Should I let someone take my car for a test drive?

The Bottom Line. There’s no need to be scared of letting someone test drive your car. If you listen to your instincts, meet in public, bring a friend, and take other basic precautions, you will stay safe during the selling process. Even better, you may be able to close the deal thanks to that test drive.

What happens if you damage a car during a test drive?

According to Joyce J. Sweinberg, a car accident lawyer via Avvo, allowing someone to drive your car, even on a test drive, in most cases means that your insurance company covers them. As a result, if someone gets into an accident during a test drive, your insurance company will have to pay for the damage.

How do you protect yourself from test driving a car?

Use your smartphone to take a picture of the test driver holding their driver’s license near their face. Then, take a picture of the driver’s license by itself and email or text it to another person. That’s especially important if you are going to be on the test drive alone. It’s an additional layer of protection.

Can a buyer test drive my car?

What you must insist on, though, is that the buyer is never left to test drive the car on their own. At the very least, you should accompany them; and, if you want, take someone else along with you for extra security.

Who is responsible for damage during test drive?

Just like in any crash, the careless or negligent driver who caused the accident will be at fault for the damages and potential injuries. If you caused the accident while test driving, you will be liable. There aren’t special rules for test drivers when it comes to liabilities in such accidents.

Who is responsible for a crash during a test drive?

Normally, the dealership will be responsible for paying for any test drive crashes and will do so through its own insurer. However, if the test drive accident was your fault, the dealership may attempt to collect reimbursement from you.

Do auto mechanics lie?

Car mechanics are notorious for lying to their customers in order to gain extra work for things that don’t really need doing or for charging extra for things if they can tell someone doesn’t really know what they are talking about. Sadly, this can lead to people spending lots of money without actually needing to.

Do dealerships purposely mess up cars?

99\% of shops and mechanics do not sabotage customers cars . It is not in their best interest. Modern cars have enough issues and require expensive repairs that it really is not necessary creating problems.

How do you handle a test drive?

Roll down a window for extra air circulation, weather permitting. Bring disinfectant wipes to clean off all commonly touched surface areas. Request that the prospective buyer wear gloves during the test drive. While a handshake may feel customary, limit any contact between yourself and the interested buyer.

Is it safe to give a VIN number out?

In most cases, it is safe to give out the VIN number when selling a car. Generally, it is preferable to give out the VIN only to a potential buyer or professional dealer.

What to do if the buyer wants to test drive the car?

If the buyer lives in a different town or city and wants to take the car to his local mechanic, compromise by finding a mechanic in an area between the two of you. Look for alternative solutions. If possible, get an inspection yourself prior to the test drive and provide the paperwork to the buyer.

Should I get my car inspected by a mechanic before buying?

Get the Car Inspected by a Mechanic. Taking a comprehensive test drive is not a substitute for getting any used car that you are considering checked out by an independent mechanic. A good mechanic can find issues that you might not find, are not on the vehicle history report, or that sellers are looking to conceal.

Should you clean your car before you test drive it?

While you’ve probably cleaned the vehicle prior to posting pictures online, it’s still a good idea to tidy things up before the test drive—particularly if you’re still driving the car. Make sure to remove all personal items, including paperwork that may be in the glove box.

Should you test drive a car before posting it online?

If you have safety concerns, ask a friend or family member to join you on the test drive. Giving the car a final cleaning. While you’ve probably cleaned the vehicle prior to posting pictures online, it’s still a good idea to tidy things up before the test drive—particularly if you’re still driving the car.