When it comes to investing in a collector car, the history of the vehicle is as crucial as its aesthetic appeal or mechanical condition. A clean vehicle history not only ensures the authenticity and integrity of the car but also significantly impacts its value. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to verify a clean vehicle history, ensuring your investment is sound and your collector car is everything you expect it to be.

Understanding What a Car Title Looks Like

Understanding the meaning of a clean title begins with knowing what you will find on every title. A car title will always include important information about the vehicle, such as:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): The Vehicle Identification Number is a 17-character code that uniquely identifies the vehicle. It’s crucial for verifying the vehicle’s history and authenticity.
• Year, Make, Model: This section details the vehicle’s year of manufacture, the make (brand), and the model.
• Odometer Reading: Recorded at the time of the last sale, it indicates the vehicle’s mileage, which is essential for assessing its condition and value.
• Owner’s Name and Address: This area shows the legal owner’s name and address. In the case of collector cars, this is often an individual or a specialized collector entity.
• License Plate Number: While it varies from state to state, some titles will feature the vehicle’s license plate number. In certain states, like California, this inclusion is mandatory.
• Lienholder Information: This is where any loans or leases will be disclosed. If the title shows a loan or lease, ensure the seller pays it off and gets lien release proof from their lender or lessor before you buy.
• Clean or Title Branding: This includes any declarations like ‘clean’, ‘salvage’, ‘water damaged’, or ‘rebuilt’, indicating significant past damage or conditions affecting the vehicle’s value and legality. What makes for a clean title? Keep reading for more.

Understanding the Importance of a Clean Vehicle History

A clean vehicle history indicates that the car has not been involved in major accidents, hasn’t suffered significant damage, and is free from any legal encumbrances like liens or theft records. For collector cars, this is particularly important as any negative history can greatly diminish the vehicle’s value and desirability.

Insurance Benefits from a Clean Title

Insurance companies often view clean-titled vehicles as lower-risk investments, which can translate into more favorable insurance premiums for the owner. The clarity and transparency of a clean vehicle history can simplify the insurance underwriting process. This can make it easier for car owners to acquire comprehensive coverage options, including agreed value policies that are particularly beneficial for collector cars. In essence, a clean title not only secures your investment but also makes insuring your prized possession more straightforward and potentially cost-effective. Looking for a trusted insurance provider for your collector car? Learn more about our partner, Hagerty.

Verifying a clean vehicle history is an important part of purchasing a collector car. Plus, ‘clean’ is the only condition in which Woodside Credit will finance. We pride ourselves on getting our clients behind of collector cars that will last them many miles on the road ahead. By diligently following these steps, you can ensure that your investment is not only a source of pride and enjoyment but also a secure and valuable addition to your collection.

Do you have a clean title, and are ready to finance your vehicle? Do so with the Lowest Payments in America. Get a Quick Quote to see just how low your payments could be.