What is a Branded Title and What Does "Not Actual Miles" Mean
When buying vehicles at auction, it is important to understand title status. Some vehicles may have a branded title or a mileage designation such as “Not Actual Miles.” These designations affect how the vehicle is titled and may impact registration, use, and resale.
What Is a Branded Title?
A branded title means the vehicle has been permanently marked with a designation that indicates a specific condition or history.
Common title brands include:
• Salvage
• Rebuilt or Reconstructed
The exact branding and requirements vary by state.
What Is a Salvage Title?
A salvage title means the vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company or otherwise determined to have significant damage.
Important
A vehicle with a salvage title is generally not considered roadworthy by the state.
This means:
• It cannot be legally driven on public roads
• It cannot be registered for normal use
• It must be repaired and inspected before it can be used again
What Is Required to Make a Salvage Vehicle Roadworthy?
To make a salvage vehicle roadworthy, it must go through a rebuild process.
This typically includes:
• Repairing the vehicle
• Documenting parts and repairs
• Passing a state inspection
• Applying for a new title designation (often “Rebuilt” or “Reconstructed”)
Only after this process is completed and approved can the vehicle be registered and driven legally.
Requirements and procedures vary by state.
What Is a Rebuilt or Reconstructed Title?
A rebuilt or reconstructed title means the vehicle was previously salvage but has been repaired and approved through the state’s inspection process.
Even after being rebuilt:
• The branded history remains on the title permanently
• The value may still be lower than a clean title vehicle
What Does “Not Actual Miles” Mean?
“Not Actual Miles” (NAM) means that the true mileage of the vehicle cannot be verified.
Why a Vehicle May Be Listed as “Not Actual Miles”
This designation may occur due to:
• Odometer replacement
• Odometer malfunction
• Inconsistent records
• Clerical errors
• Missing documentation
Because of this, the odometer reading should not be relied upon as accurate.
What This Means for Buyers
If a vehicle has:
A Salvage Title
• It is not roadworthy
• It must be rebuilt and inspected before use
A Rebuilt Title
• It has been repaired and inspected
• It is eligible for registration, depending on the state
Not Actual Miles
• The mileage cannot be verified
• The vehicle should be evaluated based on condition
Important Reminder
All vehicles are sold as-is, where-is, with no guarantees regarding:
• condition
• mileage
• title status
unless specifically stated.
Buyers are responsible for reviewing all available information before bidding.
Helpful Tips
• Review title information in the lot description
• Inspect the vehicle if possible
• Understand your state’s requirements before bidding
• Consider how title branding may affect resale and insurance
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