I bought a car in December and they didn't tell me it was salvaged!?

Question

My insurance company just called me and told me it was. Don't they legaly have to tell me if it is a salvaged title? Or get me to sign something? What should I do?

Answer 1

Yes!  Here on the east coast, the dealer must tell  you that

the car has a salvaged title.  You should immediately check

with your state's consumer's office.  I would bring the car

back as soon as possible!  Buying a salvaged car is just

asking for many future problems.  A lot of the cars from

Louisiana (Hurrican Katrina) are showing up now.

Answer 2

If the seller knew about the salvaged history - then yes, he has to disclose it.

If the seller did not know about the car's salvaged history - then no.

When you bought the car -- the title should have had a brand on it -something like "re-built salvage".  Some states don't brand the titles but most do.

Answer 3

Did you not get the title when you bought the car?  Was it stamped "Salvage" on the title?  If so, you knew.  If you didn't bother to look, whose fault is that?

Answer 4

Hi! :0) If the title is a "clean" title then the dealership could get in trouble since your insurance comapny is stating that it is a recked/repaired vehicle. But if on the title it states that it was salvaged then you dont have much recourse, it would be your word against theirs. If there is a problem with the car and you just purchased it (under 30 days) then you should be protected under the "lemon law" go to your states website and look up the specific laws for that in your state. If there is nothing wrong with the car then you might be fine. Alot of people buy wrecked cars for a $100 or so and rebuild them to working order and sometimes those cars are better than brand new! If I wasn't having problems with the car mechanically then I would just keep it and not take on the hassle, but it is up to you. Again, research the laws in your state at your states website. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Yeah really its your responsibility to find that out when you buy a car. aka clear title

Answer 6

You better pull out the contract you signed when you bought the vehicle.  If there is nothing on the paperwork then you do have a case against them.  It is illegal not to disclose a salvage title, it is also illegal for a dealership not to disclose that the vehicle has been in a previous accident...