Last updated 2026-10-01
Salvage designation criteria
An estimator must apply the appropriate salvage designation using the salvage designation criteria.
Applicability
Total loss vehicles are given one of three designations
- Salvage
- Dismantle Purposes Only (DPO), or
- Crush.
Salvage
The Salvage designation is applied to total loss vehicles when they can be safely repaired using appropriate repair techniques and materials. The designation is based on whether the vehicle can be repaired safely, not on the repair’s economic viability.
Dismantle Purposes Only (DPO)
The Dismantle Purposes Only (DPO) designation is applied to vehicles meeting one of the following criteria.
- Previously rebuilt
- Imported right hand drive
- Flood or contaminant damage, including if
- the water line reached or exceeded the bottom of the dashboard
- major electrical components are damaged, or
- harmful or toxic contaminants can be safely cleaned.
Crush
The Crush designation vehicles is applied to vehicles exposed to floodwater or harmful/toxic contaminants that cannot be effectively cleaned and neutralized.
Important: Components from these vehicles must not be used as donor parts to repair or rebuild another vehicle.
Exception: Donor parts not affected by a flood may be used.