Can someone else sell my car?

Someone else can sell your car, so long as you give your permission. This guide explains how this straightforward process works.

You may be wondering if someone else can sell your car. Or perhaps you have a friend or family member who would like you to help sell their car. Well, the good news is a car doesn’t have to be sold by the owner, provided the seller has the owner’s permission to make the sale. We explain how the process works.

Remember, you can sell your car right here on Carwow. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Can someone else sell my car?

Yes, someone else can sell your car. They need your permission, of course, but it’s not uncommon for someone to sell a car at the request of a relative or friend. It’s usually a straightforward process.

Equally, if someone has approached you to sell their car for them, you can do so. You don’t need to be in the motor trade and there are no difficult hoops to jump through. So long as you have the owner’s consent and a few key items of paperwork, you can sell a car on someone else’s behalf.

How to sell a car on behalf of someone else

The most important thing is to have the owner’s permission. Rather than relying on a verbal request, it’s better to have the owner write a ‘letter of intent’. In essence, this letter will prove to potential buyers that you have been authorised to act on the vendor’s behalf.

There are some important details the ‘letter of intent’ should include:

• Permission from the owner for you to sell the vehicle for them.
• A statement that the person giving this permission is legally entitled to sell the car.
• The details of the vehicle, including the make, model, and registration number.
• The names and addresses of you and the car’s owner.
• Your signature and the signature of the owner.

You then need to decide how to go about selling the car. Some of the things you’ll want to discuss with the seller will include:

• Where to advertise the car for sale.
• How much the asking price should be.
• The lowest price the owner will accept.
• Any details about the car that the owner would like to make clear to potential buyers to avoid any confusion later.

It may be that the seller would also like to consider other options in addition to a private sale. These might include an auction, either in person or online. You might also want to think about a car buying service. Carwow’s service typically secures sellers around £1,000 more than part-exchanging their car.

What paperwork is required to sell a car for someone else?

Whether someone is selling your car for you, or you’re the one doing someone else a favour, the seller’s representative should have the ‘letter of intent’ handy so they can put a prospective buyer’s mind at rest. Otherwise alarm bells could start ringing if the person selling the car isn’t the owner.

The other vital document is the V5C logbook. This will be needed once you shake hands on a deal, as the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) will need to know that the car has changed hands.

If the car is three years old or more, buyers will want to see the car’s MOT certificate as proof that the car was roadworthy when last tested. Buyers may also ask to check over the car’s service history. Any paperwork relating to servicing or maintenance helps prospective buyers build a picture of the car’s past and better understand if it has been well cared for.

Perhaps instead of a private sale, you may opt to sell the car to a trader or a car buying service. In this case different companies will have varying requirements as to what paperwork they will need to see. You may have to show ID, such as a passport or driving licence, for both the owner and the person selling the car on their behalf. A utility bill may also be needed to confirm that the registered keeper of the car lives at the address given on the V5C logbook. Bank details for payment will be needed, and possibly a bank statement as additional security.

It’s best to check in advance with the trader or buying service so you can gather together all the paperwork and ID required.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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