Selling a registered car: Tips for a safe and quick sale

Everything you need to know to sell your registered car safely

Selling a car can be a challenge, especially if the vehicle is still registered. Many car owners wonder whether they are even allowed to sell their car in this condition and what the benefits and risks are. In this guide, you will find out how you can sell your registered car and what you need to pay attention to in order to sell your vehicle safely and successfully.

Can I sell my registered car?

Yes, you can sell your car even if it is registered. In Germany, however, there is an obligation to report the sale of the vehicle immediately to the relevant registration office. There are advantages and disadvantages to selling a registered car.

Advantages of selling a registered vehicle	Disadvantages of selling a registered vehicle
Quick sales process: A registered car can be sold more quickly as it is immediately ready to drive and no deregistration is required. This can speed up the sale and make it more attractive to the buyer.	Liability risks: If the car is not re-registered immediately, traffic violations or accidents could still be in your name.
Test drives possible: Potential buyers can easily test drive the car, which can be an important selling point. The ability to take a test drive often makes the offer more attractive.	Financial obligations: Until the vehicle is re-registered, car insurance and tax obligations remain in place

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What do I need to consider if I want to sell my car registered?

Before you decide to sell your registered car, you should make some important preparations to ensure a safe and smooth sale:

• Complete documentation: make sure you have all the important vehicle documents, including registration certificates part I and II (vehicle registration certificate and vehicle title), current TÜV reports and service booklets. These documents are crucial for the sales process and should be made available to the buyer.
• Binding agreements in the purchase contract: The purchase contract should contain a clear clause that obliges the buyer to re-register the vehicle within a certain period of time. This protects you from potential legal problems and financial risks if the buyer fails to do so.

What happens if the car is not re-registered?

If the buyer does not re-register the car immediately, you remain responsible as the official keeper. This means that you will remain responsible for vehicle taxes and insurance premiums and possibly also for any traffic violations that occur after the sale. To protect yourself, it is essential to inform the registration office and the car insurance company immediately after the sale.

💡 Tip: Avoid legal pitfalls

“Have you sold your car? To avoid legal consequences, don't forget to complete the notification of sale immediately and send it to the relevant authorities. This will release you from liability and ensure that all obligations are seamlessly transferred to the new owner. A simple step that can save you a lot of trouble!”

How do I protect myself against fraud when selling my registered car?

When selling a registered car, there are a few safety precautions you should take to protect yourself from fraud:

1. Use secure payment methods: Avoid cash transactions and rely on traceable payment methods such as bank transfers or certified checks.

2. Verify the identity of the buyer: Ask to see a valid ID and make sure the details match.

3. Have the purchase contract checked: A lawyer or knowledgeable person should review the purchase contract to make sure all details are correct and complete.

4. Accompanied test drives: Never leave the buyer alone with your car. Accompany the test drive and check the driver's license beforehand.

5. Choose safe meeting places: Choose public places for sales meetings that are well-lit and attract a lot of people.

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Conclusion

Selling a registered car can be quicker and less complicated than selling a deregistered vehicle, but it also involves risks. To protect yourself from potential problems, you should take all the necessary precautions and ensure that the buyer reregisters the vehicle immediately.

If you want to sell a registered car safely and quickly without taking the risks of a private sale, CashforCars.de offers you the perfect solution. Our service allows you to sell your car without stress and uncertainty. We take care of all the necessary formalities and guarantee a fast, fair transaction. Get a non-binding offer today and find out how easy selling a car can be!