Be Smart and Safe When Showing Your Vehicle to Buyers

It is important to be cautious, smart and safe when showing your vehicle to potential buyers that contact you. Taking a few simple precautions can ensure you do not fall victim to theft or unsavory characters.

When selling a used car, sellers must keep in mind that some individuals troll online listings to find potential victims. This can mean car theft or in some cases bodily harm to the seller. Here are a few tips to prevent things like this from occurring.

Avoid Meeting Unknown Individuals Alone
Always try to meet prospective buyers with a spouse, friend, neighbor or significant other. If you can’t get someone to join you, meet in a public area where there are other individuals around.

Test Drives
Never give an individual you don’t know the keys to your car without some type of collateral. Have them give you their keys, a wallet or something they would have to come back for. If they don’t have collateral, write down all of their info on their driver’s license. Also make them show you proof of insurance. If you wish to ride along with them, do not do so alone and proceed with caution. You never know what type of driver they are.

Don’t Meet at Home
It’s always best to meet unknown individuals in public areas away from your home. A mall or grocery store parking lot is great; tons of people around and typically security/ cameras to deter criminals.

Conversely, all of the previous precautions apply to those buying used cars. Beware of deals that seem too good to be true. They could be trying to lure individuals to remote locations. It’s always best for buyers and sellers to meet in public areas with other individuals present.