Dealing with the loss of a family member or friend, can be an emotional time. We understand that the Estate process can be complicated and confusing and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to work with us as you go through the process of dealing with their vehicles.
There are a few things we may need you to do in order to settle vehicle ‘ownership’ or outstanding motor vehicle licence fees.
In some circumstances it may be appropriate to transfer the vehicle into the care of the Executor(s)/Administrator(s) until the Will has been finalised, this will ensure that all correspondence relating to the vehicle is being dealt with.
What’s happening to the vehicle?
Keeping the vehicle
If you’re going to keep the vehicle you’ll need to change the registered person’s details. You will be required to complete a Change of Registered Person – Buyer (MR13B form).
You can do this online or at one of our agents, you’ll need ID and there’s an admin fee of $9.00.
Note: if you’re the joint owner or the joint owner has passed away you’ll need to complete the Change of Registered Person but there’s no admin fee to pay. You will need to supply evidence of death, a copy of the death certificate or the notice from a newspaper. This transaction will need to be done at an Agent or give us a call and we can advise the process.
Selling the vehicle
If the vehicle is being sold then a Change of Registered Person – Seller (MR13A form) will need to be done.
You can do this online, pick up the form at an agent and send it in or call us and we can do this over the phone.
Cancelling the vehicle
If the vehicle is no-longer road worthy and you want to cancel the vehicles registration then you’ll need to complete an Application to cancel vehicles registration (MR15 form).
You’ll have to do this at an agent as the vehicles number plates need to be handed in. There could be some outstanding licence (rego) fees to pay; you can check this by calling us.
Note: In some circumstances the number plates may not be able to be returned for example if the vehicle has been involved in an accident or fire, in cases like these the application to cancel the vehicle will need to be accompanied by a police or fire brigade report.
Exempting the vehicle from vehicle licensing
If you’re unsure what’s happening with the vehicle and it’s not going to be used on the road then it may be appropriate to put the licence (rego) on hold. You should only do this if the vehicle won’t be used for 3 months or longer.
You can do this online, at an agent or call us and we can do this over the phone. It’s free to do this online but an admin fee applies for this transaction over the phone or at one of our agents.
Fees, debt, outstanding payments
Owning a motor vehicle incurs many different fees and charges, you should check to make sure none of these are accruing or outstanding. If not paid they could end up with a debt collector or in a fine.
Vehicle licence fees
In some cases there will be motor vehicle licence fees (rego) to pay, the executor/administrator should deal with this as soon as possible to stop further fees accruing.
Road User Charges (RUC)
If the vehicle requires RUC you should check to make sure it’s current, you can do this by checking the label or giving us a call.
Tolls
If the vehicle had used a toll road it may be attached to a toll road account or there could be outstanding toll charges, you can check this by contacting Toll Roads.
Driver Licence
You’ll also want to cancel the driver licence; you can call us to arrange that.
Insurance, finance
Don’t forget to also contact the insurance company and if applicable the finance company to stop payments or update details.
Wills, probate and executors
The Citizens Advice Bureau has some excellent information or talk to your lawyer.