The right way to gift a car this holiday season
Gifting someone with a car is a strong move. Toss one of those big red bows on it, and you’ve officially won the day. But while a car is a great present, it can be an unwanted hassle for you and your recipient if you’re not prepared.
Questions to ask before giving someone a car
Before you pull the trigger on such a substantial purchase, think about your recipient’s needs.
Do they actually want a car?
Before you even think about buying a car for someone, ask yourself whether they even want it in the first place. While your motives might be genuine, some people just don’t want or need to drive. If they live in a city like New York, for example, you may be giving the gift of gridlock and parking problems.
What type of car do they want?
If you know the car they want, make sure you also know the type. Sure, it’s the thought that counts. But do you want to throw thousands down on a vehicle only to see your giftee’s joy fade when they see you bought them something different from what they asked for?
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Should you take them to the dealer?
If you know the type of car they’re after, consider taking them along to a dealership for their final say on the trim specs. You can also buy the car and insurance in their name to save yourself the added stress of transferring a title.
Who will pay for the car?
Ask yourself if you can afford to shell out for the entire cost of a car and if the person you’re giving the car to can afford to insure and maintain it. Some high-end cars not only have an expensive price tag, but also cost a lot to insure.
If you’re buying a car for your significant other and you have a shared bank account, you may want to look at paying in cash or getting a car loan so you can keep the gift a secret.
Which new cars offer the best holiday discounts?
Most car brands promote holiday deals on 2018 models, including discounts, cashback offers, financing bonuses and 0% interest deals.
Check with your local dealership to learn if the car you’re considering gifting will be on sale over the holidays. Typical offers include 0% financing, rebates and discounts from $2,000 to $9,000.
Must read: Lexus December to Remember
Like many car manufacturers, Lexus focuses on clearing its lot through an end-of-year sales event. The annual December to Remember campaign is tied to the holidays, with Lexus offering deals on a range of makes and models, including cash back or 0% financing offers on the previous year’s models.
How do I insure a car in someone else’s name?
Because you’re buying the car as a gift, you’ll want to insure it in the recipient’s name. Whether you pay for the coverage is up to you, but you’ll likely need to have it in place before driving the car off the lot.
If the driver doesn’t have existing coverage, you have two main options:
- Take them to the lot with you. This way, both the title of ownership and the insurance can go directly in their name when you buy the car.
- Buy the car and transfer ownership. When you’re transferring the title, make it clear it’s a gift, or you could be on the hook for taxes, depending on your state.
How long do I have to insure a car after buying it?
If you already have insurance for another vehicle, your provider may offer you temporary coverage for the new one. Periods can be anywhere from a couple of days up to an entire month, so check your policy and your state’s requirements to see what kind of grace period you have.
Also consider where you live, as extension coverage can vary widely by state.
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How do I transfer a gift car title?
Transferring the title of a car depends on where you live. If you’re buying new, the dealership should handle most of the paperwork.
In most states, you should:
- Look up local requirements on transferring car titles in your state.
- Head to your local DMV.
- Hand over your signed and completed title that includes info like the odometer and damage disclosures.
- Show proof of insurance.
- Complete a title application or vehicle registration form.
- Fill out the Statement of Transaction, including a note that it’s a gift.
- Pay the title fee — typically under $20 — and any other costs.
Car title requirements by state
You typically have 30 days to transfer a title and will pay less than $15. Compare the title transfer grace period and fees for your state.
How to present a car as a gift and keep it a secret
There’s no wrong way to wrap up a car, like the always classic red car bow, of course. You could also put the keys in a jewelry box, though you could inadvertently dash expectations if you’re gifting it to your partner and you’re not married.
Consider the lucky giftee’s personality and what they’d respond to the most. You’ll find few wrong turns when giving the gift of a car.
Keeping the car a secret is another matter, one you might need an accomplice’s help. Ask the dealership if they deliver, or see if you can leave the car at a friend’s house and drive it over Christmas morning. Park it around the block or keep them from going outside until you’re ready for the big reveal.
Bottom line
Gifting a car can be a thoughtful gift for a close friend or family member, but it comes with some risk. Considering taking care of the title and insurance with a current insurer or by purchasing a new policy.
