Owning a car comes with various responsibilities, including ensuring that the vehicle is in good working condition and that all legal requirements are met. Unfortunately, situations may arise where you need to secure a title for your car or dispose of an abandoned vehicle. Two methods that people often consider in such cases are mechanic’s liens and abandoned vehicles. However, it’s essential to understand these methods’ legal processes and their associated risks.
Mechanics liens are a legal process that can be used to secure a car title or force payment for services rendered. However, this process is only available to some. Most states require that only licensed automotive facilities such as repair shops, body shops, towing companies, and car dealerships are eligible to file a mechanics lien. You must also have documentation showing you have worked on the vehicle or towed it for repairs. You cannot file a lien for a car that has not been in your possession, and you must follow specific legal requirements, including filing the lien within 15 days after the notice is given and waiting 30 days after the notice is passed to hold an auction.
It’s worth noting that filing a mechanics lien for a car that hasn’t been in your possession is not possible. You must have possession of the vehicle to file a lien. Furthermore, the lien holder and notices must be sent in writing by certified mail to the addresses listed on the title record. You cannot use a made-up address or whatever you find in the glove box. This ensures that the owner is informed when the title is transferred and prevents fraudulent liens from being filed.
It’s important to understand that mechanics liens are not a simple solution to securing a car title or forcing payment for services rendered. The DMV knows there have been cases of fraudulent liens, and they have implemented laws to prevent this. So, mechanics’ liens are not the way to go unless you are a licensed garage with an assigned repair order. Instead, explore other legal avenues to resolve your issue.
Abandoned vehicles are another option that car owners may consider when disposing of a vehicle. In Pennsylvania, for example, if a vehicle is abandoned on private property, the property owner has three options. They can request the police department to declare the vehicle abandoned and have it towed away by a salver. Alternatively, they can personally remove the vehicle and then file a claim before a justice to recover costs. Lastly, the property owner may file a suit in a common police court to resolve the matter.
It’s important to understand that abandoned vehicles are not considered “finders keepers.” You must go through the legal process before claiming ownership of an abandoned vehicle. If you encounter any issues with your car and title, jumping to abandoned vehicles should not be your first option. Be cautious because some states may require you to surrender the vehicle to the state and auction it off as soon as you declare it abandoned.
However, the court can help you obtain ownership of an abandoned vehicle. Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation (PennDOT) can accept a court order as evidence of ownership in place of a title. This means that if you obtain a court order title, you can use it to prove ownership of the abandoned vehicle. It’s essential to follow the legal process of getting a court order title to avoid any legal issues in the future.
In summary, mechanic’s liens and abandoned vehicles may seem like quick solutions to car title issues; however, they involve specific legal processes that must be followed to avoid legal problems. If you encounter any issues with your vehicle and title, exploring other legal avenues or seeking legal advice may be a better option. Remember, this isn’t legal advice. If it’s your car, you deserve a title in your name; make sure your chosen method is applicable, appropriate, and legal for your titling situation.
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Vehicle titles are not just mere pieces of paper; they are the gatekeepers of a vehicle’s history, legality, and ownership. In this article, we unravel the intriguing world of export vehicles, often originating from auctions, that become hotspots for title investigations. Specifically, we delve into the alarming trend of stolen vehicles in the U.S finding their way overseas, creating a complex web of title fraud and international intrigue.
When vehicles are stolen within the United States, their VIN numbers are flagged as stolen in the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). This federal record system is accessed by all 50 states, making it nearly impossible to title a stolen vehicle within the country. Moreover, even if a vehicle has a significant lien, it cannot be legally sold.
To circumvent the challenges posed by the U.S title system, individuals resort to exporting stolen vehicles. However, this is not a straightforward process, as Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a division of Homeland Security, plays a crucial role in inspecting vehicles leaving the country. Containers carrying vehicles are subject to rigorous inspection, ensuring that no stolen or problematic vehicles exit U.S borders.
In attempts to outsmart inspections, perpetrators often place stolen vehicles inside containers, disguising them as auto parts or other commodities. This cloak-and-dagger strategy aims to bypass the scrutiny of CBP, allowing the illicit vehicles to slip through undetected.
Several cases have emerged where stolen U.S vehicles were discovered in Europe, thanks to the vigilance of foreign customs authorities. The Spanish counterpart to CBP identified stolen vehicles arriving on ships and promptly notified U.S authorities. This collaboration between countries is essential in preventing the successful export of stolen vehicles.
