Title Issues After My Car Was Totaled
I recently had my car totaled. It’s been paid off for years, but out of procrastination, I never updated the title to remove the lienholder.
Now I find myself in a tricky situation: the car is in Washington state, registered there, but titled in a different state. I have the title and the lien release letter.
The insurance company has chosen Copart to manage the salvage process, and they’ve sent me some paperwork, including a Washington state DOL form for power of attorney and prepaid mailers for returning documents. However, I’m currently traveling, so I haven’t had a chance to dive into it yet.
I know the best information will come directly from Copart or the insurance company, but I’m looking to gather some insights from you all while I’m on the move.
Do I need to take action regarding the title now, as I should have done before, or can Copart and the insurance company handle this for me? I’m just trying to gauge how much effort I still need to invest in this process. Thanks for your help!
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a tricky situation, but you’re definitely on the right track by reaching out for information. Here are some steps you can take and things to consider:
Contact your insurance company: Since they have chosen Copart to handle the salvage process, they should be your first point of contact. They can clarify how the title transfer will work, especially regarding the lien release and the fact that it’s titled in a different state.
Use the power of attorney: The paperwork you received from Copart likely includes a power of attorney form that allows them to handle the title transfer on your behalf. Complete this form carefully—it will enable Copart to process the title without you needing to handle everything personally.
Title issues: Since you have the letter releasing the lien, you may not need to go through the process of having the title reissued in your current state. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the title is clear and the lien release is properly documented. Check with both Copart and your insurance to confirm they are satisfied with the documents you have.
Follow the instructions from Copart: Make sure to fill out any required forms accurately, and send all necessary documentation back to them using the prepaid mailers they provided. Copart should have experience handling situations like yours, so they’ll guide you through the process.
Ask about the timeline: Since you are traveling, it’s also worth asking about the timeline for the process. If there are any delays due to your availability, Copart or your insurance might be able to accommodate your situation.
Document everything: Keep copies of all correspondence, forms, and any other paperwork related to this process. This can help you resolve any issues that may arise later on.
Ultimately, while it sounds like you have a few things to handle, Copart and your insurance should be able to take care of most of it for you. Just stay in communication with them and provide any requested information when you’re able to. Safe travels!