Figuring Out Whether or Not a Used Car Has Been Wrecked

While you can save tons of money purchasing a used car, it's still a scary proposition. Every year we hear stories about people purchasing used cars that have actually been in major collisions. To be honest, it's easy for auto rebuilders to fix these vehicles up and put them back into the circulation. Unfortunately, we're the ones that have to deal with the long term issues.

If you want to look at it on a financial standpoint, the cost to fix it is greater than its value. If this happens then the insurance company will consider it a total loss. If this happens to you, the amount paid will be equal to the value of the car before the accident. Once this transaction takes place, the car is sold at a salvage auction. Then again, you can keep the totaled vehicle. Whatever the case may be, these get fixed, and then are sold for full market value.

Even if a car looks new and well kept, you might be surprised to learn that it may have sustained major damage. The title to a vehicle will not always reflect this fact. Here are some things that you can do to keep yourself from being taken for a ride when it comes to buying a used car:

1. Check the title of the vehicle. Not every salvaged vehicle will have a notation on the title; in some cases band-aid repairs are done on the sly without a report being issued. But the title is the first place to check. If you see phrases like "scrap," "parts only," "unsalvageable," or "un-rebuildable" then you are dealing with a vehicle that's been involved in a major accident.

You can check the vehicle's title by utilizing the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). This database lets you enter a VIN number to instantaneously check the title and odometer reading of an automobile and find out whether it was ever declared a total loss or reported stolen. This government service is available in most states, and more states are continually adding this service. You can visit the NMVTIS website at nmvtis.gov.

Inspect the Vehicle- This is extremely important, and it shouldn't be someone you know. Have a person that is certified in collision repair take on this task for you. They'll be able to give you the telltale signs that could involve a faulty vehicle.

Just Ask- One of the best things you can do is ask the seller if it's been in an accident. Obviously the seller could lie to you, but their reactions will tell you everything. If by chance they are truthful and tell you upfront, then it's important to find out what kind of damage the vehicle has had when it was in an accident.

Get a History Report- Anytime anyone purchases a vehicle, they should get a Carfax or AutoCheck report. They will offer all the red flags that dig into a vehicle's past. However, just because a report is clean doesn't necessarily mean it hasn't been wrecked. In the end, not all problems are reported to the state licensing agencies.

Just make sure you're as thorough as possible when researching a vehicle. All the tips we've given you today should help you get an inside look at the history behind the car you're interested in buying. In order to keep yourself safe, document all your research and conversations you have along the way. If there are any issues you'll already be able to present a case if it goes to court.

In 25 years as a Utah personal injury attorney Rex Bush has successfully handled over one thousand cases, his largest settlement to date is 3.25 million dollars. Visit his Utah Personal Injury Lawyers website.