What is your legal responsibility when selling a car?

Selling a car privately If you are selling a car, your main responsibility is to ensure that you describe and represent the car fairly and accurately to the potential buyer. As a private seller, you are not strictly required to assure the buyer that the car is in good condition.

Whose responsibility is it to transfer ownership of a car?

The transfer of ownership always comes down to the previous owner, as they are the one in possession of the V5C, otherwise known as the vehicle logbook, which is a certificate of registration.

What are the legal requirements when selling a car?

What should I handover when selling my car?

What can I do if someone sells me a faulty car?

If you've bought a faulty car from a private seller, the first step is always to contact the seller and let them know about the fault. If the fault means that the car isn't as it was described or is not safe to be driven, you are within your rights to request a refund and return the car to the seller.

6 Steps to Limit Risk When Selling Your Car Privately

Do I have the right to return a used car?

Buying a used car from a dealer

In particular, if the car you bought is not as the dealer described it, you're entitled to reject the car and get your money back. If you want to keep the car, you can ask the dealer for compensation covering the cost of repair.

Can I return a car to a private seller?

30 days to 6 months

If a defect is found once the 30 days have passed, but within 6 months, you are entitled to request a repair, replacement or refund free of charge. The law assumes that the fault was there at the time of delivery, unless the seller can prove otherwise.

What do I need to do when selling car privately?

Do I need documents to sell my car?

A V5C certificate – or vehicle registration document – is a must. In fact, the AA and the DVLA advise that you should NOT buy a vehicle if the seller does not have its V5C registration document. It contains essential information that proves the trustworthiness of the vehicle.

Can I sell my car without registration document?

Yes, you can sell a car without a log book, or V5C document. But it will be harder to do so without proof of ownership, and you might have to lower the price. It is easy to apply for a replacement log book, and reassure anyone buying the car that you are the registered owner.

Whose responsibility is it to notify the DVLA when buying or selling a vehicle?

Remember by law, it is the seller's responsibility to tell the DVLA about the change of keeper. If you don't do this you commit an offence and you will still be liable for the vehicle. If you have your V5C registration document you need to: Fill in sections 6.

What happens if I forgot to tell DVLA I sold my car?

The DVLA is entitled to carry out, and frequently does, criminal prosecutions in the Magistrates Court for certain offences. The most common of these offences is failing to notify the DVLA of a change of keeper for a vehicle.

How do I transfer my V5 to a new owner?

Every time the car's ownership changes, the car's current V5C has to be completed and sent back to the DVLA. They then issue a new one in the new owner's name. The current owner's details are already on the V5C, so you have to complete the section for the new owner's details.

Who is the legal owner of my car?

The owner is the person who bought the car or the person who has been gifted the vehicle. The registered keeper is the main user of the car. A company car is a common example of when a registered keeper and owner are different. The company owns the car and the employee who drives the car is the registered keeper.

Am I liable for a car after I sell it UK?

Informing the DVLA when you have sold your car

It also means that any speeding fines and other legal penalties linked to your buyer will be coming through your letterbox for the car you have just sold. The DVLA must know your car has been sold or you will be liable for anything the new owner should be paying.

Do you need to change ownership of a car?

Whilst your generosity is at your discretion, the ownership of the car isn't. If you are no longer the registered keeper, even if you still 'own' the vehicle, you must transfer ownership using the V5C.

Can I sell a car on behalf of someone else?

“Can I sell a vehicle on behalf of someone else?" you ask.

The answer is a resounding 'yes'. Whether you're merely assisting a family member by handling the online forms and phone conversations or stepping in to manage the entire handover in their absence, there are specific guidelines to follow.

What to do with V5 when selling car privately?

For a two-part V5C registration document: Fill in the 'notification of sale or transfer' section and send it to the DVLA. The other half of the document should be given to the buyer on purchase of the vehicle.

Can I sell my car without V5?

Can I sell my car without a V5C? You can sell your car without a V5C, although this can be more difficult. Many viewers and dealers won't buy a car without a V5C - or may reduce their offer. If you sell your car without a V5C, you'll still need to inform the DLVA in writing.

Is Sold as seen legally binding?

However, according to Trading Standards, no vehicles can legally be 'sold as seen'. As you are selling a car under a legally-binding contract, adding 'sold as seen' or 'no refunds' to an advert provides no legal protection to you as a seller.

Should you sell a car privately?

Pros of privately selling your car

You can sometimes get more money than if you were to sell it direct to a dealership or company. It's sometimes easier to find a buyer for rare and classic cars when selling privately, as some dealerships may not be interested in these types of cars.

How is better to sell the car?

Selling a car to a dealer

You'll probably get less for it than through a private sale, but you'll avoid the work and expense of advertising and dealing with enquiries, viewings and test drives. Your car's part-exchange value will be a little more than the trade price you'd get if you sold your car outright to a dealer.

Do private sellers have to accept returns?

You can ask for a refund, but if they refuse – you may have to take court action – which could prove expensive. If the seller breaches the contract, for instance, the item is not that which you agreed to buy, or it is faulty, you may be entitled to compensation for breach of contract.

Am I protected if I buy a car from a private seller?

It is important to remember that carelessness when buying a used car privately could end up costing you more than what you paid for the car as you won't be getting the same protections as you would get from a garage - especially where warranties, breakdown cover or consumer rights are concerned.

Is a private car sale sold as seen?

When you sell a used car privately it is important to provide the buyer with a 'sold as seen, tried and approved without guarantee' receipt. You should bear in mind that this doesn't affect the buyer's legal rights – the car must match any description that you give in writing or verbally in the course of the sale.