legal owner of lien free vehicle title

What Does It Mean To Have A Lien-Free Vehicle Title?

There's a lot of paperwork when you purchase a car. But one of the most important is the vehicle title. It's a legal declaration of who owns the car. Provided you own it outright, you will have a lien free vehicle title. 

In this article, we'll look at vehicle titles in South Carolina in more detail and what you can do once you've secured the lien-free document. Additionally, you learn how you can receive fast cash from your car title loan in South Carolina.

What Is A Lien Free Vehicle Title In South Carolina?

A lien title is a legal claim to your property. So, if you finance a vehicle purchase (i.e., you pay for the car monthly), you will probably have a lien placed on it.

Once you meet the terms of your agreement (that is, pay off the full amount owed), the manufacturer or dealership will remove the lien, and you will own the vehicle "free and clear."

The lien on your title assures the dealership or manufacturer that they have the right to take your car if you fail to make timely payments. 

As soon as you pay it off, you will have a lien-free car title! Likewise, if you purchase your vehicle outright, you will have a lien-free title from the moment you take possession of the car. 

What Are Other Types Of Vehicle Titles?

car title and key

There are actually several different car titles available. We've covered the main two already — a lien title, sometimes called a lienholder title, and a lien-free title. 

There is another primary title type called an electronic title. It's simply the paperless version that the Department of Motor Vehicles holds. It contains the same information as your lien-free or lienholder title but in a digital format. 

However, other less common titles are issued that relate to car problems, ownership issues, or logistical predicaments. We go into more detail in the following sections:

Titles For Car Issues

  • Certificate of destruction — It's issued when an insurance provider takes a car that they wish to scrap at a junkyard.
  • Flood title — Is used for cars that were totaled due to extensive water damage.
  • Junk title — Is given to cars sold to junkyards. Vehicles with this sort of title can be dismantled for parts or completely scrapped.
  • Lemon title — Is issued to cars with manufacturing or mechanical defects that cannot be rectified, despite multiple repair attempts. 
  • Odometer rollback title — Is given to cars that have had their odometer readings illegally altered to show fewer on-the-clock miles.
  • Parts-only title — Is provided to cars that will be dismantled for parts. 
  • Salvage title — Usually, is given to totaled vehicles. In other words, the necessary repairs would cost more than the actual cash value of the car.
  • Rebuilt or reconstructed title — Is issued to vehicles that were previously damaged but have since been repaired to roadworthy status.

Titles For Ownership Problems

  • Bonded title — This title indicates the ownership documents are missing and you pay a security bond equal to the vehicle's worth.
  • Affidavit title — It's issued when the ownership documents are missing, but you sign a sworn statement proving you own the vehicle. 

Titles For Logistical Predicaments

  • Export title — Is given to cars sent from the United States of America to another country.
  • Import title — Is given to cars sent from another country to the United States of America. 
  • Manufacturer's statement of origin — This title transfers the ownership from a manufacturer to the dealership.

What Can You Do With A Lien Free Vehicle Title?

car and key for cash title loan

Having a lien-free title opens the door to a unique opportunity — you can get a title loan, allowing you to borrow between $601 and $15,000, based on the value of your vehicle. 

Everything You Need For A Title Loan

  • Lien free vehicle title in South Carolina — You can only be considered for a South Carolina title loan if you have a lien-free title.
  • ID — You can use your driver's license, passport, or another type of government-issued identification. 
  • Vehicle — We only deal with cars, trucks, or vans.

How To Get A Vehicle Title Loan In South Carolina

Provided you meet the requirements, follow the steps below to get started on your title loan request:

  1. Complete the inquiry form.
  2. Wait for us to give you a call. 
  3. Meet at a location of your choice or come to your local store.
  4. We'll evaluate your vehicle and documents to confirm how much you qualify for.
  5. Happy with the amount? Finish the paperwork with your signature. 
  6. Get the money you need the same day or the next business day!

Get A Vehicle Title Loan In South Carolina Right Here!

With a lien-free vehicle title in South Carolina, you can apply for a title loan in no time to fund your emergency. All you need to do is complete our simple-to-understand online form and we'll walk you through the rest. It's that easy!

You can have the money you need in less than 24 hours. So why wait? If you have a financial emergency that needs your attention now, Carolina Title Loans, Inc. can help!

 

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.

Daniel Dewitt

Daniel Dewitt is a lifetime blogger with a finely-honed ability to break down, analyze, and interpret economic trends for the layman. He's fiercely invested in spreading financial literacy and helping everyday people gain the tools they need for their own economic success.