You can think of a branded title as one that has been “stamped” with a notification that something has happened to the car. Reading the Carfax report doesn’t always reveal the story behind the used car branded title, nor does it explain what each brand actually means.
Branded titles often come from insurance companies’ willingness to pay for repairs after a serious crash. If the damage is severe enough, the insurer will declare a total loss. You might also see vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, which are also considered brands. Flood damage, hail damage, and other scenarios could lead to title brands.