How to sell a car safely

Selling a car can be a difficult and stressful task, particularly if you decide to sell privately. When selling privately it is important to remain vigilant and aware of any possible scams to keep yourself safe.

From the payment to the test drive, there are multiple opportunities where scammers could take advantage and the seller must remain careful. Here are our tips on how to stay safe when selling a car.

 

30 second car valuation

 

Sell your car safely online

 
Selling a car online

Selling online can be a risky way to sell a car. Being aware of people trying to scam you is important when it comes to selling online, you should do extra checks to ensure you know whom you are selling to. Don’t provide any vital information, particularly card information and always meet the buyer in person.

 

How to accept payments

 

There are few options for payment, for example, an online bank transfer, cash or a cheque. Whichever method you choose, it is important to be careful and minimise any risks.

  • Online bank transfer

    This is possibly the easiest and quickest form of payment, but you may not want to pass on your bank details. If you’re wary of the buyer, don’t give them your details and pick another way to receive payment.

  • Cash

    This can come with risks as you could be holding a lot of money, however, if you accept the cash inside a bank, the cashiers can count it and check that the money is legal tender.

  • Cheque

    This is increasingly the least popular payment method due to the time it can take for a cheque to clear. However, if you do intend to accept a cheque, ensure to check the buyer’s details are correct and that the cheque is in their name. The last thing you want is for the cheque to bounce after the keys have been handed over with no way of contacting the buyer. Ask for proof of their name and address and make sure the cheque has cleared before the sale is complete.

  • Lastly...

    provide a receipt for the buyer and keep a copy for yourself as proof of the sale, and never let the buyer drive off with the vehicle until the payment successfully arrives in your account.

 

Be a responsible seller

 
Shaking hands with a car salesperson

As the seller, you have responsibilities to reassure the buyer that they are buying a car safely. The best way to do this is by proving you are the legal owner of the car and there are no issues, including outstanding finance, by having all the documentation to hand. This includes the V5C, the service history and MOT certificate. If you don't have some of the information to hand, you could use a tool such as our free car history check to give the buyer information about the history of the vehicle. Also, be honest about the vehicle’s condition to prevent any future disputes about misrepresentation.

 

Keep your car safe

 
White car

The potential buyer should not be allowed to test drive the car on their own. The seller should remain with the vehicle at all times, as well as keeping hold of the keys. When changing seats, it is advisable to take the keys out of ignition to avoid giving the buyer an opportunity to steal the car. Before the buyer should be allowed to test-drive the vehicle, you should make sure they are legally allowed to by checking their driving licence and ensure they are insured to drive your car.

 

Sell on your own turf

 
Selling on your own turf

Meet the potential buyer at your home or at a destination you are familiar with. Don’t meet in a lay-by or in the middle of nowhere. Keep yourself safe and in control at all times.

There is quite a lot to think about when selling privately. If you want to sell your car quickly and without any hassle, then why not do it the easy way and sell your car with webuyanycar.

What our customers think