Car Title Q&A: Navigating Liens, Abandoned Vehicles, and Inspection Issues

The Expert Podcast

Introduction:

• Exploring common customer questions about car titles.
• Sharing real-life scenarios to provide insights and answers.

Customer Case 1 (Illinois):

• Scenario: Customer bought a 1965 truck with an old lien on it, complicated by multiple bank buyouts.
• Solution:
  • Request a lien release from the current bank in writing, not by phone.
  • Prepare and send a pre-filled release document.
  • If this fails, pursue a court-ordered title, where the court may sign off on the lien release.

Customer Case 2 (California):

• Scenario: Customer wants to register a vehicle out of state using the Vermont loophole to avoid California’s smog requirements.
• Solution:
  • Vermont registration isn’t designed to bypass smog or tax requirements.
  • Using this loophole to evade regulations may result in fines and vehicle impoundment in California.

Customer Case 3 (Missouri):

• Scenario: Customer lost the title before transferring it into their name.
• Solution:
  • Only the current titleholder can request a duplicate title.
  • Option to use a bonded title, which involves signing affidavits and obtaining a surety bond.
  • Missouri allows bonded titles, but other states may not.

Customer Case 4 (Abandoned Vehicle):

• Scenario: Customer received a vehicle without a title and wants to claim it as abandoned.
• Solution:
  • Most states do not allow titles to be obtained via an "abandoned vehicle" claim.
  • Instead, investigate other title options since declaring a vehicle abandoned often results in its surrender to the state.

Conclusion:

• These are common issues customers face with car titles.
• For personalized help, contact our hotline or email our help desk at [e-mail].
• Tune in next time for more insights into car title issues!