What Is a Car Title? All You Need to Know
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The Purpose of a Vehicle Title
Car Title Defined
What Is Included on a Vehicle Title?
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Vehicle Description and Odometer Reading
Lienholder Information
Types of Automobile Titles
Clear title: This is a title that has no loan (lien) on it. If you have a clear car title, this means you’re the sole owner, with no other party having any legal claim on the car. Lien title: If you’ve financed a vehicle, then the lender/lienholder has an interest in that vehicle until the loan is paid off. A title with the lienholder’s name on it is a lien title. Clean title: This means that a car has never been in an accident in which it was declared a total loss. This is something you’d want to know if buying a used car. Rebuilt title: This indicates a car that was wrecked to the point of being declared a total loss but was repaired and is now drivable again. Salvage title: These are vehicles that, after a wreck, are considered a total loss. This does not mean that it has no value; rather, the costs to repair it exceed that value.
How to Get a Car Title
How Much is a Car Title?
When Is a Car Title Required?
Title Jumping: Trading, Buying & Selling a Car
Title Transfer
Title Loan
Refinancing Your Vehicle
The Takeaway
About the Author
Kelly Boyer Sagert is an Emmy Award-nominated writer with decades of professional writing experience. As she was getting her writing career off the ground, she spent several years working at a savings and loan institution, working in the following departments: savings, loans, IRAs, and auditing. She has published thousands of pieces online and in print.
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