TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Nov 14, 2008 5:22 pm

Don't know if this is the right forum but..

I am selling a car to someone in Europe. The want me to leave the license plates on the vehicle so they can drive it off the docks and so forth prior to registering it in their country. Only thing is, my state (Massachusetts) requires I return the plates to DMV in order to have my insurance canceled. I am not so sure I am comfortable sending off my vehicle that is registered and insured in my name to someone I don't know. Anyone have any experience with this?
thanks in advance

Fri Nov 14, 2008 5:47 pm

I took my bus to Europe and sold it before coming back and left the plates on as they can drive it until they get pass the MOT or mechanical inspection, but I did go to the DMV and called my insurance company as soon as I got back. Different rules in California you can cancell your insurance online or on the phone. I would notify the DMV is no longer yours as soon as they come to pick it up or is dropped in the USA docks.

Sat Nov 15, 2008 7:07 pm

keep your plates. once they buy the car, all responsibilty of ownership becomes theirs, not yours.

Sun Nov 16, 2008 5:24 pm

iamdonquixote wrote: They want me to leave the license plates on the vehicle so they can drive it off the docks and so forth prior to registering it in their country. Only thing is, my state (Massachusetts) requires I return the plates to DMV in order to have my insurance canceled. I am not so sure I am comfortable sending off my vehicle that is registered and insured in my name to someone I don't know.

That's odd, all we have to do to cancel our insurance in Michigan is stop paying. Have you talked to your insurance company?

Seems like a small favor to ask, with no risk to you. Since they gave you money and paid to ship it across the ocean, your risk of someone claiming you own it and are liable for any damages is nil. Perhaps you could ask them to fax you some kind of documentation they have insurance for it before you agree to leave your plates on.

Mon Nov 17, 2008 12:02 am

Keep your plates. Unless they insure it under the chasis # they can't ldrive the car. To drive on US plates you also need a US drivers lisc. I shipped a Bus in my name to the UK and it still had to have current tags and I had to have expensive insurance to drive it and had to have the US drivers lisc.
It's not your problem, the buyer can hire a Lorry to transport the car.