Total Loss / Copart Owner Retained Title Issues
My car was declared a total loss, and my insurance enlisted Copart to manage the title paperwork for an owner-retained title. I completed the Power of Attorney and other forms, then mailed my title to Copart as directed, expecting them to handle the rest.
Recently, I received the salvage title and was surprised to find that the odometer reading reflects my car’s mileage from 2018 instead of the current mileage from 2025, which I had accurately provided on the salvage title application.
I contacted the DMV that issued the title, and they explained that because Copart submitted an application without a recent odometer reading, they defaulted to a historical mileage from the date of sale in 2018. They advised me that this is an easy fix: I can reapply for a new salvage title and ensure the odometer information is correctly dated on the application.
I called Copart to report the error and request a corrected salvage title. I spoke with three different representatives who told me essentially “no,” with conflicting responses ranging from “don’t worry, this won’t affect your re-titling” to “we can fix this only if you agree to sign for an odometer discrepancy.” I believe I shouldn’t have to sign for an odometer discrepancy, as the 2018 mileage is accurate, just not the most recent.
Since the title fees were included in my insurance settlement, I feel it is Copart’s responsibility to address their mistake. Am I being unreasonable in seeking a correction?
I’m concerned that leaving this issue unaddressed could lead to complications down the line when I apply for a rebuilt title in my current state since the out-of-state salvage title contains outdated odometer information.
I would appreciate any advice—thank you!
It sounds like you’re in a frustrating situation, and your concerns about the potential impact of the incorrect odometer reading on your title are valid. Here are some steps you might consider taking to resolve this issue:
Document Everything: Keep a record of all your communications with Copart, including dates, names of the representatives you spoke to, and summaries of what was discussed. Documentation will be useful if you need to escalate the issue.
Request Confirmation in Writing: Ask Copart for a written explanation of their statement that they cannot correct the title without your agreement to an odometer discrepancy. Having something in writing may help you understand their position better and provide you more leverage if you need to escalate.
Follow the DMV’s Guidance: Since the DMV mentioned that this can be corrected by reapplying for a salvage title with accurate odometer information, follow that path. Ensure that you fill out the application completely, as this is crucial for correcting the error.
Escalate with Copart: If you encounter resistance from the initial representatives, try to escalate the issue to a supervisor or manager. Be clear about your situation and the potential implications of leaving the odometer information incorrect.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Let your insurance company know about the situation and see if they have any leverage or resources to assist you in getting this resolved with Copart, especially since they contracted Copart to handle the paperwork.
Research Local Laws: Depending on your local laws regarding salvage titles and the sale of vehicles, you may have additional rights or options for recourse.
Consider Legal Advice: If you continue having difficulty getting a resolution, it may be beneficial to consult with a legal professional who specializes in auto titles or consumer rights to understand your options further.
Ultimately, it’s not unreasonable to seek a correction; accurate information on your title is important to avoid complications in the future. Good luck, and I hope you get this resolved quickly!