Gifting a car to a family member on a special occasion is not uncommon, be it your daughter’s 18th birthday or your son’s wedding gift, or simply to make your partner feel special. However, purchasing a car as a gift for someone else is quite different from buying a car for yourself.
So, if you’re planning to gift a car, we’ve listed a couple of things you should consider before tying the red ribbon and presenting it as a gift.
Questions To Ask Before Gifting a Car
- Is your car in good condition?
- Can you afford to gift a car?
- Who should you gift a car to?
- How will you ship your gifted car?
Gifting motor vehicles can be an obligation for both the giver and receiver. It takes more than a trip to the dealership to know how to give a vehicle as a gift. When deciding to give someone a car as a present, here are some considerations to keep in mind.
Is Your Car in Good Condition?
First and foremost, you should ensure your automobile is well maintained and there are no problems. The title history is clear, the paint, body, and interior are in good condition, and the car has no serious mechanical issues. This car should be free of corrosion. The tires are identical and still have a lot of tread remaining.
Changing the floor mats and freshening up the inside are simple ways to improve the look of your vehicle. Adding a fresh, clean aroma to the inside will help make the present more attractive to the receiver. This may be done at an authorized service station if necessary.
Can You Afford To Gift a Car?
It may be an exhilarating, thrilling experience for both parties when you decide to give a giant present to someone. But, first, make an informed judgment about whether or not you can afford the gift at home without the presence of any salesperson.
By examining your financial situation, determine whether you can manage the down payment, the total price, or the monthly installments. You’ll also have to bear the cost of heavy taxes. Don't put yourself in a position where you can't afford the payments at some point during the tenure.
It is possible that you, as a cosigner or as the loan holder, may be held personally accountable for the auto loan because you are buying it on behalf of someone else.
Who Should You Gift a Car To?
Giving a vehicle as a present is simply the best way to spread happiness. Buying a car for a loved one demonstrates your selflessness and belief in the power of a helping hand to improve someone else's situation. For example, your loved one's ability to keep a job or avoid filing for unemployment may depend on their ability to drive.
Additionally, it might be the distinction between making it back and forth to vital medical visits. When you give someone a vehicle as a present, you're changing their life in a way you may not fully comprehend.
Consider who the recipient is before gifting a car. There will be greater control over the pricing, manufacture, and model if it's a youngster who just got their license. To give to someone else, such as a significant other, you must consider what they need and desire.
They may prefer a hybrid SUV over a tiny van because they dislike specific automobile models. It's a lovely gesture to buy someone a car, and they'll be grateful, but you don't want to spend loads of money on something they don't love and appreciate.
How Will You Ship Your Gifted Car?
A car shipping business might be an excellent option for those trying to surprise their loved ones by delivering a new automobile to their home. However, it’s crucial to find the right car shipping company as you're trusting them with an extremely valuable asset.
Finding a car shipping firm might be difficult if you aren't acquainted with the shipping procedure. Moreover, if you're giving a car as a gift for the first time, you'll want to be well-prepared to avoid surprises.
Make your life easy by using a reputable and trustworthy auto transportation business. Coordinate with a reliable auto shipping company to ensure that the procedure is as easy as possible.
Once you’ve completed all the other formalities, all you can do is wait for the shipping business to deliver their 18-wheeler to your doorway and then wait for the call from your loved one to announce that the car has arrived.
Shipping a Gifted Car
If you intend to transport your car, here are some procedures you need to take to manage a car transportation gift for a marriage, anniversary, birthday, or other special occasions.
Use an Auto Transport Service
Simply put, a car transport business is a service that helps you relocate your automobile. Trucks are often used to transport vehicles, depending on the final destination. However, transport has no effect on your vehicle's mileage or wear and tear.
Inquire about costs and services with the auto shipping company as soon as possible. Sign a transportation contract and set a date for the transfer if everything works out for you. Depending on the eventual location of your vehicle, you'll be given a quotation.
When you're ready to relocate, the moving team will send a transport truck to collect your automobile from your house or another location. As soon as they get your car on the carrier trailer, they will begin transferring it to its new location.
Depending on your vehicle's requirements, you'll have to pick between open and enclosed containers. It is recommended that those transporting high-end or luxury cars use an enclosed container to prevent damage to the vehicles in transit.
The cost of transportation is affected by various factors, including the distance, topography, and kind of vehicle being transported. Higher-end automobiles driving over the Rocky Mountains will charge more than a smaller car commuting through a few states in the Midwest.
A vehicle transfer service may save you money and time, and hassle in many circumstances.
Use Enclosed Transport
Typically, most vehicle transports use open-air car carrier trailers, and very few of them have to deal with issues on the road. However, although open-air automobile shipment is far more common and readily available, there are specific situations when it makes more sense to use enclosed transport.
An enclosed vehicle transport may take longer to set up than a traditional transport. It may take longer for a professional automobile transporter to get to your location if you live in the country. Moreover, a commercial driver needs to follow specific federation rules, which may further delay delivery.
Whether you are traveling across the nation or have purchased a vehicle from a distant location, you may need the services of a qualified auto shipping business at any time or any place. It doesn't have to be a one-of-a-kind piece of automotive history.
Enclosed auto transport uses a truck with a completely enclosed trailer to carry autos. You can count on it to have four walls and a sturdy roof to protect you. A state-of-the-art transport service is occasionally required since your automobile is one of the most precious items you possess. For example, if you’re gifting a luxury car, this might be the safest bet.
Get Car Insurance for Your Gifted Vehicle
First and foremost, contact your insurance agent before making a major purchase like a new automobile. A car as a surprise gift needs even more planning since adding a new vehicle necessitates purchasing new insurance.
However, coverage may be transferred from the previous policy when replacing an older vehicle with a new one.
Whether upgrading to a current policy or getting a new one, you'll need enough auto insurance before you drive away from the shop. If you'd like to add a new car to your insurance, your insurance agent may advise you on the most cost-effective and time-effective options.
No one can assist you better than an individual insurance agent when setting up the proper coverage before presenting a vehicle as a surprise gift. With the aid of a knowledgeable independent agent, you may compare quotes from various insurance companies to discover the best deal for your needs at the best possible prices.
What To Do Next
Gifting a car to a loved one is not a small thing. But, the entire experience can quickly turn sour if the car gets damaged during transportation. Hence, choosing the right carrier while shipping your gift is important. If you’re looking for the best and safest transport for your car from the showroom to your loved one’s house, look no further than Carvaygo. Check out our website today to see how it works.
Sources:
How to Ship a Car | Edmunds
Private Party Vehicle Use Tax - Sales Taxes | Illinois Revenue
Summary of Hours of Service Regulations | FMCSA
