Effective 28 Aug 2004

301.217. Definitions — salvaged motor vehicle title may be issued, when, procedure. — 1. As used in sections 301.217 to 301.229, the following words and phrases mean:

(1) "Purchaser", the buyer of a salvage vehicle, including an insurance company for purposes of sections 301.217 to 301.229;

(2) "Salvage certificate of title", the title issued by the department of revenue as proof of ownership for a salvaged vehicle, and it shall not be acceptable for the purpose of registering a motor vehicle. The salvage title shall be negotiable with one reassignment on back by registered dealers or insurance companies only. The redeemed title shall be returned in its original form;

(3) "Salvage pool" or "salvage disposal sale", a scheduled sale at auction or by private bid of wrecked or repairable motor vehicles or trailers by insurance companies, underwriters, or dealers, either at retail or wholesale.

2. The department of revenue may issue a certificate of title for a salvaged motor vehicle at least twenty-five years old and if, in the judgment of the department of revenue it may be needed, require the applicant to file with the department of revenue a corporate surety bond in the form prescribed by the department and executed by the applicant, and executed by a person authorized to conduct a surety business in this state. The bond shall be in an amount equal to one and one-half times the value of the vehicle as determined by the department and conditioned to indemnify any prior owner and lienholder and any subsequent purchaser of the vehicle or person acquiring any security interest in it, and their respective successors in interest, against any expense, loss or damage, including reasonable attorney's fees, by reason of the issuance of the certificate of title of the vehicle or on account of any defect in or undisclosed security interest upon the right, title and interest of the applicant in and to the vehicle. Any such interested person has a right of action to recover on the bond for any breach of its conditions, but the aggregate liability of the surety to all persons shall not exceed the amount of the bond. The bond shall be returned at the end of three years or prior thereto if the vehicle is no longer registered in this state and the currently valid certificate of title is surrendered to the department, unless the department has been notified of the pendency of an action to recover on the bond.

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(L. 1979 H.B. 78 § 2, A.L. 1983 H.B. 149, et al., A.L. 1986 H.B. 1367 & 1573, A.L. 1988 H.B. 1581, A.L. 2004 H.B. 1284 merged with S.B. 1233, et al.)