Check the lien status of any vehicle using the VIN. Protect yourself from hidden vehicle liens when buying a used vehicle, whether it’s a car, truck, motorcycle, or an RV.
As many as 70 percentof all vehicle registered in the United States are bound to some type of electronic liens. According to report from Statista, here are the top ten states with highest auto loans balance per capita in Q1 2024:
Texas:
$7,770
Florida:
$6,560
Nevada:
$6,510
Arizona:
$6,160
California:
$5,450
For the record, the average U.S. loan balance is $5,650. Running a lien check by VIN helps you to avoid getting unwillingly tied with crippling auto loans payments.
A vehicle title doesn’t explicitly state whether there’s a lien, but the lienholder’s nameis added to it. This ensures that both the vehicle owner and lienholder are clearly identified, safeguarding the lienholder’s legal interest in the car.
When purchasing a used vehicle, simply relying on the seller’s information can be risky. The title will list the lienholder, and you need to resolve any existing liens before finalizing the purchase. A VIN lien check can save you from potential legal and financial issues in the future.
Getting VIN Lien Check Using Detailed Vehicle History
A VIN lien check with Detailed Vehicle History reveals crucial lien-related information such as:
Date the lien was placed
See exactly when the lien was first placed on the vehicle to understand the timeline of financial obligations.
Lienholder details, including the name of the lending institution
Get complete information about the lending institution or bank that holds the lien on the vehicle.
City and state where the lien was issued
Know the geographical location where the lien was originally issued for complete transparency.
This data provides an accurate view of the vehicle’s financial standing, enabling you to make a well-informed decision. On top of that, you also get information on the vehicle’s branded title such as salvage title, exempt mileage, and others.
Why Do a Lien Check by VIN Before Buying a Vehicle?
Lien issues on a vehicle are more common than you might think. A lien check is vital to protect your financial interests and avoid serious repercussions. Here’s why conducting a lien check matters before you make that purchase:
Protect Yourself from Frauds
A thorough lien check ensures you’re not unknowingly purchasing a vehicle that still has an active loan on it. Without this, a seller could transfer their debt to you, leaving you vulnerable to fraud or a repossession scenario.
Avoid Financial and Legal Issues
Buying a car with an unresolved lien could result in serious financial burdens. You might be held responsible for the remaining balance of the previous owner’s loan. A lien check prevents this, ensuring the vehicle is debt-free before the transaction.
Uncover Potential Problems
Lien checks also reveal whether the vehicle has multiple lienholders, adding another layer of complexity to the purchase. Identifying any financial encumbrances early can help you make an informed decision, sparing you future legal and financial headaches.
Tips on Purchasing a Vehicle with a Lien
If you’re considering buying a vehicle with a lien, here are some steps to follow:
Contact the lienholder directly to confirm the lien details and discuss the payoff process.
Negotiate with the seller to pay off the lien from the sale proceeds before transferring ownership.
Request a lien release from the lienholder to ensure the lien is lifted and you’re protected post-purchase.
Before buying a vehicle, a comprehensive VIN lien check from Detailed Vehicle History is your best safeguard against financial risks. Be smart, stay informed, and protect your investment!
The vehicle title will have the lienholder’s name on it. But if you only have the VIN, you can do a VIN check to get vehicle history reports that reveals if it’s tied to any lien.
The lien holder’s name is typically listed on the vehicle title until the loan has been paid off. If you don’t have access to the title, you can use the VIN or license plate to get a vehicle history report that reveals the lien status.
You can buy a vehicle with a lien, but you need to make sure the lien is resolved correctly to avoid complications. Ideally, you should get the previous owner to clear the lien before making the purchase.
There are three scenarios that may happen when you buy a car with a lien:
A vehicle history report from Detailed Vehicle History reveals all branded titles tied to a VIN, including liens, salvage, rebuilt, odometer rollback, and everything in between. Our report also tells you the date of the lien, the city and state the lien happened, and who the lienholder is.
You Inherit the Lien: You will have to continue the payments until the full amount has been paid off.
Potential Repossessions: If the previous owner doesn’t make payments on the liens, the vehicle you bought is subject to repossession by the lienholder.
Title Transfer Problems: You may not be able to transfer the vehicle title to your name until the lien is paid off.
