There are many factors we can’t control, and death is one of them. You may have only just gotten your license and been looking forward to driving your dad’s car, but now that he has passed away, you may be wondering if you can still drive it.
You are legally allowed to drive your dad’s car if he has passed away but you need to get your own auto insurance policy on the car. Also, if you want to legally take ownership of the car, then, you must transfer the title to your name.
My Dad Passed Away Can I Drive His Car?
The short answer is yes, you can drive your deceased father’s car. However, certain steps must be completed and certain requirements must be met before you can put the car in your name and drive it around town.
- For starters, you may want to get the car inspected by a licensed mechanic and make sure there are no mechanical issues. After all, you don’t want your first drive to be a breakdown.
- Next, you will want to clear the title of the car with the DMV and transfer the title of the car to your name.
- You also need to get your own auto insurance policy on the vehicle. This is to eliminate any delay you may encounter with law enforcement agencies.
These are the few things you need to do to confidently drive your dad’s car after he has passed without having to fear law enforcement agencies.
What Happens If I Drive my Dad’s Car After He Passed Away?
Nothing will happen if you drive your dad’s car after his passing as long as you have gotten your own auto insurance. If possible transfer the title to your name. It’s your dad’s car, you didn’t steal it.
The fact is, you won’t be pulled over or ticketed for driving a car that is legally yours. If your dad has left the car to you after his passing and everything is properly transferred, the DMV will show you as the owner. There shouldn’t be any problems, but you should always be careful and follow all rules of the road.
It is worth keeping in mind that when you drive your deceased father’s car after his passing, you are driving the car under the same insurance policy that covered him before his death.
This means you will be insured under the same policy as your father was. After your father’s passing, this same insurance policy will likely not cover any damages to the car, injuries to you, and/or others as they will be considered an ‘act of God or an ‘act of nature. This is why you need to get your own insurance.
What to Do to Legally Drive My Dad’s Car After His Passing?
To legally drive your dad’s car after his passing:
- First, you will need to clear the title of the car. In order to do this, you will want to call the DMV and find out what you need to do. Each state has different procedures, so it is important to call and get the information you need to have the car title transferred into your name.
- Next, you will need to get insurance on the car. Again, this varies by state but is necessary before you can take the car on the road. If your late father was named as a co-signer on your insurance, then you will want to remove him. It is also worth noting that you will have to pay for your auto insurance policy.
- After this has been done, you will be able to legally drive the car. You will also be responsible for any fees that are associated with transferring the title.
- After the title has been transferred into your name, you will also have to take the car for inspection to avoid driving a broken car.
How Do You Transfer a Car Title When the Owner is Deceased?
If you have recently lost a loved one and have passed away and left a car to you, then you may be wondering how to transfer the car title to your name when the owner is deceased.
You will want to follow the same steps as if the owner were still alive, but take the owner’s death certificate to the DMV along with any other necessary documents.
You may even want to call the DMV before visiting and make sure you have everything you need. In any case, after bringing in the required paperwork and paying any necessary fees, you will be the new owner of the car.
To transfer a car title when the owner is deceased;
- First, you will have to obtain a motor vehicle accident report if, only if necessary.
- Next, you will need to obtain a death certificate. These two items will make up part of the process of properly transferring the title of the car.
- After you complete the necessary steps to transfer the title, you will have to pay a fee that varies depending on your state.
- When all of this has been completed, you will have the title of the car transferred into your name. This will make you the official owner of the car.
Conclusion
There’s nothing more heartbreaking than losing a loved one, especially if they were in their later years.
However, that doesn’t mean that you have to let go of all the memories that came along with them. You can still keep the car that your deceased loved one passed down to you, but you will have to follow certain steps before taking the wheel.
When you lose a loved one, many emotions come with that loss. One feeling that many people have is not knowing what to do with the deceased person’s car.
