Wisconsin Lost Title Bond: A Comprehensive Guide

September 30, 2021

This guide provides information for insurance agents to help their customers obtain a Wisconsin Lost Title Bond

At a Glance:

• Average Cost: Minimum of $100 or 1.5% of the bond amount, whichever is greater
• Bond Amount: One and a half times the vehicle’s value
• Who Needs it: Vehicle title applicants in Wisconsin who do not have adequate proof of ownership
• Purpose: To ensure the rightful vehicle owner does not suffer financial harm if the title applicant does not actually own the vehicle
• Who Regulates Lost Title Bonds In Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Department of Licensing

Background

Wisconsin statute 342.12 requires residents who do not have adequate proof that they own their vehicle to purchase a surety bond prior to obtaining a duplicate title. The Wisconsin legislature enacted the bonding requirement to ensure that the rightful vehicle owner will receive compensation if the title applicant does not actually own the vehicle. The bond will be active for five years from the date of issuance and must be in an amount equal to one and a half times the vehicle’s value.

What is the Purpose of the Wisconsin Lost Title Bond?

Wisconsin requires residents to purchase a surety bond as part of the application process to obtain a bonded title. The bond ensures that the rightful vehicle owner will not suffer a financial loss if the title applicant is seeking to obtain the title fraudulently. If the title applicant is engaging in fraud, then the rightful vehicle owner can file a claim against the bond and receive compensation up to the full amount of the bond. In short, the bond acts as a safeguard against people attempting to obtain ownership of a vehicle through unethical means.

How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain a Wisconsin Lost Title Bond?

BondExchange makes obtaining a Wisconsin Lost Title Bond easy. Simply log in to your account and use our keyword search to find the “title” bond in our database. Don’t have a login? Enroll now and let us help you satisfy your customers’ needs. Our friendly underwriting staff is available by phone at (800) 438-1162, email, or chat from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM EST to assist you.

At BondExchange, our 40 years of experience, leading technology, and access to markets ensures that we have the knowledge and resources to provide your clients with fast and friendly service whether obtaining quotes or issuing bonds.

How is the Bond Amount Determined?

Wisconsin statute 342.12 dictates that the bond amount must be equal to one and a half times the vehicle’s value. The Department of Transportation will consult pricing guides to determine the vehicle’s value during the application process.

Is a Credit Check Required for the Wisconsin Lost Title Bond?

Surety companies will not conduct a credit check for bonds that are less than $25,000. At limits over $25,000, surety companies will review the applicant’s credit standing to determine qualification for the bond. For larger bond amounts, applicants with poor credit may be subject to a higher rate. Generally, most carriers want to understand how the applicant came to have ownership of the vehicle.

How Much Does the Wisconsin Lost Title Bond Cost?

The Wisconsin Lost Title Bond costs either $100 or 1.5% of the bond amount, whichever is greater (rates may vary for bonds greater than $25,000).

Who is Required to Purchase a Bond?

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation requires title applicants to purchase a surety bond if the applicant cannot present the department with tangible proof that they own the vehicle and are unable to contact the vehicle’s previous owner. Lost title bonds are typically required for the following reasons:

• The vehicle has never been titled
• The applicant never received the title
• The previous owner never titled the vehicle
• The applicant has the title but there is an error in the title transfer
• The applicant purchased an unclaimed/abandoned vehicle and is not a bonded agent

How do Wisconsin Residents Apply for a Bonded Title?

To apply for a bonded title, Wisconsin residents must complete the following steps:

Step 1 – Consult the DOT

Bonded title applicants in Wisconsin should consult the Department of Transportation prior to purchasing a surety bond. Wisconsin does not require all title applicants to obtain a bonded title, and usually only does so as an absolute last resort. Title applicants should ensure that they actually need a bond before purchasing one.

Step 2 – Complete the Application

After consulting the DOT, bonded title applicants should complete the application and mail it to the following address:

Vehicle Research Unit Wisconsin
Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 8070
Madison, WI 53708-8070

Bonded title applicants must complete the application in its entirety, and submit the following items:

• • Title and License Plate application
  • Bill of sale or previously issued title/registration documents (if available)
  • Pictures of the vehicle showing all four sides and the VIN
    • If no VIN the applicant must have their vehicle inspected by law enforcement
  • Written statement detailing how the applicant came into possession of the vehicle

Step 3 – Purchase a Surety Bond

The DOT will review the bonded title application and inform the applicant of the vehicle’s value. Bonded title applicants must purchase and maintain a surety bond in an amount equal to one and a half times the vehicle’s value.

How Do Wisconsin Bonded Title Applicants File Their Bond?

In Wisconsin, bonded title applicants should mail the completed bond form, including the power of attorney, to the following address:

Vehicle Research Unit Wisconsin
Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 8070
Madison, WI 53708-8070

The Wisconsin Lost Title Surety Bond requires signatures from both the surety company that issues the bond and the bonded title applicant. The surety company should include the following information on the bond form:

• The legal name and address entity/individual(s) buying the bond
• Surety company’s name and address
• Bond amount
• Vehicle information
• Date the bond is signed
• Witness signatures for the principal and surety company

What Are the Insurance Requirements for Bonded Title Applicants in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin requires all motor vehicle owners to purchase auto insurance with the following minimum limits:

• $10,000 per person
• $25,000 per accident
• $50,000 property damage per accident

Bonded title applicants must purchase and maintain a surety bond in an amount equal to one and a half times the vehicle’s value.

How Can Wisconsin Residents Avoid Claims Against Their Lost Title Bond?

To avoid claims against their bond, bonded title applicants in Wisconsin must ensure that they are the rightful owners of the motor vehicle.

What Other Insurance Products Can Agents Offer Bonded Title Applicants in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin requires all motor vehicle owners to purchase auto insurance. Bonds are our only business at BondExchange, so we do not issue other types of insurance, but our agents often utilize brokers for this specific line of business. A list of brokers in this space can be found here.