What is a bonded title in Connecticut?
A CT bonded title is a document that proves you legally own your vehicle. You may need this type of title if you never received the original title to your car, it was improperly assigned, or you lost it before transferring it to your name. A bonded title is a title with a surety bond attached to it. The surety bond, in this case, is called a title bond, certificate of title bond, or defective title bond. A lost title is different from and often confused with a bonded title. If you lose the title to your car, but it was issued in your name, you can request a replacement title with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Get Your Connecticut Title Bond:
Quick Takeaways
- A CT bonded title is a document proving that you legally own your vehicle.
- By obtaining a surety bond, you are pledging that you purchased your vehicle under legal circumstances and are the true owner – even though you don’t have the original title.
- Confirm with the Connecticut DMV that you are eligible for a bonded title, then follow the process below to obtain one successfully.
- Connecticut title bonds are quickly issued, typically cost as low as $100, and remain active for five years.
Who needs a bonded title and why?
As a vehicle owner without a title, you will need a bonded title to claim legal ownership of your car. By obtaining a surety bond, you are pledging that you purchased your vehicle under legal circumstances and are the true owner – even though you don’t have the original title. The surety bond covers the state, previous owners, lienholders, and anyone who may purchase the vehicle after you. If you obtained the car illegally (i.e., stole it), then one of these parties may file a claim on your bond if they suffered financially as a result. Your surety will cover valid claims for you upfront, but you must repay them in full.
How to Complete a Connecticut Bonded Title Application
1. Ask the DMV if you need a bonded title.
Confirm with the Connecticut DMV that you need and are eligible for a bonded title, then follow this process to obtain one successfully. In general, you’ll need a title if you purchased your vehicle in CT and it’s less than 20 years old.2. Obtain a surety bond.
Your Connecticut title bond amount must be twice the appraised value of your vehicle. To learn your vehicle’s appraised value, you can use NADAguides.com or Kelley Blue Book. Purchase your bond from a reputable surety provider like ZipBonds. We can issue title bonds quickly – often for $100. Here’s the surety bond form: Once you apply and pay for your bond, you can print it instantly and then submit your bonded title application.3. Submit your Connecticut bonded title application.
Submit your application along with your title bond to your nearest DMV. Once your documents are reviewed and approved, you should receive your bonded title in the mail. You can legally register, insure, or sell your vehicle once you have it. How much does a title bond cost in Connecticut?
The cost of your title bond depends on the penal sum (bond amount) required. The bond amount should be two times the appraised value of your vehicle. Connecticut title bonds are quickly issued, typically cost as low as $100, and remain active for five years. After the bond expires, there is no requirement for the bond. You can apply for a standard certificate of title. If someone files a claim against your bond before the five years are up (e.g., claims rightful ownership of your vehicle), your surety will determine whether the claim is valid. If it is, they will settle the claim for you. You must then reimburse them in full.
Get Your CT Title Bond
The experts at ZipBonds can help you obtain the bond you need. To connect with one of our team members, please give us a call at 888-435-4191 or email us at support@zipbonds.com. We’ll walk you through the process for title bonds to help you get bonded in a flash.
About ZipBonds.com
Founders Ryan Swalve and Zach Mefferd formed the vision for ZipBonds.com when they realized how overly complicated it was to help clients place surety. The frustration of being unable to incorporate the technology they’d used in other insurance-focused projects left them thinking “there has to be a better way.”
Fast forward a couple of years, and that better way is the impetus of everything we do at ZipBonds. We constantly look for innovative ways to improve the bonding process for our clients and agents. Our team comprises individuals who understand all angles of surety – for companies, agencies, and individuals. Incorporating everyone’s point of view to improve the process while simultaneously integrating cutting-edge technology is what sets our business apart.