I am getting a new car (in the worst possible way) and need advice.

My grandfather only has a few weeks left and has offered me his car. We have the relevant paperwork to send off (V5) and I will deal with his insurance company.

Now to complicate things further, I am moving house in two weeks time, and really don't want to be paying for 2 cars, even if it is short term it is stress and hassle I just don't want.

The other problem facing me is I have heard transferring ownership posthumously is very difficult. This just sucks all round and I'm stressed out of my box anyway with various other things on top of all this.

Can someone please let me know what the best way to do this is, IF I can't sell my car in the very short term?

Thanks.

Really sorry to hear about your Grandfather, ive been in the same situation and its Awful.

It should be fairly straightforward ownership wise unless someone else will want to claim it is part of his estate after he passes away.

It might be cheaper to insure one of the cars on a short term policy if its only going to be for a short time?

webuyanycar.com?

I've been hearing good things about their speed and professionalism of late.

middo85 said:

Really sorry to hear about your Grandfather, ive been in the same situation and its Awful.

It should be fairly straightforward ownership wise unless someone else will want to claim it is part of his estate after he passes away.

It might be cheaper to insure one of the cars on a short term policy if its only going to be for a short time?

Click to expand...

I have the signed bit of paper...does it still count if he passes?

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time mate. Hope you get it all sorted out without too much extra hassle.

Most Easterly Pandas said:

webuyanycar.com?

I've been hearing good things about their speed and professionalism of late.

Click to expand...

No thanks.

My cars sell generally pretty quickly, because they always include the words 'reciepts' and 'FSH' (no lies, either).

Magic Johnson said:

I have the signed bit of paper...does it still count if he passes?

Click to expand...

What bit of paper? Make sure he does you a reciept.

Inheritance laws can get messy though should other family members kick off

Most Easterly Pandas said:

What bit of paper? Make sure he does you a reciept.

Inheritance laws can get messy though should other family members kick off

Click to expand...

V5, signed. That's exactly it mate, though I don't envisage anybody 'kicking off'' I generally don't want to deal with the process, at this time.

How about if I sell my car, then send the V5 for his. How would the insurance work over that period of time? Leave it in his name? Transfer it to my insurance? Eurgh.

NB: It is garaged.

EDIT: And taxed.

Magic Johnson said:

I have the signed bit of paper...does it still count if he passes?

Click to expand...

Im not 100% sure, civil law isnt my area im afraid.

I would imagine a signed receipt or letter would be fine in most cases, unless someone wants to make an issue of it.


If you know where the rest of his assets will be going (other family etc) and you trust they wont make an issue of it then i wouldnt worry too much, unless its a Bentley or something

As you say it is garaged. Could you not send of the V5c and then declare it SORN until you manage to sell your other car? You would have to send back the current tax disc and can claim back a refund on the months that are currently left on it. When you do sell your other car just transfer over your insurance, reapply for the tax and then it will be back on the road. kind regards Jack

Moved it to Off topic so it get more views and hopefully some more idea's


Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time


Not sure if this is any help

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/car-buyers-guide/cbg_sellerscontract.html

http://www.theaa.com/resources/Documents/pdf/motoring-advice/aa-car-buyers-sellers-contract.pdf

I'm confused, so whats the issue? Why are we mentioning ownership issues, but then saying its taxed, perhaps I'm missing the point but I can't see the relevance.

From the date the V5C is signed and you've become owner you need to either have it taxed and insured, or SORN it if not insured. However, you'll get a warning letter first if you leave it taxed and uninsured, and along with a change of ownership it would probably be a good 8-12 weeks before that even gets issues.

Most Easterly Pandas said:

I'm confused, so whats the issue? Why are we mentioning ownership issues, but then saying its taxed, perhaps I'm missing the point but I can't see the relevance.

From the date the V5C is signed and you've become owner you need to either have it taxed and insured, or SORN it if not insured. However, you'll get a warning letter first if you leave it taxed and uninsured, and along with a change of ownership it would probably be a good 8-12 weeks before that even gets issues.

Click to expand...

The V5 keeper is nothing to do with ownership, just who is legally responsible for tax, insurance etc. The owner can be completely different.

middo85 said:

The V5 keeper is nothing to do with ownership, just who is legally responsible for tax, insurance etc. The owner can be completely different.

Click to expand...

Correct, registered keeper is what I meant to say, not owner

Which is why OP needs a receipt transfering ownership also ideally.

Sorry about the situation.

As the car is a gift and your grandfather is still alive (the change of owner on the V5 predates the death certificate) if you were to sell the car you will not have to pay any inheritance tax after the sale.

Depending on the car, running costs, sentimental value and other factors I'd be inclined to keep it and either sell yours or find someone local with a bit of driveway space.

Liquid Knight said:

As the car is a gift and your grandfather is still alive (the change of owner on the V5 predates the death certificate) if you were to sell the car you will not have to pay any inheritance tax after the sale.

Click to expand...

Not necessarily, I don't know the full ins and outs but I do know it depends upon the values in question.

In a similar vein same applies with selling / giving the house away to a family member and then passing away, if its all within something like 7 years then inheritance tax is payable depending upon the circumstance.

Ring DVLA up, explain situation - they will ask for a letter in writing, probably do a small internal investigation to make sure truth is being told, they will then transfer docs/ V5 into your name

I have bought a car from someone who comitted suicide and thats what I had to do

No real stress involved, just usual waiting around for docs from DVLA

I cant really add much to this thread but I lost my mother recently and know how hard losing someone close can be, Just wanted to say I'm very sorry to hear about your grandfather and I wish all the best

Thank you everyone for your well wishes. I said what I needed to say on Wednesday night, I don't think he is 'there' anymore what with all the morphine.

The road tax is free on it as with terminal cancer sufferers it comes under disability.

So I want to get rid of my car and keep his, he just paid AC for a MOT and service and it cost £630 (which I was furious about, £350 labour!) new brakes and 1 new tyre.

If I send the V5 away now, how does that work? Before I sell my car? Would his insurance cover it in the garage?