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Subject:Re: buying out of state/registration & insurance issues
From:Frank Goodrick
Date:Thu, 7 Jan 1999 12:03:06 -0500

Hi All-

I have a low mileage 91 Westy Camper for sale in Europe.
It's Canadian registered.

I've had serious buyers for it, & was about to sell it to one person a month
ago.
One problem : I've been unable to transfer registration .
The purchasers all want to bring the van back after touring Europe for a bit
(it meets US & Cdn specs).
So they don't want to pay the duties associated with import into Europe.

So I was about to sell it, leaving my plates on it until the new owner
imported into the States & then registered it in his name in Texas.
He would have an undated bill of sale & power of attorney from me to drive
it in Europe on my Ontario registration for his Euro-touring period.

Then I spoke to my lawyer & insurance broker.

I'm on the hook for any legal liability awards if it is still registered in
my name .
For instance, if the fuel lines caught fire & caused $ 2 million damages in
a campground & he carried $1 million liability, I'd be equally liable for
the for the remaining 1 million.

So I reluctantly  passed on selling, unless I can find a way to transfer
registration (looked in a lot of nooks & crannies so far).

Apparently such liability exists even if your vehicle is on consignment on a
car lot & something unfortunate happens on a test drive.

Take care out there.

Frank

91 Westy (in Europe)
95 Winnie EVC (in Toronto)
94 Audi Cabriolet

-----Original Message-----
From: Tim Smith <smitht@UNB.CA>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Thursday, January 07, 1999 11:32 AM
Subject: buying out of state

>
>I also remove the plates and let DMV know IN WRITING immediately that I am
>no longer responsible for the vehicle. In this area you are responsible for
>any damage the car does as long as it is in your name, with or without
>plates. Letting someone drive home on your insurance is also potential for
>nightmare troubles, so don't be kind.
>
>bye, Tim
>

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