Total Loss / Copart Owner Retained Title Issue
My car was declared a total loss, and my insurance agency hired Copart to manage the title paperwork for an owner retained title. I filled out the Power of Attorney and other necessary forms, and sent in my title as per Copart’s instructions, expecting them to manage the remaining paperwork.
I recently received the salvage title and noticed that the odometer reading displayed on the title reflects my car’s mileage from 2018, rather than the most recent mileage from 2025. This information was correctly listed on the salvage title application that I submitted.
After contacting the DMV, I learned that because the application submitted by Copart did not include a dated odometer reading, they used historical mileage from the date of sale in 2018. The DMV informed me that this can be easily rectified by reapplying for a new salvage title, ensuring that I properly fill out the application and provide a current date for the odometer reading.
I called Copart to notify them of the error and requested a corrected salvage title. However, after speaking with three different representatives, I was met with a range of responses, from “this won’t affect your re-titling process” to “we can only correct it if you sign an odometer discrepancy for your vehicle.” I believe I shouldn’t have to sign an odometer discrepancy since the mileage from 2018 is accurate, but it doesn’t reflect the most current reading. 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 error uncorrected could create complications when I apply for a rebuilt title in my current state, especially with an out-of-state salvage title listing outdated mileage.
I would appreciate any advice on how to proceed. Thank you!
It sounds like you’re dealing with a frustrating situation, and your concerns about the inaccuracies on your salvage title are totally valid. It’s crucial for the paperwork to reflect the most current odometer reading, especially when it comes time to apply for a rebuilt title. Here are a few steps you might consider taking:
Document Everything: Keep records of all your communications with Copart, including the names of the representatives you spoke to, the dates of the conversations, and the content of those discussions. This documentation can be useful if you need to escalate the issue.
Escalate the Issue: If you’re not getting satisfactory responses from the initial customer service agents, ask to speak with a supervisor or a higher-level representative. They might have more authority to address your situation.
Request a Formal Correction: Clearly state that since the mistake originated from Copart’s submission to the DMV, they should be responsible for correcting it. Make sure to express the potential implications this could have for you when applying for a rebuilt title.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Since your insurance contracted Copart for this process, reach out to them to explain the situation. They may be able to intervene on your behalf or provide guidance on how to effectively resolve the issue.
Follow Up with the DMV: It might also be helpful to keep the DMV in the loop about the situation and ask for guidance. Since they already informed you about the correction process, they might offer additional advice or be able to expedite it once the correction is initiated by Copart.
Consider Legal Advice: If all else fails and you believe that Copart is not taking responsibility for their error, it could be worth consulting with a legal expert who specializes in automotive or consumer issues to understand your options.
You’re not being unreasonable to expect accurate paperwork from a company that was contracted to handle it. Persistence is key in situations like this. Best of luck, and I hope this gets resolved quickly!