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What Does Salvage Title Mean When Selling My Car?

What Does Salvage Title Mean When Buying Or Selling A Car?

In California a car gets a salvage title when it has been damaged to a level that the insurance company has concluded that it would it would not be economical to repair it. In other words vehicles will be branded as a total loss or “salvage” when the cost of making necessary repairs after an accident are greater than an estimated percentage of the vehicles total value. A car can be deemed non-repairable or “junk” when they are damaged beyond repair after a major wreck, or after being sold at a junk car auction.

After an insurance company settles a claim, the owner can decide to keep the vehicle that was declared a total loss. If the owner decides to keep their vehicle – they are required by law to apply for a salvage certificate within 10 days of settling the claim. This certificate will then become associated with the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the National Motor Vehicle Title Information Service (NMVTIS). In California, when these cars are offered for sale at a used car dealership they should be displayed with a sticker indicating that they have been branded as a salvage.

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Salvage Titles and California Laws Regarding Vehicle Fraud

In California it’s illegal to sell a branded “salvage” title car without disclosing it to the buyer. Certain laws were created to protect consumers from purchasing a branded vehicle unknowingly. Unfortunately car dealers and private parties still knowingly pass off salvage or junk cars to buyers. In some cases, the car was never reported as salvage or junk, so the information does not appear on the car’s official California Certificate of Title. In rare cases, a deceptive seller may have altered the title or VIN so that the buyer cannot tell that the car is salvage. Regardless of how it happens, the unsuspecting buyer of a car with a salvage title is entitled to rescind the purchase (i.e., get their money back), and may have a right to additional money damages through a lawsuit.

Signs That a Car May Be a Salvage or Junked Vehicle

If you believe that a car you purchased was branded as “salvage” or “junk,” look for the following potential signs.

Disclaimer; Just because you see signs of an accident it doesn’t necessarily mean the car has been branded a salvage.

Sell My Salvage Title CarIts always best to purchase a third party vehicle history report when buying a used car or truck. There are many agencies that supply vehicle history reports. Two of the most popular reporting agencies are Carfax, and AutoCheck, but they’re many more that may cost less. When seriously looking to purchase a used car you may want to purchase reports in bulk, as this will save you money in the long run. If you would like to learn more about vehicle history reporting agencies and get more information about vehicle titles and brands, visit the the NMVTIS website.

Benefits of getting a Vehicle History Report Like Carfax

We research almost every decision we make about our health, investments, business decisions. We check the backgrounds of doctors, business associates, people we hire. So why not do this when it comes to our used car purchase. Cars have history, so by not checking the vehicle history report it may cost you a lot of money spent on future mechanical repairs. Studying a vehicle history report can help you buy a car or truck that provides years of reliable and safe transportation. These reports contain a wealth of data about a car’s true mileage, damage history, maintenance records, and possible recalls. The report probably won’t say the vehicle is a “lemon” outright, but they can alert you to possible present and future problems. 

We Buy All Junk and broken cars in Los Angeles and Surrounding areas

“Sell My Junk Car Fast Los Angeles” is the fastest way to sell a car. You get an instant guaranteed cash offer for your car over the phone. We don’t even need to see your vehicle to make an offer. Give us a call Now! One of our helpful car buyers will help you get the best cash offer for your vehicle. Call (310) 361-3627 or get an instant online offer. Are you wondering how to sign and transfer your California car title? Follow the easy steps listed here, How to Sign Your Title in California. We’re not joking when we say that we’re the most convenient way to sell a car anywhere.