Flood Damage
Anytime there is a major flood in some part of the country, it seems cars from that area miraculously end up in other states with new price tags. This concern is again at the forefront after hurricanes recently pummeled the U.S. Gulf Coast. Shady salvage yards try to pass these cars off for something other than they are: severely water damaged and possibly defective. Auction houses are good at noting these vehicles. Thus, a vehicle history report (VHR) will often find out whether a vehicle has endured flood damage. But as a consumer, you should be extra cautious if you suspect that a vehicle you are interested in buying was under water at some point.

Gray Market
While not at the level of the illegal black market, this metaphorical shopping haven is still a place of shady transactions. Dealing on the market is technically legal, but without consent of the manufacturer. Basically, the gray market involves the import of certain vehicles (e.g. Peugeot and Fiat), which are readily available at competitive costs in other markets. An importer then sells the vehicles at a higher-than-market cost. Unfortunately, these vehicles do not always meet U.S. safety and emission standards.

Lemon Law
Most states have enacted rather detailed laws to protect consumers from getting stuck with a car that just doesn't work like it should. A vehicle history report (VHR) might reveal when a manufacturer has repurchased a vehicle because it did not meet the standards of an enacted lemon law. Repurchased vehicles that re-enter the marketplace usually have branded titles.

Rebuilt/Rebuildable/Reconstructed
This branded title signifies a salvage vehicle that is usually ready to take to the road. The vehicle has typically undergone a complete rebuilding with new or used parts. Each part is recorded, and the entire rebuilding process is documented by affidavit.

Rolled Back Odometer
The more miles on a vehicle the less it is worth. Consequently, there are some folks that manipulate the correct mileage reading by subtracting (or mechanically rolling back) the numbers.

New Vehicle Title
Once a new vehicle is purchased, the state will issue a title to show proof of ownership. Each titled vehicle is issued a number that is transferred when the vehicle is sold.

Warranty Returned Title
Also commonly referred to as a lemon title, a warranty returned title is given because of repeated mechanical issues or repairs while the vehicle is still under the manufacturer's warranty.

Water Damage Title
A vehicle is branded with a water damage title when excessive repairs are needed because of natural disasters such as thunderstorms, hurricanes, and flash floods. If the cost of repairs exceeds the worth of the vehicle, this title is usually designated.

Not Actual Mileage Title
A “Not Actual Mileage" title is issued when the owner states that the odometer may not reflect the actual mile mileage of the vehicle.
Common reasons an owner may report a false odometer reading include:
Possible tampering.
Damage.
Odometer replacement.

Auction Announced as Flood Damage
A wholesale Auto Auction has reported that a flood has damaged the vehicle. The vehicle was involved in a flood or may have endured water damage.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Auction Announced as Manufacturer Buyback/Lemon
A wholesale Auto Auction has reported that the manufacturer repurchased the vehicle or the vehicle may have ongoing mechanical or drivability problems.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Auction Announced as Odometer Rollback
A wholesale Auto Auction has reported a possible odometer rollback. This means the odometer has been tampered with or adjusted.

Auto Auctions - Wholesale
AutoCheck gets data from auto auctions -- companies that act as vehicle clearinghouses and help you get the vehicle you want by providing retail dealers with cars and trucks that sell best at their store. A vehicle that has been through one or more auctions simply is being moved from one market to another, and does not reflect the overall condition of the vehicle.

https://www.auctionexport.com/en/Home/ReviewsAndTestimonials

Canadian Renewal
Vehicle had a registration renewal event reported by Canadian DMV.

https://www.auctionexport.com/en/Home/ReviewsAndTestimonials

Lemon Title Brand

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It is common to call any car that has excessive mechanical problems a "lemon." However, you might not know that each state has its own standards (or "lemon laws" on what makes a vehicle a lemon. In fact, not all states even have lemon laws.
Generally speaking, if a certain element of a vehicle has malfunctioned several times while under warranty, and this malfunctioning element makes the car inoperable or unsafe to drive, such a vehicle could be branded by the state as a lemon on its title.
Another key point is that the manufacturer be given a chance to repair the problem. If the vehicle continues to have the same problem (even after attempts to repair it), the vehicle can be branded as a lemon. In addition, the problems must have occurred during the warranty period.
It's important to remember that each state has its own lemon law. Contact your state department of motor vehicles to learn more about the lemon laws in your state.
To find out if your vehicle is a lemon, an AutoCheck vehicle history report will note on your report if the vehicle has a lemon title.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/learn-about-title-brands

