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Car Auction Prices Predict Future Market

At Car Titles, our extensive clientele includes the esteemed Mannheim Auto Auctions, the nation’s largest and most prestigious auto auction company. Processing millions of vehicles annually on behalf of dealer consignments, Mannheim holds a significant influence over the automotive market. In this post, we delve into Mannheim’s data to decipher current trends and gain insights into the ever-evolving car market.

Understanding Mannheim Auto Auctions: A Market Barometer

Mannheim Auto Auctions play a pivotal role in the automotive ecosystem, serving as a vital platform for dealer consignments and sales. Nearly every licensed new and used car dealer engages with Mannheim, either buying or selling cars. This not only highlights the auction’s significance but also positions it as an invaluable source for understanding market dynamics.

The Current Scenario: Resilience Amid Economic Shifts

In a time marked by inflation and rising interest rates, the automotive market seems to defy conventional economic expectations. Mannheim reports a marginal increase in wholesale used car prices, standing at a noteworthy 10 percent higher than the previous year. This surge comes on the heels of a substantial jump in prices in 2021, showcasing the industry’s resilience.

Navigating Seasonal Fluctuations and Economic Variables

While there was a slight pullback in wholesale prices at the beginning of 2022, potentially attributed to seasonal and economic factors, the market quickly regained momentum. It’s a testament to the unwavering demand for vehicles, even amidst economic uncertainties. The winter months may have seen a temporary pause, but the fundamental need for cars prevails.

New Car Market Dynamics: A Driving Force for Mannheim

The new car market is still grappling with inventory shortages. Dealerships, faced with empty lots and a scarcity of new cars, turn to Mannheim to bolster their used car inventory. This strategic move ensures that dealers have vehicles to sell, meeting the ongoing demand from buyers.

Unpacking Mannheim’s Diverse Inventory Sources

Mannheim’s extensive inventory sources contribute to the rich data it provides. Dealerships send vehicles to Mannheim that may not align with their inventory profiles. Additionally, fleet companies, rental companies, lease buybacks, and corporate fleets contribute to the large volume of vehicles that pass through Mannheim’s auctions.

Auction Dynamics: Buyer-Driven Pricing

What sets Mannheim apart is its unique auction dynamics. Prices are not dictated by the auction house or the sellers; instead, they are entirely driven by the buyers. Bidding wars and competitive offers determine the final sale prices, reflecting the mood and preferences of the auto industry.

Mannheim as a Market Indicator

Mannheim Auto Auctions serve as a reliable indicator of the automotive market’s pulse. The auction’s ability to adapt to economic shifts, coupled with its diverse inventory sources, makes it a valuable resource for understanding current trends. As we navigate through dynamic market conditions, Mannheim continues to provide essential insights into the world of auto sales.

Share your thoughts in the comments below. How do you perceive the current state of the automotive market? Stay tuned for more insightful updates in our next video!

Did You Buy A Car Without A Title?

Did you buy a car with no title? If you have, you’re not alone. Navigating the auto market can be tricky, but it gets even more so when you find your vehicle is missing its title. Whether you’re planning to sell a car without a title or you’re buying a car with no title, it’s imperative to know ahead of time that buying or selling a vehicle without a title is actually illegal in most jurisdictions. Typically, vehicles cannot be registered without a title and if your vehicle cannot be registered, you cannot legally drive it. 

However, just because there’s no title doesn’t mean you can’t still get one. The first step in obtaining a title for a car without a title is to determine if the car was legally obtained or if it was stolen. One way to check the history of your car is through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) by searching your car’s VIN through their database. This database not only can tell you if your car was previously stolen but will also tell you if it has ever been junked. If your car’s VIN is found in the NMVTIS record as junk, you may not be able to get a title. If your car’s history is clear and you have the necessary documentation to obtain a car title, here are four methods for title recovery for cars without a title:

Get a bonded title

A bonded title can be obtained if you have a car with no title and limited documentation. The bonded title process requires the vehicle owner to purchase a surety bond for the vehicle which typically is under $100. The surety bond allows for protection for the lender if someone else were to prove ownership of the vehicle or otherwise invalidate the bonded title. Once you have your bonded title, you can register the vehicle at your local DMV. Be sure to check your state laws as not all states accept bonded titles.

