Is It Illegal To Sell A Car That Has Been Written Off?

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Are you thinking about selling your written-off car? The thing is, it’s not as easy as handing over the keys to the new owner. There are a lot of things happening behind the scenes that you need to take care of first, and one of those things is making sure that it’s legal to sell a written-off car.

In short, yes, it is illegal to sell a car that has been written off. But there are ways around it if you’re determined to get rid of your old car. Let’s take a look at the steps you need to take to legally sell your written-off car.

Acquire a Written-Off Certificate from the Department of Transport

The first thing you need to do is get a written-off certificate from the Department of Transport. This certificate will state that your car has been declared a write-off, and it will also have the date that the write-off occurred.

Once you have the certificate, you’ll need to take it to a licensed motor vehicle dealer. They will inspect the car to make sure that it meets all the safety requirements for being on the road. If everything is in order, they will issue you with a roadworthy certificate.

Now, you can either sell your car to the dealer or find a private buyer. If you sell it to a private buyer, they will need to get their roadworthy certificate.

If you’re selling your car to a licensed motor vehicle dealer, they will issue you with a cash for cars receipt. You’ll need to keep this receipt as proof that you sold the car.

Inform the insurance company

Once you’ve sold your car, you’ll need to contact your insurance company and let them know that the car has been written off. They will then cancel your insurance policy and refund you any unused premium.

It’s important to note that if you don’t inform your insurance company that your car has been written off, you could be liable for any damage that the car causes while it’s on the road.

So, there you have it. These are the steps you need to take to legally sell a car that has been written off. Just make sure that you follow them carefully, and you should be able to get rid of your old car without any problems.

In Conclusion

If you’re buying a car, it’s your responsibility to make sure that it is legal to drive on the road. If you’re not sure, you can always ask a licensed motor vehicle dealer for advice. They will be able to tell you if the car is roadworthy and if it is legal to sell.

If you’re selling a car, you need to take care of a few things first. Make sure that you get a written-off certificate from the Department of Transport, and take it to a licensed motor vehicle dealer to get a roadworthy certificate.

This article is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as legal advice. If you have any questions about selling a written-off car, you should speak to a licensed motor vehicle dealer or a lawyer.

About Marcus The Car Guy

I've been in car sales and finance for over 20 years, working at the highest volume dealerships in the nation including Fletcher Jones, DCH and more. Want to pick my brain on finding cars, negotiating cars, and structuring car deals?

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