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How do I get documents related to a car auction?
I bought a car from someone on Craigslist in Maryland, and when I went to get it insured, the company said the car was sold in an auction and they needed the paperwork for that. How would I go about getting this?
Sophie Newman · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It may take a good bit of research on your end, but you may be able to get this car insured. Your
car insurance
company needs documentation because you can not legally drive a salvaged vehicle.Once you purchase a car at the auction, it should be repaired and issued a rebuilt title from the DMV. To qualify, it would need to pass the state emissions and safety tests.
It sounds like the previous owner did not take steps to make the car street legal.
Your next step should be to contact the prior owner and ask for any titling or auction paperwork. If they don’t have the paperwork, see if they will give their insurance company permission to send it to you. They may also have a copy from the auction company.
I am sorry to say that if you do not have any paperwork on the car, you aren’t the legal owner, the seller still is. Try to get your money back, and if the seller doesn’t cooperate, you may have to take them to small claims court.
Private sales can be tricky, and it is best to contact your car insurance agent for guidance. If you don’t have an insurance company yet, give the
Jerry
app a try! Jerry is an insurance comparison app that shops for low prices with over 50 different insurance companies free. If you ever have any questions, text an agent, and they will text right back with assistance!View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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