Those who are long-term readers will remember that I sold my car last year, I thought to a young man (young men) who’s grand-dad was going to use it to teach them car repair. The last few days have been interesting, as that was a great big steaming pile.
Not sure if I mentioned it here or not, but last fall I learned from the BMV that the title had never been transferred. Per their recommendation, I sent a certified letter offering to help with that transfer to the address I had for the buyer. Letter was refused and I made little progress in finding a lawyer (particularly cheap or free) that could help me with the issue.
Got back into that search hard yesterday, as Saturday I got a notice that the car had been impounded by the State Police and that as it was still in my name I was liable for fines, fees, and storage. Talked to the holder of the vehicle, and was told not to worry as if not claimed it would be sold. Since I do not have current proof of ownership, couldn’t claim it even if I wanted to.
So, spent yesterday dealing with Legal Aid and such, and this morning had an online chat with a lawyer through the Bar Association. Short version, I don’t have ‘proper’ legal proof of sale (photo of title signed over to the buyer); there is not much I can do/could do anyway; and, it could zorch my credit rating. Not sure about other legal liability, but am going to go next Monday to talk in person with a different lawyer to see what, if anything, I can do to protect myself.
To make it even more fun, the young man who allegedly bought the car may well have used a false ID, given a false address, and the name given does match a person with an extensive rap sheet that seems to involve a number of issues around cars and fraud going back a couple of decades. Seems ISP may have impounded it after catching him out with false plates on it. Don’t know for sure, but suspect the ‘grandpa’ was this man.
So, at least according to this consultation, there’s not much I can do. Other than Pray, and that will be done. Meantime, will be getting a second opinion, if not a third, and make every effort I can to protect myself and my credit rating.
Joy. Not what I wanted to be dealing with, or ever expected to have to deal with. If you ever sell a car yourself, take care and cover yourself. Oh well, onwards!
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OT – Wonder if you’re going to revisit this post in light of the recently released report.
Most of that information was covered in https://www.laughingwolf.net/2025/02/17/dc-crash-update/; and, once the next report comes out I will be doing a longer piece on it. FYI, what came out in the NYT is not a report, but is “reporting” by them. Not saying they are wrong, but I take anything they say with more than one grain of salt. As noted, the NTSB process is slow, but I do plan to keep following it.
Now that auto records are automated, anything other than a completed transaction will live on forever. I junked a utility trailer when I retired ten years ago. Hauled it to the junk yard, with the last half mile on one tire and one rim.
I still get renewal notices from the County, despite sending a letter informing them the trailer was junked.
Yep. The real problem here is Indiana law specified that until it is transferred the original owner is legally and financially responsible for the vehicle and all done with it.
‘Same thing in California. CA has a “release of interest” form attached to the title to be filled out when the car is sold. However, it says right on that form that until the title is transferred, the transaction isn’t considered complete. …So what the hell good is it?… Always, ALWAYS create a bill of sale to be signed by both the seller and the buyer, stating that the car was sold in as-is condition!!!
I think Florida has it right. Both the buyer and seller need to to have the title transfer and bill of sale NOTORIZED. It’s an added cost and a bit of a pain in the ass, but the upside is that even if the buyer gives false info, YOU are on record as having SOLD THE CAR ON THAT DATE. YOU are OFF THE HOOK as of that date.
Sorry to read this . Hope it gets sorted out soon