Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking and guiding the transfer of a vehicle includes determining which documents and things are required in the title transfer process. Documents needed in the title transfer process are generated by the system. The guiding, tracking and documents are specific to each situation depending on state in which the vehicle is titled, state in which the vehicle is being sold, insurance company that insured the damaged vehicle, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for identifying parts of a vehicle. A method and apparatus is also provided for generating keywords and logic structures to access a part number database. A method and apparatus is further provided for use of the keywords and logic structure to access the part number database. Vehicle identifiers such as VIN numbers are utilized to determine vehicle parts so that vehicle parts for a vehicle may be determined from the vehicle identifier of that vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating quality of photographs of an item, such as a damaged vehicle for auction, includes displaying a predetermined set of views of the vehicle in a predetermined arrangement on a display screen for viewing by a reviewer. The predetermined views include an overlay of an alignment guide on some of the photographs. The reviewer enters a rating for the photographs of the set as a pass or fail rating, wherein the fail rating includes one of a plurality of fail ratings identifying a problem with at least one of the photographs. Following entry of a rating by the reviewer, a next set of photographs of a next item is displayed in the same predetermined arrangement as for the first item. Photographs receiving a fail rating are identified for re-taking of the photographs of the item. Overlays are provided for alignment of the object for photographers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for searching a database of vehicle values for a damaged or donated vehicle to determine a value of a vehicle of interest. The search permits free text searching and performs autocomplete of search terms as well as autocomplete of related search terms. Search results are determined after search terms are deciphered by the algorithm and those deciphered terms are then used to query the database to identify matching information.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device such as a smart phone receives a spoken vehicle identification number (VIN) by a user. The smart phone device interprets the spoken input as interpreted text. The device removes any spaces, punctuation, words, or sound-alike words from the interpreted text. The device replaces any prohibited characters with corresponding acceptable letters. The device displays the resulting character string as a VIN to the user for comparison to the VIN on a vehicle. The device may communicate to a database to obtain make, model, and model year information corresponding to the VIN and display that vehicle information to the user for confirmation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for guiding and tracking a workflow for transferring a title of a damaged vehicle from an owner to an insurance company and then to a salvage company. The method is provided via a website that identifies the specific requirements for the vehicle transfer depending on the state in which the vehicle is titled, the existence of any liens on the vehicle, and the state in which the vehicle will be sold. The user identifies the documents and things that will be needed for the transfer and monitors the completion of each task in the process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking and guiding the transfer of a vehicle includes determining which documents and things are required in the title transfer process. Documents needed in the title transfer process are generated by the system. The guiding, tracking and documents are specific to each situation depending on state in which the vehicle is titled, state in which the vehicle is being sold, insurance company that insured the damaged vehicle, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus includes an app on a smartphone that assists a policy holder in transferring title of a damaged vehicle to an insurance company or other party by requesting that the user compare the title at hand to images of versions of vehicle titles, by requesting information on the names and number of owners on the title and whether any lienholders are named on the title. Instructions are sent to the user as to executing the title for transfer. The smartphone is used to photograph the executed title and the photos are uploaded for review. After review, the title with any changes requested by the reviewer is forwarded to the insurance company.