Here is a cautionary tale for those who want to claim ownership of an abandoned vehicle. Many people believe that they can claim a vehicle if it has been abandoned or obtain a title for it in most states. However, abandoned vehicles are not “finders keepers” – you cannot automatically keep them. This story is about a person who discovered abandoned snowmobiles in a forest and decided to claim them as their own. They saw the vehicles there for many weeks, and after assuming they must be abandoned, they started to apply for title paperwork. The DMV told them they could not take ownership without a title, but they continued to pursue it. Ultimately, they were arrested because these vehicles did not belong to them.
It is important to understand that the title to a vehicle is tied to the name on the title record, not who has possession of the vehicle or title. If you try to claim a vehicle that is owned by someone else without proper paperwork, it will not work, and you could get arrested. Most of the time, people who try to obtain a title for an abandoned vehicle bought it on Craigslist or lost the paperwork. If you bought the vehicle and just lost the paperwork, there are ways to still get your title. However, claiming a vehicle found on the side of the road or in a parking lot is not as simple as filing for an abandoned vehicle.
If you file an abandoned claim on a vehicle, you have to surrender the vehicle to the state, and they will auction it off. The money from the auction goes to the state, and they try to find the owner and send them the money. Legitimate repair shops with vehicles that were not paid for have a mechanics lien, not an abandoned vehicle. If you bought a vehicle without a title, that is a title recovery, not an abandoned vehicle.
Be careful when trying to file for an abandoned vehicle. Most of the time, people who claim to have found an abandoned vehicle know more about it than they are letting on. Keeping a vehicle just because you found it somewhere is not an automatic process. You must go through certain channels, such as a civil lien title, which requires a court order petition against the vehicle.
Using the word “abandoned” to claim a vehicle is not the best way to obtain a title. There are many better ways to do it, and you should ensure you use the correct process. Before jumping to conclusions about abandoned vehicles, remember this cautionary tale about a person who got arrested for trying to claim a vehicle they found in the woods.
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
For those deeply entrenched in the automotive industry, the mention of IAA (Insurance Auto Auction) and Copart likely rings familiar. These powerhouse companies specialize in processing vehicles that have undergone insurance claims—ranging from total losses to salvaged or even designated for parts only. In recent news, Ritchie Brothers, renowned for its prowess in equipment sales, is making headlines as it considers acquiring an ownership stake, if not the entirety, of IAA.
IAA and Copart stand as giants in the insurance auction realm, efficiently handling a substantial volume of vehicles with diverse insurance claims. Whether it’s processing total loss claims, salvage titles, or vehicles designated for parts only, these companies are at the forefront of managing the aftermath of insurance incidents. Their influence extends across the automotive landscape, making them well-known entities in the industry.
Ritchie Brothers, a heavyweight in the world of equipment sales, is poised to make a strategic move by considering an ownership stake in IAA. With a reputation for managing auctions involving heavy equipment, off-road trucks, and even tractors, Ritchie Brothers brings a different expertise to the table. While IAA specializes in insurance claim vehicles, Ritchie Brothers is more niche-oriented, catering primarily to the construction industry.
Despite their differences in the assets they handle, the synergy between IAA and Ritchie Brothers is apparent. Both companies boast well-run operations, efficient management, and an established footprint in their respective niches. The similarities in their work processes and workflows make them ideal partners, potentially allowing for economies of scale by combining certain operations and locations.
The potential collaboration between IAA and Ritchie Brothers opens up exciting possibilities for the automotive industry. Imagine a Ritchie Brothers location, traditionally focused on equipment sales, transforming into a facility for insurance vehicle disposal. This melding of capabilities could prove to be a seamless fit, broadening the scope of buyers and potentially driving up prices for inventory.
While both companies share similarities, a key distinction lies in the nature of the assets they handle. Ritchie Brothers primarily deals with equipment, often non-titled assets like off-road machinery or construction equipment. In contrast, IAA’s forte lies in motor vehicles, and as such, they deal with the accompanying documentation, including titles. These titles can take various forms, such as salvage titles, parts-only titles, certificates of destruction, or rebuilt titles.
As Ritchie Brothers explores the possibility of an ownership stake in IAA, the automotive industry anticipates potential shifts in the landscape. The blending of expertise, the expansion of auction footprints, and the exploration of diverse assets could usher in a new era of possibilities. For those closely connected to IAA and Ritchie Brothers, this development holds promise, offering the potential for a more integrated and efficient industry landscape. Stay tuned for further updates as these industry giants navigate the path towards a potentially transformative partnership.
Some major automotive finance companies are going out of business, and if you have a loan open with one of these companies, it could affect you as a borrower.
The latest company to fall is American Car Center, a buy here pay here chain that operates over 40 locations across 10 states. They are closing their doors and terminating 288 employees at the end of the business day. This means they will not process any more paperwork, so if you have a loan with them and are still making payments, they will not be there to process your paperwork. This could mean you might not have to make any more payments depending on who takes over, but the big question is how you will get your title.
We recommend immediately filing with your state’s dealer licensing division for a title recovery. Another option is to start the civil lien process to have your jurisdiction declare you as the vehicle owner. Keep in mind that we are not attorneys and cannot give you legal advice. Consider consulting with an attorney to determine your consumer protection and other rights. Regardless, you should start this process early and not wait until the end of your loan, as there may not be any more funding available from the restitution fund. If you make payments, you might be wasting money, and if you don’t make payments, you could lose out on getting your title because you’re in default.
Take action as soon as possible to ensure that your rights to get your title or lien release from American Car Center are not jeopardized because you didn’t take action fast enough or took the wrong kind of action. So, if you are a customer of American Car Center or any other lender that goes out of business, start this process immediately.
