Insurance against liens on equipment?

[252301]

When I buy something big, I need to know that there are no liens or encumbrances against it.  usually I do a check on the serial number.  Does ebay have insurance for me if I buy an item, without doing the check?  That is, if there is a lien somewhere, I would essentially be buying the equipment a second time...from the original seller and the one who holds the equipment as security/collateral.

[karl*katz · Accepted solution]

Afraid not checking for Liens is the buyers responsibility.

eBay has a policy against selling anything with a Lien however they don't actively police it.

If a seller does it too often they will get banned but that doesn't help the buyer.

[femmefan1946]

Ifi this is a concern, ask the seller, before bidding, for the serial number.

If he refuses, do not bid.