The motivation behind exporting stolen vehicles lies in the ability to title them in another country where the U.S title information may not be readily accessible. Many countries do not check U.S VIN numbers for stolen status, providing an avenue for criminals to gain ownership and extract value from these stolen assets.
Not all exported vehicles are stolen; some carry substantial liens. In many countries, however, liens are not as rigorously checked as stolen status. This opens up an opportunity for individuals to borrow money against high-end vehicles, export them, and sell them for cash, evading the lien-related restrictions imposed within the U.S.
Title investigations, especially those involving international exports, remain a complex challenge for law enforcement and regulatory agencies. The collaboration between U.S and foreign customs authorities is vital in intercepting stolen vehicles and preventing title fraud on a global scale. As technology advances, the methods of detecting illicit vehicles within containers continue to evolve, ensuring that the net tightens around those attempting to exploit the intricate world of vehicle titles.
Understanding the importance of vehicle titles and the potential pitfalls in the international market is crucial for every vehicle owner. To stay informed and safeguard your interests, regularly check the title history of your vehicle and be aware of the global implications of title fraud. For more information and resources on title-related matters, visit our website or reach out to our dedicated Car Titles Help Desk at [email protected].
In the intricate landscape of the title industry, tales of scams and frauds abound, revealing the extent to which individuals are willing to go for financial gain. The manipulation of vehicle titles has become a breeding ground for criminal activities, with instances of fraudulent claims and title washing surfacing more frequently. In this blog post, we explore two striking examples that shed light on the depths of deceit within the title industry.
One egregious case involved an individual who filed fraudulent vehicle titles, asserting ownership of a vehicle that wasn’t rightfully his. To escalate the deception, he proceeded to make a false insurance claim for the alleged theft of the vehicle. The repercussions were swift, as he found himself facing charges related to false reports and title washing.
Title Washing Unveiled: Title washing is a sinister practice where a legitimate title record is exploited to clear a title on a problematic vehicle. Whether it’s a stolen vehicle, one with a lien, or a salvage, title washing aims to erase the vehicle’s troubled history. In the case mentioned, the stolen vehicle’s VIN number was allegedly altered—an act commonly observed with older cars.
Changing the VIN number to mimic a legitimate vehicle or manipulating paperwork is a risky endeavor. Even vehicles in junkyards may fall victim to VIN number theft, putting unsuspecting buyers at risk. The lesson here is clear: exercise caution to avoid falling prey to title washing schemes.
In another shocking incident, an auto scrap yard was found to have accepted a staggering 80 fraudulent titles, perpetuating a web of deceit in the title industry. The fraudulent titles included various discrepancies, such as:
The scrap yard’s attempt at title washing involved removing designations that rendered the vehicles undesirable for sale. From forging signatures to using fake VIN numbers on bill of sales, the extent of the deception was alarming.
The common thread in both cases is the audacious attempt to outsmart the system—the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and law enforcement. However, these agencies are well-versed in the intricacies of title work, dealing with thousands of titles daily. While perpetrators might experience short-term success, the long arm of the law inevitably catches up.
Protect Yourself: Ensure that any title applications you submit are legitimate, and scrutinize individuals handling title work on your behalf. The allure of short-term gains from fraudulent activities is not worth the risk of facing legal consequences and having your title revoked.
In the ever-evolving world of title fraud, awareness and vigilance are your best defenses. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can safeguard yourself from falling victim to these elaborate scams. Remember, nothing is entirely new to the DMV and the police—attempting to outsmart them is a futile endeavor.
Despite advancements in technology and consumer awareness, salvage titles continue to cast a shadow over the used car market. This article aims to shed light on the persistence of salvage title fraud and the risks unsuspecting buyers face when dealing with vehicles bearing this ominous designation.
A salvage title isn’t solely a consequence of visible damage; it is a legal document issued by insurance companies when they pay out a substantial claim on a vehicle. The threshold for a salvage title isn’t always linked to the extent of physical damage; even a seemingly pristine car can end up with this tainted title if the insurance claim reaches a certain value.
The heart of the issue lies in unscrupulous sellers attempting to pass off salvage-titled vehicles without proper disclosure. Dealers, private sellers on online platforms like Facebook, eBay, and Craigslist, or those auctioning cars at places like Copart, sometimes engage in fraudulent practices by neglecting to reveal a salvage title’s history. Buyers often discover the truth only after the transaction, leaving them stuck with a vehicle they can’t insure properly or resell without significant disclosures.
