In PE, what should I know about lien checks (PPSA) for car loans?
When purchasing a used vehicle in Prince Edward Island, a PPSA (Personal Property Security Act) lien check is an indispensable step to protect your investment. This search, conducted through the PEI Corporate and Personal Property Registry, identifies any registered financial encumbrances against the vehicle's unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Failing to perform this critical due diligence means you could unknowingly inherit the previous owner's outstanding debt, making you legally responsible for a loan, lease, or other registered security interest that you did not originate. In the current 2025 Canadian auto finance landscape, with economic uncertainties and potentially higher interest rates, the risk of encountering vehicles with undisclosed liens is elevated, underscoring the importance of verifying clear title. A clean PPSA report confirms that the seller has the legal right to transfer the vehicle free of financial claims, preventing potential repossession by a creditor and safeguarding you from significant financial liability. Always obtain an up-to-date PPSA search directly before finalizing any purchase, as it is the definitive legal check for financial liens, complementing other vehicle history reports.