Our team of title experts understands the complexities of the vehicle lien release process. We provide personalized assistance to help you release your vehicle lien and secure your vehicle title.
Ready to get started?
Order Lien Release Request
Have questions for a title expert?
Book Lien Release Consultation
The automotive landscape has once again been hit with a surge of flood-damaged cars, bringing to light the risks and challenges associated with these seemingly innocuous vehicles. In this blog post, we delve into the aftermath of recent floods in California, shedding light on the flood car influx at salvage auctions like Copart and IAA.
Months after Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc in Florida, the repercussions of another storm in California are surfacing. Flooded cars, bearing witness to nature’s fury, are beginning to appear on auction lots. These vehicles, often sold with titles like “Parts Only,” “Certificate of Destruction,” or other branded titles, present a unique set of challenges for unsuspecting buyers.
Flood-damaged cars, unlike collision-damaged ones, don’t always exhibit visible signs of harm. After draining and drying, these cars may seem outwardly intact, masking the potential perils lurking beneath the surface. Hosed interiors, a musty smell, and warning lights are common, but the true extent of damage lies in the intricacies of sensors, computers, and critical components.
Even if a flood-damaged car carries a salvage title, the road to rehabilitation is riddled with hurdles. The required inspection for salvage titles goes beyond mere physical repairs; it encompasses a comprehensive safety inspection. Airbag sensors, anti-lock brake tabs, and potential corrosion on critical parts can render a seemingly intact car unsafe for the road.
The challenge with flood-damaged cars lies in the hidden repairs. Computers and sensors, often submerged, can cost thousands to replace. Wiring harnesses, corroded by floodwaters, present another pricey predicament. Even seemingly minor repairs can quickly escalate, leading to a situation where the cost of fixing outweighs the value of the car.
Adding to the woes, flood-damaged cars often carry permanent title brands, such as salvage or certificate of destruction. This branding drastically reduces the market value, making it financially unviable for buyers to invest in repairs. The allure of a seemingly good deal vanishes when the long-term consequences of a branded title come into play.
Not all flood-damaged cars receive salvage titles; some are stamped with “Parts Only,” “Junk,” or “Certificate of Destruction.” Insurance companies, aware of the potential long-term risks, may choose to wash their hands of these vehicles. Even if a buyer believes they can restore the car, the insurance company may prioritize public safety, deeming the vehicle unfit for the road.
In the flooded car market, the real winners are often the parts companies. Acquiring these cars at a fraction of their worth, dismantling them, and selling individual components prove to be a lucrative business. While the endeavor requires facilities and a robust network, it remains a more viable and profitable option than attempting to resurrect a flood-damaged car for personal use.
The flooded car market demands a cautious approach. Buyers should resist the temptation of seemingly affordable deals and consider the long-term consequences associated with flood-damaged vehicles. Understanding the complexities of inspections, unseen repairs, and the financial implications of title branding is crucial for making informed decisions in a flooded car market flooded with risks.
Embarking on a quest to claim ownership of an abandoned vehicle might seem like a tempting adventure, but a cautionary tale serves as a stark reminder that navigating the murky waters of vehicle ownership demands more than mere discovery. In this blog post, we delve into the tale of an individual who attempted to claim abandoned snowmobiles in the woods, only to find themselves facing legal consequences.
Contrary to the childhood adage of “finders keepers,” the reality of claiming ownership of an abandoned vehicle is far more complex. Many harbor the misconception that stumbling upon an abandoned vehicle grants them an automatic right to keep it. Our cautionary tale unfolds as a stark reminder that this notion is a legal quagmire waiting to unfold.
The protagonist in this cautionary tale discovered snowmobiles seemingly abandoned in a forest after weeks of observation. Eager to claim these vehicles, they initiated the process of obtaining title paperwork, only to be rebuffed by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Ignoring warnings, they persisted, leading to their eventual arrest. The vehicles did not belong to them, highlighting the distinction between possession and legal ownership.
Ownership of a motor vehicle is not determined by possession, but rather by the name documented in the official title held by the titling authority, typically the DMV. It’s not a matter of who has possession of the vehicle, the title, or the VIN number; true ownership lies in the recorded title, held by the rightful owner.
Attempting to claim an abandoned vehicle is not a straightforward process. Filing an abandoned claim requires surrendering the vehicle to the state, leading to an auction. This dispels the notion of a “free-for-all” where anyone can claim ownership. The money from the auction is used to find the rightful owner through skip tracing, ensuring a legal and regulated process.
For those seeking legal avenues to secure vehicle ownership, options like lean titles or civil liens exist. These involve court-ordered petitions against the vehicle, providing a legitimate and lawful framework for ownership acquisition. It’s a stark contrast to the assumption that vehicles can be claimed simply by declaring them abandoned.
Drawing on real-life experiences, the cautionary tale stems from countless daily calls received by professionals in the field. Many individuals express a desire to file for an abandoned vehicle, but further investigation often reveals that the vehicle is not truly abandoned. It’s essential to distinguish between scenarios, ensuring adherence to legal processes.
The cautionary tale serves as a poignant reminder that claiming ownership of an abandoned vehicle requires careful consideration and adherence to legal channels. Using the term “abandoned” triggers a process that involves the state and an auction, not a free pass to vehicle ownership. Before jumping to conclusions, it’s crucial to explore legitimate avenues, such as lean titles, to avoid legal entanglements and ensure a smooth and lawful process in acquiring vehicle ownership.
Tell us about your vehicle and we'll direct you to a title recovery method that matches your scenario.
"*" indicates required fields
