• Help Avoid Falling Victim to Fraud: South Dakota has around 82 reported vehicle thefts for every 10,000 residents. Some of these vehicles may be offered for sale with forged documents. To ensure that you do not fall victim to this type of fraud, it is vital to check the vehicle’s VIN number as displayed on the vehicle itself and to always compare it with the documents provided by the seller. 
• Reveals Outstanding Liens: It is estimated that a significant percentage of the vehicles registered in the state of South Dakota have undischarged liens. A title check can help identify if a bank, lender, or other liens are on the vehicle. Buying a vehicle with an existing lien, unwittingly or otherwise, can create a slew of legal issues and even obligate the buyer to repay the debt incurred by the previous owner.  
• Identifies Title Brands and Damage History: There are thousands of vehicle crashes reported in South Dakota every year. The majority of the vehicles involved in these loss events will eventually make their way to the used car market. A simple VIN check can show whether the vehicle has ever been involved in an accident or branded title as salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood-damaged or lemon law–repurchased. These loss events can significantly affect the vehicle’s safety, reliability, and resale value.
• Protects Against Odometer Fraud: Mileage rollback is a serious problem that affects thousands of South Dakota residents annually. Consumers that unknowingly purchase a vehicle with rolled-back odometers lose an average of around $4000 in value and experience higher ownership costs throughout the length of ownership. Title records may include odometer readings from past inspections, events and transactions. A title search can identify mileage inconsistencies, which may indicate odometer tampering.
• Reduces Financial and Safety Risks: A thorough title search prevents buyers from unknowingly purchasing unsafe vehicles or vehicles with unresolved legal issues, ultimately helping them make a secure and informed investment.