Car Totaled: Questions About Title Handling
I recently had my car totaled, which has been fully paid off for years. Unfortunately, I never got around to updating the title to remove the lienholder.
Now, I find myself in a bit of a tricky situation: my car is physically located in Washington state, registered there, but the title is from a different state. I do have the title and the lien release letter in my possession.
The insurance company has chosen Copart to manage the salvage process, and they’ve sent me paperwork to complete regarding the title. This includes a Washington state DOL form for a power of attorney for the vehicle, along with prepaid mailers for returning the documents. Since I’m currently traveling, I haven’t been able to dive into this too deeply yet.
I know that the most reliable information will come directly from Copart or the insurance company, but I wanted to tap into the collective wisdom of this community to get a sense of what I might be facing as I navigate this process.
Do I need to address the title issue now, or can Copart and the insurance company handle it on my behalf? Just trying to gauge how much responsibility I still have in this situation. Thanks in advance!
It sounds like you’re dealing with a complex situation, but you’re on the right track by reaching out for insights. Given your circumstances, here’s a breakdown of what you might need to consider:
Lien Removal: Since you have a lien release letter, you may need to take steps to have the title officially updated to reflect that there is no longer a lien. This might involve submitting the lien release to the department of motor vehicles (DMV) in the state where the title was issued. This could be a crucial step because without this, the title isn’t clean, which may complicate the salvage process.
Title Transfer Process: Copart and your insurance company typically handle the title transfer for totaled vehicles, particularly when it comes to salvage operations. However, they may need your involvement, especially if the title is in another state. Confirming this process with them is essential.
Power of Attorney (POA): The Washington state DOL form for power of attorney is an important document that allows Copart to act on your behalf regarding the title and other matters. Make sure to fill that out accurately and return it promptly using the prepaid mailers they provided.
Communication: Stay in close touch with both the insurance company and Copart. Provide them with any necessary paperwork, including your lien release, and ask them what specific steps you need to complete. They may have their own requirements based on the state of your title and the specific processes they follow.
Time Constraints: Since you are currently traveling, prioritize these documents and communications when you’re able, as delays could impact the settlement process for your totaled vehicle.
Overall, while Copart and the insurance should be able to assist you in handling the title, it’s best to take proactive steps to ensure everything is in order. It may take some extra work on your part, but clearing the title issue now will likely save you headaches down the line. Good luck!