What certificate does an insurance company receive when it takes possession of a vehicle due to a claim?

When an insurance company takes possession of a vehicle due to a claim, it issues a salvage certificate. This certificate is critical in the insurance industry as it officially acknowledges that the vehicle has been declared a total loss and has been taken out of use for safe operations on public roads.

The salvage certificate not only serves as proof of the vehicle's status post-claim but also records vital details about the vehicle, including its identification, condition at the time of salvage, and sometimes the circumstances leading to the claim. This is vital for future transactions regarding the vehicle, as it informs potential buyers or salvage operators of its history and legal standing.

In contrast, the other choices serve different purposes. A transfer title is associated with the change of ownership for a vehicle, a temporary permit grants limited operating authority usually while waiting for permanent documentation, and VIN verification is an assessment process ensuring the Vehicle Identification Number corresponds to its legal documents. Thus, the salvage certificate is the most appropriate document in the case of an insurance claim resulting in the company's possession of the vehicle.