Owning a vehicle is a big responsibility, and it comes with the necessary paperwork to prove you are the owner. One of the basic aspects of car ownership is having a title. Learning a little more about what they help you when it comes time to purchase a vehicle. Here at Leachman Buick GMC, we break down what every driver should know when it comes to a car title.

A car title essentially proves that you are indeed the owner of the vehicle. If you decide to finance a vehicle, the title is held by your lender until the car is paid for in full. Once you have a title in hand, it should always be kept in a safe area of your home, such as a safe or wherever you keep important documents.

Depending on the state you live in, the information on a title can vary slightly. However, here are the typical details you'll find on a car title.

• Vehicle Identification Number- Referred to as VIN for short, the vehicle identification number is an exact way to identify the vehicle you're driving. It is found on the lower lefthand side of the windshield, where it meets with the dashboard.

• Information About Your Car- The title will also provide details about the car's year, make, and model. It will also include the license plate information.

• Mileage- The odometer reading should show what is on the title itself, which is useful for buying a used car.

• Lienholder- As previously stated, many buyers will have a loan when they purchase a car, so a lender is included until the balance is paid off.

What Are The Different Types Of Car Titles?

A car title gets branded with a name depending on the type of history it had. Typically, car titles can be classified into four different categories, as listed below.

1. Clean- A vehicle with a clean title has never had significant damage or was considered a total loss. Those buying used vehicles should consider this status when they are shopping around.

2. Clear- "Clean" and "clear" titles are often confused, but the latter means the vehicle is free from any liens. It confirms who the owner of the vehicle is. Any other authority for ownership can't challenge it.

3. Salvage: Once a vehicle has lost 75 percent of its original value, it's considered a salvage title. Some scenarios that could cause this situation would be a major accident, theft, or significant repairs. Drivers should assume the risk of driving a car with this status attached to it.

4. Rebuilt or Reconstructed Title: Once a vehicle has the salvage title, a rebuilt or reconstructed title can be given once necessary repairs have been made. However, these types of vehicles typically need additional repairs beyond the fixes that have already been made.

A car title is an essential document as long as you own a vehicle. Although state rules differ, typically, you'll need to provide certain documents to the state transportation authority to get an authentic title. Understanding the process is essential, especially if you plan on selling a used vehicle to a private party. In this case, you'll need to transfer the title to the new owner.

Here are the important points to remember about a car title.

• It is an essential document that proves you are the owner of a vehicle.

• Titles get "branded" titles depending on their current condition or status.

• Selling to an independent seller will require a title to be transferred in their name

• Financing a vehicle will have the title in the lender's name until the loan is paid in full

• Stow your title in a safe location to avoid paying a fee or a misplaced/lost one.

There's a lot to understand when it comes time to buy a car, but you don't have to worry when you work with Leachman Buick GMC. Our team of experts handles all aspects of the process, including answering questions about titles, financing, and much more. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us today.