Have you ever ordered something online? After you make a purchase online, you expect the seller to provide you with tracking information and confirmation of shipment. However, there are instances where the seller doesn’t provide this information within the specified timeframe. You’ll have the option to either wait for the information or cancel your purchase. This is similar to a title arbitration process.
For almost 2 decades, Big Valley Auto Auction has helped thousands of registered dealers get the vehicle they want. However, the process doesn’t always go as the buyer hopes.
In this article, you’re going to learn what title arbitration is, the process you go through, fees, and scenarios you may encounter during the process.
After reading this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what title arbitration is at Big Valley Auto Auction.
Title arbitration is an option available to dealers who have not received the title of the vehicle they bought, within 30 calendar days of their purchase. This is caused when the title is absent from the seller.
If you have not received the title of your vehicle within 30 calendar days from the date of purchase, you can request a title arbitration. To do so, you are going to need to follow our title arbitration process.
In order to request an arbitration, you must fill out and submit the arbitration form on our website. You have 2 options to submit the form:
This form requires you to list the last 6 numbers of the VIN, year, make, model, and current mileage. However, vehicles with more than 200 miles per month from time sold are not eligible for arbitration.
Once we receive your arbitration form, we’ll send you a response email saying your arbitration has been received. Below is a photo of what the confirmation email looks like.
The next step we take is contacting the seller and asking them if they will bring in the title. After getting their response, we’ll call you and let you know the status of the title.
The seller has until the end of the next business day, from the date of arbitration, to produce the title. If the arbitration is made after 4:00PM, the seller has until 5:00PM of the 2nd business day to bring in the title.
If you do not receive the vehicle title within the arbitration period but you decide to keep the vehicle and wait for the title, you cannot arbitrate again. You must wait until the title arrives.
In the event the seller does not have the title, you have the option to return the vehicle. If you decide to return the vehicle, it must be returned within 2 days for local dealers and 3 days for out-of-town dealers. If you fail to do so, the arbitration will be invalid. You must also return the vehicle in the same, or better, condition than when you purchased it. Once it’s returned, the seller can decide whether or not they would like to run the vehicle again the next week.
*The seller and auction are not responsible for any repairs made by the buyer before the buyer receives the title. The buyer is financially responsible for any pending sale.
The seller will get charged a $150.00 late title fee. If the vehicle is returned, the seller will have to pay the sell fee and cost of transportation would be under the seller’s discretion for out-of-town dealers only.
When the vehicle is returned, a copy of the form must be on the dashboard. If the form is not there, the vehicle may be mistaken for a vehicle that is being sold at the auction.
Buying a vehicle at an auto auction should always be a positive experience. However, there are instances where that’s not the case. Not receiving the car title in time and having to request an arbitration is not a fun process, but it’s something you may face at an auto auction.
Whether you are new to auto auctions or this is your first time requesting a title arbitration, you can use this article as a guide to help you navigate through the process.
If you need to request a title arbitration, you can visit our location at 4315 N Hutto Rd, Donna, Texas or click the button below to fill out our online form.