Water Damage Title Brand
Hurricanes, thunderstorms and flash flooding are responsible for water damage on many vehicles each year in the United States. Don't think that because you live miles from a hurricane or flood zone that you won't encounter a water-damaged vehicle. It is common for vehicles to be moved thousands of miles before they are put up for sale.
How can you be sure the vehicle you're about to purchase has not sustained significant water damage? It's always a good idea to have the vehicle examined by a certified mechanic before you purchase it. However, an AutoCheck vehicle history report can show if the title has been branded with water damage at some point in its past.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can avoid a vehicle that has been damaged by water.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/learn-about-title-brands

Odometer Rollback Title Brand
Detecting odometer rollback is very difficult if you are not a certified mechanic, mostly because anyone who commits the fraudulent act of rolling back an odometer to conceal actual mileage is aware of how to hide it.
Taking the vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection is a very good way to discover whether a vehicle's odometer has been rolled back. A good mechanic will know what signs to look for and can point them out over the course of the inspection.
Another step you can take is purchasing an AutoCheck vehicle history report. An AutoCheck vehicle history report will notify you if the vehicle has been reported as having a rolled-back odometer.
For more information on odometer rollback, please visit the Office of Odometer Fraud Investigations (a division of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/learn-about-title-brands

Broken Odometer
Odometer no longer records distance driven.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

CARS (Cash for Clunkers) 2009
Vehicle reported by NHTSA to have been traded-in to be scrapped under CARS (Cash for Clunkers) program in 2009. Vehicle should not be available for retail sale.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Brands or Branded
Words or symbols on the vehicle's official title issued by the state DMV that signify the vehicle's status or condition. Examples of brands include, junked, salvaged, lemon, rebuilt or reconstructed vehicles; flood, hail, or fire damaged vehicles; totaled vehicles; vehicles with odometers that have been rolled back or exceed mechanical limits; stolen or abandoned vehicles.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Auction Announced as Repaired/Replaced Odometer
A wholesale Auto Auction has reported that the odometer has been repaired or replaced.

Auto Auctions - Wholesale
AutoCheck gets data from auto auctions -- companies that act as vehicle clearinghouses and help you get the vehicle you want by providing retail dealers with cars and trucks that sell best at their store. A vehicle that has been through one or more auctions simply is being moved from one market to another, and does not reflect the overall condition of the vehicle.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Bonded
The vehicle required posting of a bond in order to register or place a title on the vehicle. Bonds are sometimes required when there is no title for the vehicle. Bonds can be obtained through an insurance or bonding agent.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Calculated Accidents
Experian receives reported accident/damage information from a number of sources. Sometimes more than one source reports the same incident, which may have different event dates, case numbers or event locations. Other events do not have a date reported and could have happened at any point in the vehicle's history. AutoCheck calculates the number of accidents or damage events, so a report might show two or more reported accident or damage records for the same event. Not all accidents or damage events are reported to AutoCheck. It is recommended to have pre-owned vehicles inspected by a third party prior to purchase.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Salvage Title
Referred to in some states as a junk title, a salvaged title can be issued when the cost to repair damages exceeds 75% of the worth of the vehicle. How damage is calculated can vary from state to state.
A salvaged title is most frequently given to vehicles when it is determined to be unsafe for use, and as a result cannot be re-titled in order to protect future buyers. Some states also use a salvaged title for vehicles that have been previously stolen.

Replica Title
A vehicle receives a replica title when:
It has been constructed from components of different vehicles and was not made by a licensed manufacturer.
It was built from a kit.
OR
It was built using fabricated parts for major vehicle components to resemble a similar make or model of a car or truck.

Warranty Returned Title

Also commonly referred to as a lemon title, a warranty returned title is given because of repeated mechanical issues or repairs while the vehicle is still under the manufacturer's warranty.

Water Damage Title

A vehicle is branded with a water damage title when excessive repairs are needed because of natural disasters such as thunderstorms, hurricanes, and flash floods. If the cost of repairs exceeds the worth of the vehicle, this title is usually designated.

Bill of Sale Form
You will likely need a bill of sale form whenever you buy a vehicle from, or sell one to, another person.

Junk Title

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Treated as or named a salvaged title in some states, a junk title is issued when a vehicle is determined to be unsafe for road use.
Though dependent on your state of residence, it is common for a vehicle to branded with a junk title if the cost to repair damages exceeds 75% of the vehicle's worth. Once branded as junk, the title cannot be changed or reissued with a new designation.

Not Actual Mileage Title
A “Not Actual Mileage" title is issued when the owner states that the odometer may not reflect the actual mile mileage of the vehicle.
Common reasons an owner may report a false odometer reading include:
Possible tampering.
Damage.
Odometer replacement.

Reconditioned Title
Similar to a reconstructed title, a reconditioned title is usually given when a vehicle is restored. This is common for older, classic, or vintage cars and trucks.