In BC, what should I know about lien checks (PPSA) for car loans?
In British Columbia, conducting a Personal Property Registry (PPR) search, often referred to as a PPSA lien check, is an indispensable step when securing a car loan or purchasing a used vehicle. This search, performed using the vehicle's unique 17-digit VIN, reveals any registered security interests, such as outstanding loans, leases, or judgments, that legally tie the vehicle to a previous owner's debt. For consumers, especially in the evolving 2025 market where financial complexities can be higher, this matters profoundly because acquiring a vehicle with an undisclosed lien means you could unknowingly inherit that financial obligation, putting your investment at severe risk of repossession by the original creditor. Therefore, to ensure a clear title and protect yourself from significant financial liability, always obtain a current PPSA search report from BC's Personal Property Registry before finalizing any purchase or loan agreement.