If you have purchased a vehicle with a salvage title, whether it was purchased from an insurance company, salvage yard, or a private individual, it must be inspected by a Certified Salvage Vehicle Inspector before it can be titled and registered in Michigan. Trooper Shawn Kolonich is a Certified Salvage Vehicle Inspector at the Niles Post.

Most people learn about the need for a salvage inspection from the Secretary of State (SOS). They are given the form TR-13A (Application for Salvage Vehicle Inspection) and a list of local inspectors. The owner must complete the form and contact an inspector.

The purpose of the salvage inspection is to verify that the repairs were completed and the major component parts of the vehicle are not stolen. This is done by verifying all the numbers that are written on the TR-13A, the receipts from where the parts were purchased, and finally the parts themselves.

Listed are the guidelines for a salvage vehicle inspection: 

• Obtain the Application for Salvage Inspection (TR-13A) from the SOS. 
• Label and envelope with "Tpr. Kolonich-Salvage Inspection" 
• Place the TR-13A, all receipts, title, vehicle related documentation, and a check for $100 payable to the State of Michigan in the envelope. 
• Deliver to the Michigan State Police Post at the Niles Law Enforcement Complex, 1600 Silverbrook Ave., Niles, MI 49120.
• After receiving the paperwork and verifying it, Tpr. Kolonich will contact you and arrange for the physical inspection of the vehicle. You can expect the process to take a few weeks.

If you have any questions, please contact Trooper Kolonich.