Buying a car as a present is an incredible gesture that will likely delight the recipient and grant you the title as one of the best gift givers that ever lived. Although the process of gifting a car sounds straightforward enough, there are actually complexities that could arise during the process that you must be aware of.
Title Tips
In Pennsylvania, you will need to likely transfer the title in order to give the car as a gift—especially if the present is a surprise. If you put the car in your name, both you and the recipient will need to complete the title transfer paperwork at your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles. On the back of the current title, the new owner will need to provide her name, address, and signature. Any lien holder information must also be submitted at time of transfer.
Registering the Car
In Pennsylvania, vehicles received as gifts are not subject to sales tax as long as the recipient can prove that the purchaser of the car paid the required taxes. At the time of registering the car, the recipient will fill out an Affidavit of Gift available through Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles. This form will prevent the sale from being referred to the state’s Department of Revenue for investigation.
Insuring the Car
Finding a personal auto insurance agent serving Dunmore, Pennsylvania needs to be on your list of things to do when buying a car as a gift. Although purchasing a car as a gift is a nice gesture, financial obligations do not end once you hand over the title. A question to consider is who will be responsible for paying insurance premiums once the car is gifted to the recipient. In either scenario, you can contact Rodgers-Olver-Polley, Inc. in order to discuss personal auto insurance coverage options. Taking care of the insurance details ahead of time will make your loved one even more grateful for her amazing gift.