Learn About Title Brands
What is a Title Brand?
Title brands tell potential customers whether a used vehicle has sustained damage or might be potentially unsafe to drive. Note that if a vehicle's title has been "branded," it is an official designation made by a state agency and should appear on the vehicle's title paperwork. Neither individuals nor private companies can brand titles.
While title brands vary by state, some of the most common ones include:
- Salvage
- Junk
- Totaled
- Lemon
- Flood
- Reconstructed
Not only do different states have their own specific set of title brands, but what might be considered a salvage title in one state may have a slightly different definition in another state. If you have questions about what title brands are used in your state, we recommend contacting your state's department of motor vehicles.
An AutoCheck vehicle history report is a valuable tool when trying to figure out whether a vehicle you want to purchase has a branded title. Within the report, you will be notified of any records that AutoCheck has in its database on whether or not a branded title has been issued on a specific vehicle.
Learn more about specific title brands below:
Title Brands: Odometer Rollback
Has the odometer been tampered with? Learn about ways to detect whether or not the odometer has been rolled back.
Title Brands: Lemon
Everyone uses the term "lemon car," but it has a very specific meaning when referring to title brands.
Title Brands: Salvage
Learn how a salvaged vehicle might turn up clean in another state (and how to avoid it).
Title Brands: Water Damage
How do you check if a vehicle has been damaged in a flood?