When shopping for a used car, it’s important to research the vehicle’s history and title status before making a purchase. Specifically, you’ll want to find out if the car has a rebuilt title. Here is a guide on what a rebuilt title means and how to check if the car has one.

What is a Rebuilt Title?

A rebuilt title indicates that the car was once declared a total loss by an insurance company, generally due to an accident, flood damage, or other event. The vehicle was later repaired and rebuilt to make it roadworthy again. After passing inspection, the jurisdiction that issues titles will change the title from “salvage” status to “rebuilt”. 

Why Check for a Rebuilt Title?

Even with repairs, underlying safety and mechanical issues remain. And those issues can negatively impact handling, lifespan, and insurance rates. Moreover, the original manufacturer’s warranty is typically voided on rebuilt title vehicles, so the future repair costs would come out of your pockets. To make an informed purchase decision, it’s essential to do a car title search.

How to Check If a Car Has a Clean Title?

Here we introduce two methods:

Method 1: Search Government Records

When it comes to checking title status, one straightforward way is to contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Provide them with the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which can be found on the dashboard on the driver’s side and is visible from the outside through the windshield.

For a small fee, the DMV can search official records and tell you if the car has a rebuilt title.

Method 2: Obtain a Vehicle History Report

Before purchasing a vehicle, it’s recommended to get a vehicle history report using the VIN or license plate.  Sometimes a small amount of money can save you trouble and give you peace of mind.

Generally, a detailed vehicle history report can include the following information:

Bumper Car Title Search

As an approved NMVTIS Data Provider, Bumper.com is a trusted service to run vehicle searches and obtain vehicle history reports when available. What sets it apart from others like Carfax is that it’s affordable, without compromising on accuracy. 

By running searches using a VIN or license plate, you can access a wealth of information, which helps you make an informed decision. Here’s how you can use Bumper.com to check if a car you’re buying has a rebuilt title:

1. Visit Bumper’s Vehicle Search page.

2. Enter the VIN number into the search box and click SEARCH.

3. Now Bumper will compile data from multiple reliable sources, including government databases and insurance records. When available, you’ll receive a report that allows you to dig deep into the vehicle’s history.

Should you need any assistance while using Bumper, do not hesitate to reach out to their support team:

Tel: +1-332-225-9745
Email: support@bumper.com

Final Thoughts

Finding out whether the car you’re buying has a rebuilt title is necessary, and a vehicle history report can help. However, you’ll still need to have a trusted mechanic to inspect the vehicle before deciding to purchase it. They can check for any inadequate repair work or lingering issues associated with the vehicle.