damage and may suffer serious operational problems. If the DMV requires your vehicle is branded as salvaged, you must denote that on the title certificate in order to certify the damage. Mileage when the vehicle was last sold. A salvage title indicates that a motor vehicle has sustained severe damage. The severe damage could be from a car accident or other event. Everything you need to know about salvage titles. What is a salvage title vehicle? Having a salvage title means the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) must inspect the vehicle first before issuing a new title certificate.