Use the Vermont title loophole

The Vermont title loophole has been used for years as a way for vehicle owners to get a title for a vehicle over 15 years old. Vermont is a non-titling jurisdiction, meaning they do not produce titles for vehicles over a certain year. The loophole is that just about anyone, not just residents of Vermont can use this method if they have a bill of sale and a car over 15 years old. By registering your 15+-year-old car in Vermont, the registration itself is the state’s version of a car title for that age of vehicle. After you register your car in Vermont, you can then transfer the registration to a title in your home state.

File a duplicate title

Were you the last titled owner of the vehicle? If so, filing for a duplicate title is the easiest way to get a new car title. Simply visit the DMV in the state where you were the last titled owner, provide the necessary documentation and identification, then they’ll reissue you a title. If you’re applying for a duplicate title, please note that you cannot apply for a duplicate title in a state other than the last titled state. For example, if your car was last titled in Florida, but you now live in Colorado, you must contact the Florida DMV to obtain your duplicate title. Similarly, if you were not the last titled owner of this vehicle, this title recovery method will not work.

Get a court-ordered title

If all else fails, your county court may be able to help. A court-ordered title is a very valuable method to get a title. It may take some extra steps, but once you have a court order from a judge that declares you the owner of the vehicle, the DMV is required by law to issue you a new title in your name. Use this method as a last resort as the courts will likely require you to attempt to get a title using other methods first.

Using any of these methods may be beneficial to get you a car title, make sure to check with your state and local laws to ensure these methods are valid in your location. The vehicle title provides proof of ownership and if you’re buying a car, getting the title in your name is the best way to ensure your asset is safe. Need assistance getting your car title? Our Title Experts can prepare documents for any of the listed title recovery methods whether you’re selling your car or buying one. Not sure what type of title best fits your situation? Text TITLE to (402) 698-4853 or (402) MY TITLE.

Want a CarTitles.com professional to do it for you?

For as little as $159 for most processes, we will save you the headache and prepare all of the car title paperwork needed to get you a new title. Simply choose the title recovery method you’d like to use and we’ll get started!

Select your title recovery method:

Order Vermont Title LoopholeOrder Deceased Owner Title TransferOrder Bonded Title ProcessOrder Abandoned Vehicle ProcessOrder Prior Owner ContactOrder Lien Release Request Letter

What Does A Clean Title Mean For A Used Car?

If you’re in the market for a new used car, it’s important to understand what a clean title means versus what other permanent types of title brands mean. Before you buy your next used car, make sure the title is clean to avoid buying a car that is ineligible for a title and for the road.

What is a clean title?

A clean title means that there are no clouds over the ownership, liens, or permanent title brands. A car with a clean title has never been reported to an insurance company as wrecked, stolen, or in an accident. A clean title car has all of the original parts and has not been rebuilt or reconstructed. When you have a clean title in your name, you are free to sell, trade-in, paint it, or otherwise do what you want with the vehicle.

The term “clean” comes from the fact that you can simply read through the title and determine if anything is wrong with it. You might notice that there are no lienholders on the title or any other information on it other than the owner’s information and the vehicle’s description. This means that everything is good with your vehicle.

When buying a used car from a private seller, it’s important to look over the car title to ensure that there are no title brands or other clouds on the title. What are some common title brands?

Common title brands

Bonded title

A bonded title is actually not a permanent title brand. It is a temporary title brand that is acquired through a bonded title process. It is typically safe to purchase a car with a bonded title, but before that, make sure to get the story from the seller. After a period of 3-5 years, the bonded title brand can be removed to obtain a clean title.

Lien title

A lien title, or lienholder title, means that the owner has a loan out on the vehicle that has not been paid or properly discharged. If the car title has a lien, the seller cannot legally sell the vehicle because the lienholder is technically the owner. Before a car with a lien title can be sold, the lien must be released by the lender and a clean title must be obtained by the seller to sign over.

