Notice requirements related to salvage vehicle auctions provided, insurers authorized to apply for vehicle title when vehicle is acquired through payment of damages.

HF 1406 clarifies procedures for insurers and salvage vehicle auctions in Minnesota. It allows insurers to apply for a vehicle title (salvage or standard) if they pay for damages but the owner fails to provide the title within 15 days, after first sending certified notice to the owner and lienholders. The bill also requires insurers to notify auction companies if they won’t take ownership of a salvage vehicle, and mandates auction companies to send two 14-day-apart notices to the owner/lienholders, giving 30 days to reclaim the vehicle (paying any fees) before it’s deemed abandoned. If unreclaimed, auction companies can obtain a lien-free title from the state. This directly affects insurers, vehicle owners, lienholders, and salvage auction businesses.