For a salvage-titled vehicle to re-enter the road legally, it must undergo a rigorous inspection process. Unfortunately, a significant portion of these vehicles fails inspections due to underlying issues that might not be apparent through a visual inspection. Factors such as airbag sensors, anti-lock brakes, frame damage, corrosion, and more are scrutinized during these assessments. As a result, many salvage-titled vehicles never regain their roadworthiness.
The financial implications of owning a salvage-titled vehicle are substantial. It’s estimated that the value of a salvage-titled vehicle is only around 50-60% of its true market value. Buying a salvage-titled car at full price means paying more than the vehicle is actually worth. Even if one manages to acquire a salvage-titled vehicle at a reduced price post-repairs and inspections, the stigma attached to the salvage title often prevents them from realizing its true market value when reselling.
A salvage title is more than a reflection of a vehicle’s condition; it’s a permanent mark in its title history. Checking resources like Carfax or Bumper might not provide foolproof information, as errors can occur. For accurate and comprehensive details, it’s crucial to turn to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), a government records database that stores unalterable records of a vehicle’s title history.
In the realm of used cars, vigilance is the key to avoiding the pitfalls associated with salvage titles. Prospective buyers should go beyond surface-level inspections and directly access NMVTIS for an unfiltered view of a vehicle’s title history. Understanding the potential repercussions of salvage titles ensures that buyers make informed decisions, safeguarding themselves from the financial and legal ramifications that can arise from owning a vehicle with a hidden past.
To protect your investment and ensure transparency in your vehicle transactions, always conduct a thorough title check through NMVTIS. For more guidance and assistance on navigating the complexities of salvage titles, reach out to our Car Titles Help Desk at [email protected].
Are you having trouble obtaining a title for your vehicle because you don’t have the original one assigned to you? If so, a bonded title may be the alternative process you need. In this blog post, we will discuss what a bonded title is, how to obtain one, and some important things to keep in mind when exploring the bonded title process in 2023.
A bonded title is a document that serves as proof of vehicle ownership. It is an alternative process used when the standard title method is unavailable due to a lack of proper evidence of ownership, aka a properly assigned title certificate. A bonded title process requires you to purchase a surety bond, also known as a vehicle title bond, to secure the title.
Before applying for a bonded title, it is essential to check if it is available in your state. Eight states do not offer bonded titles, and the rules and regulations for obtaining a bonded title vary from state to state.
There are 16 states that do not accept bonded titles. These states are Delaware. Hawaii. Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, and West Virginia.
If you reside in one of these states but still need to obtain a vehicle title using an alternative method, a court-ordered title can be a powerful method to pursue.
To obtain a bonded title, you must follow a specific process. First, you must sign an affidavit explaining how you acquired the vehicle. Second, you must obtain a surety bond from a bonding agency. The cost of getting a surety bond can vary, but typically is around $100-$150 for an average-valued vehicle. Finally, once you have completed the necessary steps, you will receive a title with “bonded” stamped in big red letters.
While obtaining a bonded title may be an alternative process, keeping some important things in mind is essential. The resulting title will have “bonded” stamped on it in big red letters, which may make it difficult to sell the vehicle. Additionally, some states may not accept bonded titles if you move out of state. If you have a bonded title and move to a non-bonded title state, you may have problems transferring your vehicle documents. Some states have prior title requirements to obtain a bonded title, for example in Florida, a vehicle is only eligible for a bonded title if the vehicle was last titled in Florida. If the vehicle was last titled in any other state, it’s not eligible for a Florida bonded title.
Moreover, certain vehicles may not be eligible for a bonded title, such as those with liens or encumbrances or if stolen. Many states only provide bonded vehicle titles over a particular year, typically within the last 15 years. Therefore, checking with your local DMV is crucial to determine whether you can obtain a bonded title. Once you purchase a vehicle title bond, that money can not be refunded.
Using a bonded title may be an option for those needing a new title but unable to provide a properly assigned title certificate. However, it is vital to research the eligibility requirements for your state and keep in mind the potential limitations of a bonded title. Getting a properly assigned title from the prior owner is generally a more straightforward process to follow. If not, a bonded title is a valuable alternative method. If it’s your car, you deserve a title in your name.
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