Car Titles

What Is a Vehicle's Certificate of Origin (MSO/MCO) and why is it needed?

What Is a Vehicle's Certificate of Origin (MSO/MCO) and why is it needed?

Both phrases refer to the same document, one which carries information about the automobile’s production like its country of origin. Most times, the MSO/MCO looks just like a Certificate of Title and includes the manufacturer, vehicle identification number and the year of manufacture.

How to Buy a Car on Bring a Trailer | Dirt Legal

How to Buy a Car on Bring a Trailer | Dirt Legal

When you make your first bid, 5% of that amount will be held on your card with a minimum of $250. If you win the auction, it goes toward your fees. If you don’t win the auction, they release those funds back to you. As with any refund, it could take a few days before you see that money back.

Flood-Damaged Cars: Warning Signs and Problems Within

Flood-Damaged Cars: Warning Signs and Problems Within

Everything might seem to work great, but critical safety systems like ABS, traction control, lane assist, and airbag deployment could still be compromised. You may only find out there’s something wrong after the problem has already caused an accident.

Mechanic's Liens: Their Legal Power and How to Escape Them

Mechanic's Liens: Their Legal Power and How to Escape Them

Unfortunately, the shop has the legal right to keep your car until the charges are paid for. No matter what your reason is for not settling the bill, you might be facing a mechanic’s lien against your vehicle if you don’t pay the mechanic.

Vehicle Surety Bonds 101: How They Work and All the Risks

Vehicle Surety Bonds 101: How They Work and All the Risks

While some surety bonds are based on your credit, a lost title surety bond is based strictly on the value of your vehicle. Most states require your bond value to be 1.5 to 2 times the vehicle’s value as determined by the DMV. You will only be required to pay this if someone else makes a successful claim against your bond.

Here’s How to Protect Yourself From the Minnesota Title Loophole

Here’s How to Protect Yourself From the Minnesota Title Loophole

Taking that one step further, people can bring salvage vehicles into Minnesota and be issued a clean title in return. Scarier than that is the fact that this also applies to flooded cars and cars sold at auction. Any car that fits the criteria gets a clean title regardless of damage!

What is a Vehicle Lienholder? How Does a Car Loan Affect a Car Title?

What is a Vehicle Lienholder? How Does a Car Loan Affect a Car Title?

A lienholder is the lender that owns your car or other property. Basically, they have the legal claim to your property because they gave you the money to buy it – until then, it’s theirs.

What Does It Mean When a Car Is Advertised as Parts Only?

What Does It Mean When a Car Is Advertised as Parts Only?

If you see a car advertised as “parts only” it’s likely the seller doesn’t think it can be repaired. This is very different from a car with a junk title that cannot legally be driven ever again. Ask the seller to specify what they mean by “parts only.”

Bonded Car Titles: What Are They? Is This the Right Option?

Bonded Car Titles: What Are They? Is This the Right Option?

Technically, a bonded title is considered to be a provisional document. Some states allow the bonded title to be challenged up to several years after the issue date, so if there is any chance you don’t own the vehicle outright, you need to know how long that window is in your state.

Car Titles 101: History, Types, Statuses, and Brands

Car Titles 101: History, Types, Statuses, and Brands

Learn all about the types of car titles, title statuses, and title brands in this comprehensive guide to car titles.

The Truth Behind the 25 Year Import Rule May Surprise You

The Truth Behind the 25 Year Import Rule May Surprise You

On the surface, this law sounds understandable. Except contrary to popular belief, the 25 Year Rule has never been about your safety.

Yes, It Is Possible to Get Out of a Car Title Loan. Here's How.

Yes, It Is Possible to Get Out of a Car Title Loan. Here's How.

Even if you play by the rules and make your payments on-time, some shady title loan businesses will hit you with hidden fees, penalties, or high interest rates.

The Show and Display Rule: Which Cars Qualify and Which Cars Don’t

The Show and Display Rule: Which Cars Qualify and Which Cars Don’t

If a car qualifies for the Show and Display Rule, it may be granted limited use on public roads of up to 2,500 miles per year. The NTHSA reserves the right to approve importation but disallow the car from being registered.