What is a Theft Recovery Car?
Any car that is stolen from its owners is classified as a theft recovery vehicle. These vehicles are stolen for a number of reasons. Some are stolen for parts, others are stolen for fun, and some (usually nicer, high end cars) are stolen to be exported or re-sold under a different VIN (vehicle identification number).

Why are Some Theft Cars Salvage Titles?
When a vehicle is stolen and missing over an extended period of time (usually 3 weeks minimum) the insurance company will pay off the original owner, thus giving it a "total loss" status. Technically the car may not be damaged at all, but because it was paid off it will receive a salvage title. Often times these cars are kept in excellent shape because the thieves steal them to re-sell out of the country, or they attempt to re-VIN the vehicle. This is done by removing the original VIN plate from the dash area and replacing it with an arbitrary VIN that does not show up stolen. Usually they will try to get the vehicle out of the country so that it can be exported to an unknown buyer.

What Happens to Stripped or Damaged Theft Cars?
Typically 90% of stolen cars are recovered within 72 hours of being stolen. The car may have simply been stolen for a joy ride, or the thieves stole it to remove expensive parts, such as airbags, stereos, seats, etc. Since these cars were not missing for an extended period of time, they are usually returned back to the owner. If damage was done then a claim is filed and repairs will then take place. The ironic part of this is that the cars that are damaged are recovered very quickly and are returned to the owner, and repairs are done as needed by the insurance company.