selling a German registered vehicle in Germany

[jason1788]

Hi Folks, I've had a brief search and can't find any info. I'm looking to sell a motorbike in Germany (which is German registered). Done it in the UK a dozen times but it's my first German Verkauf. Assuming I agree a sale with a punter, the question is whether I have to de-register the bike at the Strassenverkehrsamt first and make the punter turn up with temporary plates, or am I allowed to let him take it away on the current plates? I downloaded a Verkaufvertrag template from ADAC which implies I can give the punter the KfZ parts 1&2 if I send a notification to the SVA with the date/time/details. Grateful for any advice!

[JMGS4]

You can sell a vehicle which is still registered to you provided:
1) you have a written signed contract, stating by when the buyer has to register/insure etc the vehicle
2) copy to Meldebehörde/registering office z´town/state (you send)
3) copy to your insurance (you send)
4) saying the EXACT time and date when the vehicle was taken over by the buyer
5) make sure you also state on the contract what guarantee, or not, which goes with this vehicle

The ADAC contract is recommended as this covers (virtually) all contingencies!

Edited by JMGS4 on Tuesday 2nd August 07:33

[jason1788]

thanks for the info! Would this mean that the new owner would be covered under my insurance until he registers the vehicle? Or does my insurance end at the date/time that we write on the contract?

[JMGS4]

jason1788 said:

thanks for the info! Would this mean that the new owner would be covered under my insurance until he registers the vehicle? Or does my insurance end at the date/time that we write on the contract?

He is covered under your insurance until he reregisters the vehicle (in Germany you have to have an insurance number (i.e. cover) to register a vehicle)
This is why you must state the date/time by which he must register the vehicle (normally 24 hours excepting weekends).

[Berlin Mike]

JMGS4 said:

jason1788 said:

thanks for the info! Would this mean that the new owner would be covered under my insurance until he registers the vehicle? Or does my insurance end at the date/time that we write on the contract?

He is covered under your insurance until he reregisters the vehicle (in Germany you have to have an insurance number (i.e. cover) to register a vehicle)
This is why you must state the date/time by which he must register the vehicle (normally 24 hours excepting weekends).

He is covered by your insurance but you won't lose your no-claims bonus if he has an accident between taking the car over and registering it under his name. So much less complicated than in GB!
I sold a 323i many years ago and the buyer managed to open the door and knock off a passing cyclist just after taking the car over. I don't remember what happened between them but I kept my ncb.