Car Lease

[Reena79]

What is the name of your state? New York

I need advice immediately on something. I was stupid enough to help out a friend and leased out a car-Infiniti FX under my name. The thing is he drives it and is suppose to pay for it. He has in the past 2 years destroyed my credit and has not sent me the insurance money so now my drivers license might get suspended. I paid on his behalf on several occasions. He keeps saying he will pay me back and he does not. He pays for everything else except this because it is under my name and therefore he does not care. He has really taken advantage of my kindness. I know its my fault and I should have been smarter. Is there anything I can do to get out of this horrible situation? Im so scared. Im a graduate student and I am not working so I cant afford to pay for this guy. Is there any legal action I can take? I feel really like im in deep trouble and I cant get out of it.

thank you

 

[quincy]

You may be stuck with making the payments, especially if you did not get anything in writing showing your agreement with this "friend". The car is leased in your name and, ultimately, your responsibility.

Certainly get the car back from him and then wait for the lease to run out (you leased it for 2 years???). Try to find ways to keep the lease payments and insurance on the vehicle current, even if it means borrowing the money from family.

If this fellow refuses to return the leased vehicle, file a stolen vehicle report with the police and point the police in this guy's direction.

 

[smorr]

The stolen vehicle route may be just the thing to get the car back. He won't be able to prove the car is his, unless he somehow managed to get the darned thing registered in his name (or IS it registered in his name!!??). As for the payments, quincy is correct - you're pretty much stuck with them since you are the principal person responsible for the car. I don't think it matters who drove it, it matters who's name is on the lease. If its any consulation - I did the same thing with a credit card and a guy I lived with. Yes.. I got the short end too...

 

[quincy]

Generally, the title is in the leasing company's name and the registration and plates are in the lessee's name.

 

[Zigner]

If this fellow refuses to return the leased vehicle, file a stolen vehicle report with the police and point the police in this guy's direction.

The police will say it's not "stolen" - it's a civil matter.

 

[quincy]

Why would the police not consider it stolen? If I were to loan my vehicle to someone and they did not return it, I can legitimately report it as stolen. The vehicle is in her name, the boyfriend is not returning it, he is not paying for it, there is no signed agreement saying he can use it, therefore he has, essentially, stolen her vehicle. Not true?