Dealing with a Deceased Person’s Vehicle: A Comprehensive Guide by Funera Sydney
Dealing with a Deceased Person's Vehicle: A Comprehensive Guide by Funera Sydney
Losing a loved one raises questions about what to do with their car or other vehicles. The family and beneficiaries are left with the task of deciding whether to sell the vehicle or transfer it to a new owner, either as a gift or following a sale. Funera Sydney has crafted this 8-step guide to shed light on the general process of what happens to a person's car when they pass away.
Losing a loved one raises questions about what to do with their car or other vehicles. The family and beneficiaries are left with the task of deciding whether to sell the vehicle or transfer it to a new owner, either as a gift or following a sale. Funera Sydney has crafted this 8-step guide to shed light on the general process of what happens to a person's car when they pass away.
1. Establish Vehicle Ownership:
- The executor or administrator takes ownership of the deceased's estate. Determine the vehicle's ownership by checking for surviving joint owners or instructions in the Will.
- The executor or administrator takes ownership of the deceased's estate. Determine the vehicle's ownership by checking for surviving joint owners or instructions in the Will.
2. Agree on Distribution:
- In cases where the Will is unclear or nonexistent, decide whether to transfer the vehicle to a beneficiary, family member, or sell it, distributing the proceeds among residuary estate beneficiaries.
- In cases where the Will is unclear or nonexistent, decide whether to transfer the vehicle to a beneficiary, family member, or sell it, distributing the proceeds among residuary estate beneficiaries.
3. Maintain the Vehicle:
- Assess if maintenance is required for a potentially higher sale price or valuation. Undertake necessary repairs before sale or valuation.
- Assess if maintenance is required for a potentially higher sale price or valuation. Undertake necessary repairs before sale or valuation.
4. Continue Financial Obligations:
- Keep up with car insurance payments and registration to ensure compliance. If the vehicle is being used by a surviving spouse or dependant, maintain payments until it is transferred or sold.
- Keep up with car insurance payments and registration to ensure compliance. If the vehicle is being used by a surviving spouse or dependant, maintain payments until it is transferred or sold.
5. Value and Arrange Sale:
- Whether transferring or selling, obtain valuations for tax and probate purposes. If selling, proceed with the sale arrangements.
- Whether transferring or selling, obtain valuations for tax and probate purposes. If selling, proceed with the sale arrangements.
6. Registration Transfer:
- For registered vehicles, transfer ownership to another or cancel the registration. Handle number plates appropriately, considering refunds or claims for the deceased's estate.
- For registered vehicles, transfer ownership to another or cancel the registration. Handle number plates appropriately, considering refunds or claims for the deceased's estate.
7. Cancel a Licence:
- Notify the relevant roads department of the deceased's status. Cancel any licences, permits, or marine licences, following the state-specific procedure.
- Notify the relevant roads department of the deceased's status. Cancel any licences, permits, or marine licences, following the state-specific procedure.
8. Close a Road Toll Account:
- Once the estate is settled, close any road toll accounts, ensuring outstanding fees are paid. Transfer accounts to a spouse or partner, returning tags undamaged for potential refunds.
- Once the estate is settled, close any road toll accounts, ensuring outstanding fees are paid. Transfer accounts to a spouse or partner, returning tags undamaged for potential refunds.
Navigating the process of a deceased person's vehicle involves careful considerations and adherence to state-specific regulations. Funera Sydney supports families in managing these practical aspects with empathy and clarity.
Navigating Loss Together with Funera Sydney
During challenging times, Funera Sydney stands by you, providing compassionate support in managing practical aspects like handling a deceased person's vehicle. Feel free to contact us on our website or reach out via phone: - Sydney (Main): (02) 9954 6655 - Sydney: (02) 9954 6655 - Newcastle: (02) 4955 1110 - Wollongong: (02) 4243 8755
During challenging times, Funera Sydney stands by you, providing compassionate support in managing practical aspects like handling a deceased person's vehicle. Feel free to contact us on our website or reach out via phone: - Sydney (Main): (02) 9954 6655 - Sydney: (02) 9954 6655 - Newcastle: (02) 4955 1110 - Wollongong: (02) 4243 8755
We understand the importance of empathy and clarity in these decisions, and we're here for you every step of the way.