News in 2015

It’s been around since 1992, wasn’t publicly available until 2009, and didn’t garner a lot of attention until a few years ago, but the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) has been growing im popularity as a business tool within auto-related industries. As it nears its seventh anniversary of public availability, the NMVTIS databse contains over 1.2 billion records, or 96% of US DMV title data. Today, the system is used by states, law enforcement and individuals for a variety of purposes, but there are still many US businesses and industries that aren’t taking advantage of the low-cost records available from the government database. So, why should corporate entities integrate a NMVTIS check into their business processes?

1. Records contain the same information states will use to issue a new title. One of the main purposes of NMVTIS is to allow states to instantly check other states' vehicle title systems to verify the accuracy and legitimacy of title information. NMVTIS keeps a history of brands that have been applied to a vehicle title, even if the vehicle is no longer titled in the state that applied the brands. Jurisdictions use that information to carry out-of-state brands, such as “Flood” or “Rebuilt” forward on new titles. The title data also includes current and historical dates of title issuance, as well as recorded odometer readings.

The takeaway: A NMVTIS title check can locate the current state of title, detect odometer discrepancies and identify potential problems such as undisclosed brands that will affect future titles.

2. Records include salvage reports that may not show up on a vehicle title. After the title info, the second major component of a NMVTIS record is vehicle information reported by insurance companies and salvage businesses. Insurance carriers are required to report all total loss declarations made on vehicles of the current model year (in the year of the total loss) and the four previous model years, though many report every total loss claim paid. Other businesses, like auctions, towing operators, parts recyclers and metal recyclers report info on every loss, salvage and end-of-life vehicle they handle.

The takeaway: State titling regulations vary, and just because a vehicle has been declared a total loss or been in the possession of a salvage business does not mean that a state will automatically brand a vehicle’s title. Knowing that a vehicle has a loss or salvage history can help businesses make smart decisions about a vehicle’s insurability, trade-in value, purchase price and more.

3. Auto Data Direct records include a national theft check. NMVTIS records available through ADD business accounts include extra data - lien info from participating lenders and a national theft check. The national theft data will indicate if a vehicle has an active theft alert, as well as the date of theft and the state in which it was reported. The theft info will also indicate if a vehicle had a theft report that has since been closed.

The takeaway: A 50-state stolen check can help any business purchasing vehicles make a good faith effort to ensure a vehicle hasn’t been reported stolen, avoiding the headaches, legal fees and damage to corporate image that comes with unintentionally purchasing a theft vehicle.

For more information, email ADD or call one of our friendly and knowledgeable customer service representatives at 855-300-3455 . Se habla español.