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Branded Title

What Is A Branded Title?

A branded title is a vehicle title that has been “branded” by a state department of motor vehicles (DMV) to indicate that the vehicle has been salvaged, rebuilt, or otherwise declared a total loss by an insurance company.

In most cases, a vehicle with a branded title can still be legally driven on public roads. 

However, it may be difficult to sell or finance a vehicle with a branded title.

Why Are Vehicle Titles Branded?

Vehicles are typically branded for one of three reasons:

1. The vehicle has been salvaged, meaning it has been damaged to the point where repairs would cost more than the value of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle has been rebuilt, meaning it has been repaired after being damaged to the point where it was considered a total loss.

3. The vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company, even if it wasn’t physically damaged. This can happen if the cost of repairs is high, or if the vehicle is stolen and not recovered.

What Are The Different Types Of Branded Titles?

The most common types of branded titles are “salvage” and “rebuilt.”

1. A salvage title means the vehicle has been damaged to the point where repairs would cost more than the value of the vehicle. 

In most cases, these vehicles are not legally allowed to be driven on public roads.

2. A rebuilt title means the vehicle has been repaired after being damaged to the point where it was considered a total loss. 

In most cases, these vehicles are legal to drive on public roads. However, they may be subject to additional restrictions, such as annual inspections.

3. A total loss title means the vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company, even if it wasn’t physically damaged. 

This can happen if the cost of repairs is high, or if the vehicle is stolen and not recovered. 

In most cases, these vehicles are legal to drive on public roads. 

However, they may be subject to additional restrictions, such as annual inspections.

Complete List of Branded Titles

These are common title brands that are used in most states:

  • Salvage
  • Scrap vehicle
  • Totaled
  • Warranty returned
  • Water damage
  • Rebuilt
  • Reconditioned
  • Remanufactured
  • Replica
  • Revived junk
  • Revived salvage
  • Junk
  • Lemon law buyback
  • Prior police
  • Prior taxi
  • Damaged
  • Dismantled
  • Gray market

How Do I Check If A Vehicle Has A Branded Title?

The best way to check if a vehicle has a branded title is to order a vehicle history report (VHR) or look up the vehicle’s record in the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS).

1. Vehicle history reports (VHRs) are reports that contain information about a vehicle’s history, such as its previous owners, accidents, and repairs. 

You can order a VHR online from a variety of companies, such as Carfax or AutoCheck.

2. The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is a database that contains information about branded titles. 

You can look up a vehicle’s record in the NMVTIS by its VIN number.

Why Are Brands On A Title Important?

The brand on a title is important because it can give you a history of the vehicle and its value.

The brand on a title can tell you if the vehicle has been in an accident or if it has been declared a total loss by an insurance company.

The brand on a title can also affect the value of the vehicle. For example, a vehicle with a salvage title is typically worth less than a comparable vehicle with a clean title.

Getting A Loan On A Branded Title Vehicle

It is possible to get a loan on a vehicle with a branded title, but it will be more difficult than getting a loan on a vehicle with a clean title.

The first step is to find a lender that is willing to give you a loan on a vehicle with a branded title. You may have to shop around to find such a lender.

Once you have found a willing lender, you will need to provide them with a copy of the vehicle’s title and other documentation, such as a vehicle history report (VHR).

The interest rate on your loan will be higher than the interest rate on a loan for a vehicle with a clean title. This is because lenders view vehicles with branded titles as being more risky.

You may also be required to make a larger down payment than you would for a vehicle with a clean title.

Even if you are able to get a loan on a vehicle with a branded title, it is important to remember that the value of the vehicle will be lower than the value of a comparable vehicle with a clean title. 

This means that you will likely owe more on the loan than the vehicle is worth.

This can be a problem if you need to sell or trade-in the vehicle before the loan is paid off, as you will likely end up owing money to the lender.

For this reason, it is important to fully consider whether or not you are able to afford a vehicle with a branded title before you decide to purchase one.

Getting Insurance For A Branded Title Vehicle

It is possible to get insurance for a vehicle with a branded title, but it will be more difficult than getting insurance for a vehicle with a clean title.

The first step is to find an insurance company that is willing to insure a vehicle with a branded title. You may have to shop around to find such an insurer.

Once you have found an insurer, you will need to provide them with a copy of the vehicle’s title and other documentation, such as a vehicle history report (VHR).

The insurance premium for a vehicle with a branded title will be higher than the premium for a vehicle with a clean title. 

This is because insurers view vehicles with branded titles as being more risky.

Even if you are able to get insurance for a vehicle with a branded title, it is important to remember that the value of the vehicle will be lower than the value of a comparable vehicle with a clean title. 

This means that your insurance coverage will likely be less than the actual value of the vehicle.

This can be a problem if the vehicle is totaled in an accident, as you may not receive enough money from the insurance company to pay off your loan.

Buying A Vehicle With A Branded Title

When you are buying a vehicle with a branded title, it is important to do your research to make sure that you are getting a good deal.

The first step is to obtain a vehicle history report (VHR) for the vehicle. This report will list any brands that are on the vehicle’s title.

It is also a good idea to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic before you buy it. 

This will give you an idea of the condition of the vehicle and whether or not it is worth the asking price.

If you are financing the purchase of the vehicle, be sure to get pre-approved for a loan before you go to look at the vehicle. 

This way, you will know how much you can afford to spend.

When you are negotiating the purchase price of the vehicle, be sure to take the branded title into account. 

The value of a vehicle with a branded title is typically lower than the value of a comparable vehicle with a clean title.

Be sure to get the agreed upon purchase price in writing before you sign any paperwork. 

This will protect you in case there is any dispute later on.

Taking all of these steps will help to ensure that you are getting a good deal when you buy a vehicle with a branded title.

Title Washing

What is title washing?

Title washing is the process of removing a brand from a vehicle’s title.

This can be done by obtaining a new title from a state that does not require brands to be disclosed.

For example, a vehicle with a salvage title in one state could be titled in another state as a clean title.

Why is title washing important?

Title washing is important because it’s a loophole that can allow a person to sell a branded title vehicle without disclosing the brand to the buyer.

This can lead to the buyer paying more for the vehicle than they would if they knew about the brand.

It can also lead to problems for the buyer down the road, such as difficulty getting insurance or financing for the vehicle.

How can I avoid buying a title washed vehicle?

There are a few things that you can do to avoid buying a title washed vehicle:

  • Check the vehicle history report (VHR) for any brands or other red flags.
  • Get a loan from a lender that specializes in loans for branded title vehicles. These lenders will be more likely to catch a title wash.
  • Get insurance for the vehicle from an insurer that specializes in insuring branded title vehicles. These insurers will be more likely to catch a title wash.
  • If possible, have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before you buy it. This can help to identify any hidden damage that may be present.

What should I do if I think I’ve been the victim of title washing?

If you think that you may have been the victim of title washing, you should report it to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Main Takeaway

In conclusion, a branded title can affect a number of things related to your vehicle, including its value, insurability, and loan options.

 Be sure to do your research before purchase to avoid any unwanted surprises down the road.