Have run into a situation with a VIN tag. Researching it comes back as “Branded.” What does this mean? Correctable?
I think I’m finding it doesn’t mean anything more than an “antique” vehicle. More than 50 years old.
In some or most States, ‘Branded’ means salvage title.
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I’d do a good inspection of the car. It may have been totaled by an insurance company, But that may not be real bad. If the car was say 20-25 years old it may have only been worth a few thousand dollars. I minor fender bender would have put it over the value threshold, but well within the cost of an owner doing the rebuild them self. It may mean something else too.
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Probably the best thing to do would be to go onto the DMV website of whatever state says that the VIN is branded and see how that state defines the term.
Randy Goodling
CCOA #95
It could mean several things as mentioned I would go to the DMV and ask.
Most likely a salvage vehicle, the vin number has been branded to make sure the information about the salvage follows the vehicle not just the paperwork.
Ironically it was listed in Pennsylvania, under the Branded stamp. To them, its only a vehicle that is more than 50 years old; an antique. (Should I be the same? Lol)
Looking at Pennsylvania DOT and titling. They use form MV-426B for branded titles on vehicles that were reconstructed, specially constructed, collectible, modified, flood, recovered theft vehicles and street rods. They define “collectible” as reconstructed highly modified (show car). Pennsylvania offers “Collectible” plates along with “Antique” (25 years plus) and “Classic” (15 years plus) which just require a “clear” title. So a Pennsylvania branded title means something went on perhaps a modification, theft, or whatever. Age of the vehicle not a factor. Effect on vehicle value-who knows? On an older vehicle like a Cougar condition probably a bigger factor especially on a “driver”.