Car Loan Glossary ab

In AB, what should I know about lien checks (PPSA) for car loans?

In Alberta, conducting a Personal Property Registry (PPR) search, often referred to as a PPSA lien check, is an indispensable step when arranging a car loan, particularly for used vehicles. This provincial registry, operating under Alberta's Personal Property Security Act, records any security interests or liens registered against personal property, including vehicles, by lenders or creditors. The 'why this matters' is profound: purchasing a vehicle with an undisclosed lien means you could unknowingly inherit the previous owner's debt. Should that previous owner default on their loan, the original creditor retains the legal right to repossess the vehicle, even if you are the new, innocent buyer who has paid for it in full. Therefore, before finalizing any car loan or purchase agreement, always perform a thorough PPR search using the vehicle's unique VIN to confirm it has a clear title and is free of any registered encumbrances. This due diligence is paramount for protecting your financial investment and is a critical safeguard in the current Canadian used car market, ensuring you don't face unexpected financial liabilities.

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