Can I check if a used car has been in a flood or declared a total loss?

What the Law Says

Federal law establishes the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) to help prevent fraud and protect consumers buying used vehicles. It mandates reporting of key vehicle history events—including flood damage and total loss declarations—by certain entities.

The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is a nationwide electronic database created under federal law to improve consumer protection and reduce auto theft and fraud. It collects and shares vehicle title and brand information across states and industry participants.

Under 49 U.S.C. § 30501, NMVTIS is defined as 'a system established by the Secretary of Transportation to provide information on motor vehicles to assist in preventing the introduction or reintroduction into interstate commerce of stolen motor vehicles and to assist in preventing the issuance of fraudulent titles.' The law requires participation from insurance carriers, junk yards, salvage yards, and state titling agencies.

Crucially, NMVTIS includes data on whether a vehicle has been branded as 'flood-damaged' or 'salvage' (often indicating a total loss). While the statute itself defines NMVTIS and its purpose, the reporting requirements and data elements—including flood and total loss history—are implemented through regulations issued by the Department of Transportation and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA).

Statutory Text

The term 'National Motor Vehicle Title Information System' means a system established by the Secretary of Transportation to provide information on motor vehicles to assist in preventing the introduction or reintroduction into interstate commerce of stolen motor vehicles and to assist in preventing the issuance of fraudulent titles.

— 49 U.S. Code § 30501 — Definitions

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