News in 2013

FIADA 2013 Annual Convention & Expo The Florida Independent Auto Dealer Association (FIADA) 2013 convention is just around the corner. Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to receive your continuing education and connect with dealers around the state. They have great sessions and fun activities scheduled - everything you need to grow your business and stay compliant, all under one roof.

Before starting ADD in 1999, Jim Taylor worked with businesses to process titles and registrations. He found that the error rate on paperwork submitted was extremely high, and the large numbers of returned forms and applications cost his customers time and money. When Auto Data Direct (ADD) was founded in 1999, its was based on the idea that instant, web-based access to real-time Florida motor vehicle records would allow customers to electronically retrieve DMV data, migrate it into forms and applications, and be able to process paperwork with confidence that documents wouldn’t be returned for inaccurate information.

How do I obtain a repossession title through my ADD account? Lienholders can access repossession title applications from your ELT manifest, by clicking the Lien Options menu (look for the gear icon) next to the title in question and choosing Repossession Title Application from the menu that appears. It is important to note that this is simply the application form.

As a result of the 2013 Florida legislative session, Florida towing companies, among other industries, face new NMVTIS reporting requirements when handling derelict, total loss, and salvage vehicles. As of July 1, in Florida, when a towing company is applying for a Certificate of Destruction in lieu of a Certificate of Title, they must submit proof of reporting the vehicle to NMVTIS, along with the previously required affidavit.

In 2013 legislative sessions across the US, 17 NMVTIS-related bills were introduced in 10 states, seven of which became law. Many of these bills had language that created state licensing or reporting requirements for companies that handle salvage vehicles, some added NMVTIS reporting timelines to existing statutes, while others created state fines for non-reporting.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles has created an Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) Guide. The guide includes general information pertaining to the ELT program and process, lienholders’ responsibilities and frequently asked questions. Read the ELT Guide: http://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/ELTLienholdersGuide.pdf For questions on the Florida ELT program or ADD’ s ELT Services, email ADD or call one of our friendly and knowledgeable customer service representatives at 855-300-3455 .

When Auto Data Direct became the first National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) consolidator for Junk, Salvage, and Insurance (JSI) data in the nation, we made a commitment to protect the privacy of customers who report this important data through our unique web-based service. The information you report in order to comply with federal regulations is designed to help prevent fraud and protect consumers.

The 2013 Florida legislative session resulted in important procedural changes for Florida towing companies, specifically to good faith searches, derelict vehicles, and certificate of destruction procedures. HB 7125 was approved by Governor Rick Scott on June 12, 2013. With the enactment of the bill, beginning on July 1, 2013 , all towing and recovery businesses can anticipate the following changes to the good faith letter process:

ADD appreciates all of its ELT customers and is constantly working to make its products more efficient and easier to use. With the ELT system in its infancy, and based on feedback we have received from customers over the past few months, there will be several modifications and feature improvements coming throughout the summer.

Originally Published in theFlorida Independent Dealer magazine. The issue of salvage vehicles entering Florida with “clean,” unbranded titles has been one faced by used car dealers, retail consumers, law enforcement and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) for some years. Recently, this problem has escalated as it has become much easier for dealers to purchase salvage vehicles by bidding in auctions over the internet.