How to handle the car handover process

Selling your car in a private sale can certainly feel like a leap of faith. Knowing what to do may require a bit of planning, especially during the handover period. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be a smooth process. Here’s a bit more on what to do when selling a car.

Prepare for the sale

Inspect your car

Do an in-depth examination of your car and make note of any imperfections. If it’s safe to do so, fix minor issues and give your car a thorough cleaning inside and out – don’t forget about the engine bay! If you have the resources, getting a professional to do the minor repairs or detailing is a great option.

Once the car is “showroom ready”, take plenty of photos, inside and out, with a neutral background. Be honest regarding any obvious flaws and detail these in the description.

Meeting the buyer

Prioritise your safety

Before you start worrying about the sale, take steps to protect your personal safety. When you have a potential buyer, meet them in a public area, like a shopping centre car park. If you can, have a friend or family member with you.

Have your registration papers and roadworthy certificate (if required) ready to show the buyer. If you still owe money on your vehicle, contact your lender and follow their process to pay out the loan. Take down the buyer’s personal details and take a photo of their license, then accompany them for a spin.

Can car insurance cover damage caused during a test drive?

Be sure to read your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before allowing someone test drive your car when it is up for sale. This is to confirm whether or not your policy will cover loss or damage. Suncorp Comprehensive Car Insurance covers test drives if the policyholder or another listed driver is in the car.

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Getting paid

Sold! Now, there’s the potential stress of getting payment – but there are ways you can alleviate it. Consider requesting secure payment methods like a direct transfer or bank cheques. You could even meet at the buyer’s bank branch to confirm immediate payment verification – but this is up to you.

Get the paperwork sorted

What paperwork is required to sell a car?

Firstly, prepare a receipt detailing the car and payment specifics. Gather the following and hand them over to the buyer upon completing the sale:

• transfer documents
• car registration
• roadworthy certificates, and
• service logs.

Document handover requirements when transferring vehicles vary from state to state. Please refer to your relevant road authority if you’re not sure what’s needed.

Cancel any ongoing services

Remember to review any ongoing car payments, such as your:

• roadside assistance membership
• car insurance policy, and
• toll road passes.

Cancel them once the car has been sold. You'll know you've forgotten something if you start getting toll bills for trips you never took.

Get insurance sorted for your new ride

You’ve sold the car, the money’s in your account, and all the paperwork is in order. Have you got insurance for your new wheels? Suncorp Insurance offers insurance for varying needs and budgets.

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Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as Suncorp Insurance. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before considering this insurance. The Target Market Determination is also available. Information provided is general advice only and has been prepared without taking into account any person's particular objectives, financial situation or needs. 

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