• Confirms Legal Status: The motor vehicle theft rate in the state has historically been high. In 2018 alone it was 252.63 motor vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. By running a Nebraska vehicle title search before you commit to a purchase, you may be able to identify signs that the vehicle is being misrepresented or may have some ownership-related ambiguities that can make the legal transfer of ownership nearly impossible. This process may help prevent you from buying possibly a stolen vehicle and becoming a victim of auto theft-related crime.
• Detects Outstanding Liens: In November of 2010 Nebraska switched to an electronic title and lien (ELT) system, meaning many liens are no longer on paper as title records are stored electronically. This is the reason why it is so crucial to conduct a full title search prior to buying or selling a vehicle. A title search may reveal any outstanding liens or unpaid loans attached to the vehicle. Buying a car with a lien could make you financially responsible for someone else’s debt.
• Identifies Branded Salvage or Rebuilt Titles: The state law requires a salvage-branded title when a vehicle is declared a total loss by an insurer, but it doesn’t require continuous public reporting of salvage-title registrations. This is where the Nebraska title check comes in; whether the vehicle has been declared salvage, rebuilt, junk, or flood-damaged, it is possible to see the full total loss and title brand history with one simple search. The reason why it is vital to identify vehicles with a salvage or any other total loss history is mainly due to the fact that some of these vehicles may be undervalued on the surface but carry hidden structural damage such as a bad frame, poor repair quality, as well as a slew of other potential issues.
• Prevents Fraud and Scams: While most title and VIN related fraud can be considered a Class IV felony, the state has experienced a rise in this type of crime in recent years. By verifying VIN details and title status through an NE car title search, you may be able to avoid some of the common risks that come with buying a preowned car in Nebraska, especially from a private seller.
• Reveals Accident and Damage History: There are roughly around 20,000 car crashes reported in the state of Nebraska annually. While the title itself may not display full accident details, combining the search with a vehicle history report in Nebraska, you may be able to identify a wealth of information related to prior crashes, including airbag deployment, structural damage, and other insurance-reported damage related details.
• Ensures Accurate Odometer Readings: In January of 2024 Romanian men were sentenced for acquiring high-mileage cars from outside the state in order to roll back the mileage and sell those same vehicles for increased prices. This was just one case that has cost victims of this type of fraud over $10,000. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that odometer fraud costs used car buyers over a billion dollars annually. You can prevent falling victim to this crime by doing a title search and analyzing the reported mileage history along with any alerts related to potential odometer rollbacks or manipulation.
• Provides Transparency in the Buying Process: A thorough car title search in Nebraska process gives buyers a complete picture of the vehicle’s history, reducing uncertainty and increasing confidence in the purchase.
• Avoids Future Legal or Financial Problems: Identifying issues early prevents unexpected costs, legal complications or difficulty transferring the title after the sale.
• Supports Smart Purchasing Decisions: With all historical data visible, buyers can better assess the true value of the vehicle and negotiate a fair price based on its condition and past records.