Mordist
Charleston, WV
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Les Curren wrote:Are stolen Motor Homes issued salvage titles if they are not damaged beyond there prestolen condition?
Yes, see my previous post, the TT my in-laws bought was undamaged, and had never been repaired.
They, like you, bought it from a guy who bought it at an insurance auction. It had a salvage title because the insurance company had made payment to the owner for it. When it was recovered, it then belonged to the insurance company, who, is not a car dealer, nor licensed to sell motor vehicles, therefore must sell through an auction, who is licensed to sell motor vehicles.
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Simplygib
Grants Pass, OR USA
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If I were you I would call an insurance company that normally insures motorhomes and ask them your question. Most people here, me included, are just guessing. Having said that, here's my guess:
Joe has a motorhome that is insured for theft. That motorhome gets stolen. The insurance company pays Joe for his loss. Later, the motorhome is recovered. Since the insurance company already paid off on it, it has essentially been "totaled" so they get a salvage title for it and re-sell it, or auction it off, or whatever. The motorhome has suffered no damage.
If the above scenario is possible, how do you know that's what actually happened to this particular motorhome? You don't, unless you can get details from the insurance company that paid off on it. Or maybe there's a police report somewhere that describes any damage? Either way, it's a gamble. A salvage title is going to make it harder to sell, and at a lower value than it would have otherwise.
If that doesn't bother you, and the price of it reflects the salvage title, maybe it's worth it. Or, maybe not.
Gary and Phoenix
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dixiechick77
Alabama
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Ok it does depend on the state sometimes and the insurance company. My 02 VW Bettle did not have body damage but had under carriage damage and has a salvage title. Also I have seen a 07 Cadillac Escalade on the auction site that was stolen and the only part that was stolen off of the vehicle was the VIN number no damage on the car at all and they did salvage the vehicle so yes it can happen. Sometimes depending on if the owner really pitches a fit with the insurance company they will salvage the vehicle with very little damage. Alot of times people will steal them to get some of the insides out of them, because they are very expensive. Maybe this is what your are asking.
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webhannet
Southern Coastal Maine
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Just an uneducated guess - It may be better for the insurer or auction to give a salvage title to avoid any liability issues.
In this case, how much of a bargain is it to accept this title?
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beemerphile1
I'm only 57, I'm not yet a
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In Ohio there is a "salvage" title and a "rebuilt salvage" title. Any vehicle with a "salvage" title cannot be licensed or driven on public roads. A vehicle with a "rebuilt salvage" title is just another vehicle that has been totaled and repaired.
The "salvage" title is first issued after the damage, recovery, or whatever. The "rebuilt salvage" title is only issued after all repairs have been made and it has passed inspection by the Ohio Highway Patrol.
The laws are different in each state. Some states don't have a salvage or rebuilt title. An old trick is to title a vehicle in one of those states and then you will once again have a clean title.
Keep in mind there have been lots of floods in recent years. I wouldn't touch any vehicle that has been in a flood.
Tim
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BigRabbitMan
Dixon, CA
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Les Curren wrote:Are stolen Motor Homes issued salvage titles if they are not damaged beyond there prestolen condition?
Yes, under some sets of contitions, but not all.
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geneo2004
Pleasant Grove Utah
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Yes, a MH can be stolen and in some states after a short time the Insurance must pay. As stated, if it has a salvage title, it might be a good bargin. But as with any transaction, inspect it well, get a good price and you will be driving more for less. Then don't be disappointed you too will not get full value when you sell it. It can be a win win. Good luck, I have driven many Thieft recoveries and never had a serious problem.
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