More Information
When buying a vehicle:
Buying a used vehicle it is considered to be a hazardous process. The common expression for vehicle transactions is 'let the buyer beware', emphasising the onus on the buyer to ask all questions about the vehicle before purchasing. As a buyer, you
have the Sale of Goods Act on your side – so make use of it with an AutoAgreement™.
The standard V5 document only serves to record the ownership transfer of a vehicle
for DVLA registration purposes and nothing more.
An AutoAgreement™ is the professional document for your benefit, recording details of the transaction and vehicle including descriptions given by the seller (for example 'history' or 'condition'). Your AutoAgreement™ is your proof should the vehicle not be 'as described' and you want to request a
refund, repair or replacement vehicle from the seller for example.
Your AutoAgreement™ can include the seller’s confirmation against:
Accidents, write-offs, stolen/recovery situations, flood damage, vehicle modifications,
vehicle import, hidden history, mechanical faults, financial obligations or charges
AutoAgreement™ also records:
The vehicle description (make, model, colour, specification, body type), mileage,
registration date, number and VIN details, seller’s full name & address, driving
licence number, included items (log-book, service history, MOT, tax), additional
removable items (e.g. stereo, roof-rack, alloy wheels), part exchange vehicles,
deposits already paid, agreed vehicle price, payment methods, date and time of the
transaction
AutoAgreement.com is suitable for:
All makes and types of vehicle including Cars, Motorbikes
and Commercial Vehicles
Vehicle purchases from either private individuals or trade-dealers
Transactions within England and Wales
AutoAgreement.com costs £10 for a 1 year
unlimited usage period, so you can create as many purchase and test-drive agreements
as you require.
NEW! AutoAgreement™ Test-Drive document for selling your current
car:
When selling your vehicle, it’s common to expect potential buyers to request a test-drive before parting with their cash. They want to see what the car feels like to drive in traffic, at speed and when doing manoeuvres. As the registered owner you are not only letting a stranger take control of your valuable possession, but you are also legally responsible for it. A vehicle owner should rightly feel apprehensive when permitting a test-drive. You don't want to scare off potential buyers but you are at risk should something unexpected happen.
In fact even with a careful and cautious individual, the chances of incident are higher than normal. The driver is aiming to get a proper feel for handling and performance but is also relatively unfamiliar with your particular vehicle.
'The onus is on you, the seller…' (BBC
Top-Gear)
Alarmingly if you can be held liable for road-traffic offences should an incident occur, for example a speeding fine.
This may result in penalties and costs or even being subject to prosecution. At the point of test-drive you are still the legal owner of the vehicle, but have little proof that someone else was responsible for it. Even if a stranger has claimed or demonstrated valid licence and insurance, they have not accepted responsibility for your vehicle. Should things go wrong they could deny all responsibility for what now becomes your problem.
'Always be wary of the fact that you are vulnerable…and
take precautions'
(Channel 5 Fifth Gear)
Ensure that you get a signed (Test-Drive) AutoAgreement™ before handing over the controls. This is your documented evidence that the driver confirmed identity, has
insurance cover (which is also valid for your vehicle), sufficient licence, and accepted full responsibility for the vehicle during the test-drive. For the majority of people, this will not be a problem however forgetful, careless or dishonest people will think twice when asked to sign. A quick and sensible way to help avoid test-drive dangers.
'…be very careful indeed about allowing other people to drive your car…'
(Saturday Telegraph)
An AutoAgreement™ clearly states the details of the test-drive in a fashion acceptable to any honest individual. If an individual refuses to sign your AutoAgreement™ for what ever reason, you should seriously question their legitimacy and motives and consider cancelling the test-drive to protect your self.