A heavily wrecked vehicle or a vehicle with some serious problem in the past is officially declared as such on the title and is said to be a branded title. Common ones are salvage, flood, or rebuilding. After it receives a brand, this information will show on the vehicle title permanently.
Such vehicles are normally sold at a lower price but have a higher risk. Research and inspection of such vehicles before purchasing is very important. So, what exactly does this mean, and should you buy a car that has been branded such a title? Let’s get into the details.
What Does Branded Title Mean?
A branded title just tells that a vehicle is damaged considerably or has some history of something that will, in some way, shape, or form, bring down its value. That kind of history is documented by the DMV, and it is really crucial for the buyers to know about it.
Types of Branded Titles
There could be several types of damage, each signifying some form of issue or a type of damage the vehicle has sustained.
1. Clean Title
A clean title indicates that a vehicle has no previous substantial damage history and was not involved in big accidents or problems. It simply ensures that the buyers will not have the car branded for any defect.
2. Lemon Car Title
This name is accorded to cars with recurring flaws that could not be fixed even after multiple attempts. Such cars tend to develop mechanical problems that touch on safety, worth, and performance.
3. Salvage Title
A salvage title is issued to vehicles that an insurance company has determined to be a total loss due to extensive damage caused by accidents, flooding, or other types of damage. In the case where they pass several inspections, such cars can be repaired and given rebuilt titles.
4. Water Damage Title
The title is issued for vehicles with substantial damage caused by water, mostly due to flooding. Such vehicles may have massive electrical and mechanical problems, and buying them may involve certain risks.
5. Hail Damage Title
A hail damage title is issued to vehicles that have undergone severe hail storm damage. Most of the damage could be cosmetic, but it doesn’t discount the fact that it can further bring down the overall value of the car, not to mention its structural integrity.
6. Odometer Rollback Title
This title indicates that the vehicle’s odometer was rolled back to indicate mileage lower than what it has. This type of scam makes the buyer think that the car has less wear and tear than it does.
7. Altered Odometer
An altered odometer title is almost similar to the odometer rollback title, whereby it indicates that the vehicle’s odometer was tampered with, hence its actual mileage cannot be verified.
8. Fire Damage Title
The “fire damage title” is given to a vehicle which has fire damage that could weaken its structure and safety features. Repairs can be costly and may not restore the car to its original state.
9. Vandalism Title
This title is given to those vehicles that have vast destruction due to vandalism. The vehicle reveals to the shows how the car has been intentionally destroyed. The price of the repair can differ largely based on the amount of damage.
10. Rebuilt Title
The rebuilt title is given to any vehicle that had one of the titles mentioned before it; once after repair, it goes through a phase of state-required inspections, which it passes, and one gets the title back when it is now again roadworthy. Such cars will unquestionably be lower in price, but careful evaluation is needed.
11. Title Original/Clear
Also known as a clean title, this means the fact that the vehicle has not had significant destruction in the past or title branding. It is the title that the buyers should be seeking in the market.
12. What is Title Washing?
Title washing is an illegal practice whereby the branded title that is given to a particular vehicle is eradicated by moving the vehicle to a different state with different laws. This will make the vehicle have a different look since it will look like the vehicle has a clean title.
What Is the Difference Between a Branded-Title and Salvage Title?
A salvage title is a branded-title. All salvage titles are branded but not all branded-titles are salvage. Other branded-titles include Lemon, Water Damage, and more.
Be Careful of Buying a Used Car With a Branded Title
Be super careful, therefore, to assess it in and out, since such cars can have problems you do not see from the face of them.
What are the Benefits of Buying a Certified Branded-Title Vehicle from AutoSavvy?
AutoSavvy is dedicated to branded title vehicles with complete inspections and repairs made on them before being released to the market. Their certification gives a buyer a little bit more faith in the reliability of the vehicle. Compared to non-branded title vehicles, AutoSavvy can save the buyer staggering amounts in costs, therefore making it a really attractive option for buyers with a keen eye on the budget.
Additionally, AutoSavvy provides fully detailed vehicle history reports for transparency on the car’s past maintenance and service. They have experience in dealing with branded titles, and they know how to effectively bring these vehicles back to a safe and reliable condition.
Pros:
- Cost Savings:
Branded title cars are much cheaper compared to those with a clean title.
- Thorough Inspection:
Each vehicle is handled to a fully comprehensive inspection and necessary repairs at AutoSavvy, thus increasing their dependability and safety for the user.
- Transparency:
A full vehicle history report is given to the buyer, itemizing the extent of the damage incurred previously and what was done to salvage the car into a novel state again.
- Experience:
Dealing with branded titles at AutoSavvy is nothing less than extensive exposure through proper restoration of such vehicles.
- Warranty Options:
Most of the certified branded-title vehicles come with some type of warranty, hence offering the buyers some peace of mind.
Cons:
- Resale Value:
Resale will be affected in the future as branded title vehicles usually have lower resale values than those with clean titles.
- Higher Insurance Premiums:
Some insurance companies will not even consider a vehicle with a branded title, and some others may raise the premiums drastically.
- Hidden Problems:
With detailed inspections, there is still a risk that hidden problems might not be identified.
- Harder to Finance:
Financing for a vehicle with a branded title can be far more challenging since fewer lenders will agree to provide financing.
- Public Perception:
Huge stigmas are attached to branded-title vehicles; as such, this may turn off quite a several buyers.
FAQs:
Can You Remove a Branded Title?
No, it stays with the vehicle for life. While you can repair and even rebuild the car, the branded-title remains.
How to Know If a Vehicle Has a Branded-Title?
You can obtain a car’s title history through services like Carfax or AutoCheck, for example. These reports will disclose any branded-title designations.
Should You Buy a Car with a Branded-Title?
Buying cars with branded titles is a very risky business. This can be cheap, but do not close your eyes to some probable hidden flaws. Always have such a car pass through an inspection with a mechanic you can trust.
How to Avoid Buying a Vehicle with a Branded Title
- Check the title history using reliable services.
- Ask for a detailed vehicle inspection report.
- Be careful of deals that seem very good to be true.
Is a Branded-Title Worth Buying?
It really depends upon your tolerance for risk and the exact type. Some can be one heck of a deal if the damage is strictly cosmetic and properly repaired.
Does a Branded Title Affect Insurance?
Yes, insurance companies will likely charge higher premiums on vehicles with branded-titles or provide them with less coverage.
What Does a Branded-Title Look Like?
It will come with some kind of definite labeling or marking regarding the type of branding that is present, like ‘Salvage’ or ‘Flood Damage’.
Conclusion:
Thousands of dollars can be saved by buying a certified, branded title vehicle from AutoSavvy. Their rigorous inspection and reconditioning process guarantees reliability. You get transparency, expertise, and warranty options.
Some of the drawbacks include lower resale value, insurance problems, and hidden problems. Always research and understand the ramifications of a branded title. When careful consideration is used, many buyers will find that a branded-title vehicle from AutoSavvy can be very smart and economical.