Title Issues with My Salvage Vehicle from Copart
My car was declared a total loss, and my insurance company contracted Copart to manage the title paperwork for an owner-retained title. I completed the Power of Attorney and other necessary forms and mailed in my title as instructed, believing Copart would handle everything else.
Recently, I received my salvage title and noticed that the odometer reading reflects my car’s mileage from 2018, rather than the most recent mileage from 2025, which I had correctly provided on the salvage title application I submitted.
After contacting the DMV, I learned that Copart’s submission for the salvage title included an outdated odometer reading, prompting them to use the historical reading from when the vehicle was sold in 2018. They informed me that this could be easily rectified by reapplying for a salvage title, ensuring that the new application is fully completed, including the date for the odometer reading as required.
I reached out to Copart to report the error and request a corrected salvage title. Unfortunately, after speaking with three different representatives, the responses were all over the place. I was told everything from “It’s not a big deal; this won’t affect your retitling process” to “We can only fix this if you agree to sign an odometer discrepancy for your vehicle.” I don’t believe I should have to sign off on an odometer discrepancy since the historical mileage is indeed correct; it’s simply not the most current information. Given that the title fees were part of my insurance settlement, I feel it’s Copart’s responsibility to fix their mistake. Am I being unreasonable?
I’m worried that leaving this issue unaddressed could lead to complications when I apply for a rebuilt title in my state, especially with this out-of-state salvage title that has an outdated odometer reading.
I would appreciate any advice on how to proceed. Thank you!
It sounds like you’re dealing with a frustrating situation, and your concerns are completely valid. Here are a few steps you can take to address this issue:
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all your communications with Copart and the DMV. Note the names of the representatives you spoke with, the dates and times of your calls, and the content of your discussions. This documentation can be helpful if you need to escalate the matter.
Request a Supervisor: If you haven’t already, ask to speak to a supervisor at Copart. They may have more authority to address the issue or provide you with a clearer resolution.
Written Communication: Follow up your phone calls with an email or a written letter that summarizes your conversation and expresses your concerns. Be clear about the specific error and the potential implications for your vehicle’s title status.
Escalate if Necessary: If Copart continues to deny your request, you may want to escalate the issue further. This could involve contacting your insurance company to explain the situation, as they contracted Copart and may have some influence. Additionally, you could reach out to the state’s insurance commissioner or consumer protection agency.
Follow DMV Guidance: Since the DMV informed you that reapplying with updated odometer information is a simple process, you may want to consider that route as a backup plan. Make sure to get all necessary forms filled out correctly, and provide any supporting documentation they might need.
Consider Legal Advice: If you believe that this issue may cause you significant problems in the future, it might be worth consulting a lawyer who specializes in automotive or title law. They can provide you with advice specific to your situation and locality.
Future Precautions: Once this is resolved, ensure that you keep abreast of all paperwork regarding your vehicle’s title and any future transactions. This can help prevent similar issues from arising down the line.
Remember, you’re not being unreasonable for wanting a correct title. It’s essential that all vehicle records accurately reflect the current status of your vehicle to prevent complications in the future. Good luck, and I hope you get this resolved quickly!