Every car on the road has a car title, and we don’t mean “Duchess” or “Lord”. If you’re lucky, your car has a “clean” title. This means there’s nothing wrong with it, and it does not have any major damage. The cars that have some troubles have what’s called a “branded title,” or “dirty title.” While car titles vary from state to state, there are a few that are universally accepted across the US. So, whether you have a Texas car title or a California car title, this guide will help you determine what kind of title your car has—and what that means for you.
What is a Car Title?
First of all, what is a car title? A car title is a legal form that establishes ownership of a vehicle to a person or business. If you are wondering how to sell a used car or how to buy a used car, first, you will need a car title. Hopefully, your car has a clean title, but don’t worry, there’s still hope for branded titles.
Salvage / Junk / Totaled Title
These three types of titles usually mean that a car has been in a major accident, or it is an old car that hasn’t been maintained properly. These are salvage cars that aren’t worth as much as it would cost to repair them. If your insurance company has declared your car a “total loss vehicle,” your car probably falls under one of these categories, depending on the guidelines in your state.Have a Title? Sell Us Your Car Today!
Lemon Title
Not all states have lemon laws, but many do. A lemon is a vehicle that has significant mechanical problems. Typically, these problems are from the manufacturer, and not from anything beyond normal wear and tear from driving the vehicle. States that have lemon laws have specific guidelines that your car has to fit to be considered as a lemon. If you think your car qualifies, check with your state department to find out.
Flood Title
Flood titled carsare ones that have water damage. These cars were caught in the wake of a flash flood, rainstorm, or a hurricane. Your car can handle a little bit of water, but you’ll want to have it inspected by a trained mechanic to make sure that it’s safe to drive. If you are wondering what to do with a flooded car, whether it be from a hurricane or rainstorm, check out the blog post below. What to Do with a Flooded Car
Reconstructed / Rebuilt Title
Cars that have been branded with a rebuilt title aren’t necessarily a lost cause. If you have the time and the patience, you can restore a junk car back to its former glory. To have your car branded reconstructed or rebuilt, you’ll typically have to pass an inspection. These also depend on the laws of your home state, so check with your department of transportation for specific guidelines.
Washed Titles
If you’re in the market for a used car, you should be wary of washed titles. Because guidelines for vehicle titles aren’t federally mandated, cars can be shipped from state to state with shiny new clean car titles, even if they’ve had previous damage. Even if they were deemed unworthy for the road in one state, if the description of damage doesn’t match the ones for the new state, on paper, it looks like it’s never had any damage. To avoid buying a car with a washed title, always be sure to get a vehicle history report and have a mechanic give it a once-over.
Lost Car Title
Now this one isn’t technically a title, but a lost car title can be a major concern for car owners. Luckily, you can apply for a duplicate title through your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles office. With some personal information, vehicle information, and about ten dollars, you can purchase a duplicate title. Are you ready to part ways with your branded title and sell your car for cash? CashForCars.com will make you a cash offer! Find out how much your car is worth, and speak with a vehicle purchasing agent today!
