FAIRFAX, Va. — According to the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), the push for VIN disclosure legislation took a major step forward when Senator Trent Lott (R-Miss.) introduced the Consumer Access to Total Loss Vehicle Data Act (S.545). ARA applauds Senator Lott for his leadership in the effort to end the abusive practices associated with title fraud, stating that the bill exemplifies his commitment to stem total loss vehicle-related fraud, theft and other illegal total loss vehicle activities, not only in the United States, but also worldwide. The bill would make information about automobiles that insurers have declared a total loss available to consumers and to state and local law enforcement. The legislation directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require insurers to disclose information pertaining to these vehicles, including through online auto services. ARA supports the establishment of a disclosure system that provides consumers with valuable information that currently is only available to insurance companies and transportation officials. Over the last year, ARA, along with a coalition comprised of automotive dealers, automakers, service organizations and others, has called for consumer-protection legislation designed to unmask fraud in the titling process by making total-loss data electronically available to the public. Educated consumers are less likely to purchase a wrecked, flooded or stolen vehicle that has been declared a total loss. “Empowering consumers with a publicly accessible electronic database of total loss VINs not only increases consumer protection, but will deter fraud by chipping away at the underground market auto supply,” says George Eliades, ARA executive vice president. “We look forward to Congressional debate on this bill to stop vehicle title fraud and help law enforcement crack down on criminals who alter titles on totaled vehicles.” ARA encourages the Congress to consider including language regarding export of vehicles in any final VIN disclosure bill. The export provisions are a vital tool for law enforcement agencies to stop VIN cloning and to fight terrorism, fraud and other crimes, says the ARA. ARA also looks forward to working with Congress to enact title and vehicle fraud legislation in this session. For more information, visit www.a-r-a.org. | 