Rebuilt/reconstructed title

A rebuilt or reconstructed title is given usually by an insurance company to a vehicle that has been substantially rebuilt. A vehicle with a rebuilt or reconstructed title can be sold, however, it will have additional inspection and insurance requirements with this type of title brand.

Salvage title

A salvage title is a title brand given to vehicles with an insurance claim loss. These types of losses include major damage, theft, or repair. If a vehicle incurs damage that is more than 60% of the value, it is often branded salvage by the insurance company. Sometimes, in certain states, salvage brand vehicles can go back on the road. However, the inspection process for these vehicles and repair requirements are quite strict and can be more expensive to fix up than the vehicle is worth.

Parts only title

A parts-only designation is typically found on a bill of sale or transfer form, not on a title. However, if a parts-only bill of sale is submitted for vehicle title processing, the title may be issued with a salvage brand or other cloud on the title.

Certificate of destruction

When an insurance company has paid a claim for a vehicle and taken ownership from the insured, they have the option of processing the title as a certificate of destruction. In this case, the vehicle is intended to be destroyed and never to be used on the road or registered. It is unlikely that a vehicle with a certificate of destruction can ever be issued a valid title for transfer.

A vehicle with a certificate of destruction can sometimes appear to be in acceptable condition. The insurance company decides to prevent the car from road use to limit its liability in the event that the car is driven and is involved in an accident at a later date. If it is proven that an injury in an accident is because the car had some existing defect, the injured person could claim that the insurance company should not have let the car go back on the road.

Used cars with a clean title are your safest bet if you’re in the market for a used car, but only when you buy them from a trustworthy seller. While most states have laws in place regarding which brands of titles can be transferred over to new owners, you can never be too careful. It’s always best to know what you’re buying before purchasing it.

Want a CarTitles.com professional to do it for you?

For as little as $159 for most processes, we will save you the headache and prepare all of the car title paperwork needed to get you a new title. Simply choose the title recovery method you’d like to use and we’ll get started!

Select your title recovery method:

Order Vermont Title LoopholeOrder Deceased Owner Title TransferOrder Bonded Title ProcessOrder Abandoned Vehicle ProcessOrder Prior Owner ContactOrder Lien Release Request Letter

Motorcycle Parts Company Scams $600,000

At Car Titles, where we specialize in resolving a myriad of title challenges, around 30% of our cases revolve around motorcycles. Motorcycles often present unique title-related issues, and in this post, we’ll explore a recent and troubling incident involving BikeBandit, a prominent company in the motorcycle enthusiast community.

The Motorcycle Title Conundrum

Motorcycle owners frequently encounter title problems, and this issue is more prevalent than what is typically observed with vehicles. In future videos, we’ll delve into the specific reasons behind this trend. However, today, our focus is on an intriguing article that could impact motorcycle enthusiasts across the community.

The BikeBandit Bankruptcy Saga Unveiled

For avid motorcycle enthusiasts, BikeBandit is a familiar name—a go-to platform for motorcycle parts, performance upgrades, and replacement components. However, the community was jolted when the company filed for bankruptcy unexpectedly, leaving a staggering half a million dollars in unfulfilled customer orders.

Continued Operations Amid Financial Collapse

What makes the BikeBandit story even more distressing is the revelation that the company continued to accept orders even after acknowledging its financial downfall. The bankruptcy filing took place in February, but reports suggest that the website stayed operational, luring unsuspecting customers into placing orders they would never receive.

The Alarming Reality of Bankruptcy Fraud

The aftermath of BikeBandit’s bankruptcy exposes a dark practice known as bankruptcy fraud. This occurs when a financially distressed company, aware of its imminent closure, deceitfully continues to operate and accept payments. The consequences are dire, as customers remain unaware of the impending shutdown.

Calling Out to the Motorcycle Community

Given that a significant portion of our clients are passionate motorcycle enthusiasts, we want to hear from you. Have you recently ordered parts from BikeBandit, especially after February when they filed for bankruptcy? If your order predates February, did you face challenges receiving your purchased items? We’ve received reports from clients who ordered as far back as November and December, only to be met with unfulfilled promises and claims of items being on back order.

Bankruptcy Fraud Impacting Motorcycle Owners

This incident, categorized as bankruptcy fraud, has the potential to disrupt the plans of motorcycle owners gearing up for the summer riding season. As the weather warms up, riders eagerly anticipate hitting the open road, and the BikeBandit bankruptcy may have cast a shadow over those plans.

Share Your Experiences: Engage with Us

In the comments section, we invite you to share your experiences and insights. Did you place an order with BikeBandit? Were you affected by their bankruptcy fraud? How has this incident impacted your ability to enjoy your motorcycle during the upcoming summer season? Your stories matter, and by sharing them, you contribute to a collective understanding of the challenges faced by the motorcycle community.

At Car Titles, we remain committed to assisting motorcycle owners in overcoming title-related hurdles. If you have questions or concerns about your motorcycle title or have been impacted by the BikeBandit bankruptcy, feel free to reach out. Together, we can navigate the twists and turns of the road ahead.

Can You Register A Car Without A Title?

Is it legal to register a car without a title? The short answer is: sometimes.

A car title, or vehicle title, is a legal government document that assigns ownership of a specific vehicle. The proper way to transfer a car title is to have the prior original certificate of title signed over to you by the prior owner. The new owner can then take the title to the DMV and apply for a new title and registration in their name. But what happens when you’re missing the title?

Registering a car without a title

In most states, you’ll need the properly assigned title to register a vehicle. The vehicle registration states who is authorized to operate the vehicle, while the title states who owns the vehicle as well as the title brand of the vehicle (if any). However, there are a few scenarios where you may be able to register a car without a title:

  1. The vehicle was last titled in a state that does not issue a title certificate for proof of ownership.
  2. The vehicle model year is too old to be titled in your jurisdiction.
  3. You’re using the Vermont registration process to get a title for an out-of-state vehicle.

Many states have title regulations that do not allow for vehicles above a certain age to receive a title. Usually, this threshold is 20-30 years old at the time of purchase. In this case, a registration document will be your state’s equivalent to a title for your age of vehicle. There may be other scenarios where you can register a car without a title in your state, but these are the most common.

If you’ve recently purchased the vehicle, but simply lost the title, didn’t get it, or damaged it before it could be transferred, you’ll likely have to get a new title in your name before you can register the vehicle.

How to get a new title

There are many methods to get a new title for a vehicle, all depend on the amount of ownership documentation you currently have.

Prior owner contact

Contact the prior owner to obtain the original certificate of title. If they don’t have it, request that they get a duplicate title and sign that over to you instead. Ownership records are considered private information and protected by the DMV. If you don’t have access to the prior owner information, CarTitles.com can help locate them and make contact.

Vermont registration process

Also known as the Vermont registration loophole, the Vermont registration process is a method used by out-of-state residents to get a title for a 15-year-old or older vehicle using a bill of sale. You’ll receive a registration document for your vehicle that you can then transfer to a title and registration in your state.

Bonded title

If your state accepts bonded titles, you can obtain a surety bond, or title bond, to secure your claim of ownership. If your state allows for this process, this is typically the most direct way to get a new title.

Typically you’ll need the signed original certificate of title to get a new title and registration for your car. Before using the title recovery method listed above, make sure that your vehicle is required and eligible to be titled in your state. If it’s your car, you deserve a title and registration in your name.

CarTitles.com takes the hassle out of applying for a title for your vehicle. Our team of title experts can help prepare your paperwork for your bonded title, Vermont registration process, prior owner contact, court-order title, or any other title recovery method provided.

Want to discuss your complex title problem with a title expert? Schedule a no-obligation, live consultation with a title expert through TelaClient.com!

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Want a CarTitles.com professional to do it for you?

For as little as $159 for most processes, we will save you the headache and prepare all of the car title paperwork needed to get you a new title. Simply choose the title recovery method you’d like to use and we’ll get started!

Select your title recovery method:

Order Vermont Title LoopholeOrder Deceased Owner Title TransferOrder Bonded Title ProcessOrder Abandoned Vehicle ProcessOrder Prior Owner ContactOrder Lien Release Request Letter

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