Car Sent to Collections For My Name That I Already Sold

[isw845]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

Hi everyone,

My parents sold an old car under my name that we let one of my relatives drive around a while back. Fast forward a couple weeks, I received a notice in the mail that the car was impounded at a tow facility - not sure if it was stolen or otherwise. The transfer of ownership was submitted through the mail.

The same day, I submitted the transfer of ownership online. I called the towing company, who assured me not to worry if it was no longer under my name, that the towing notices are sent to all past owners. The next day, I received a notice for lien sale in the mail. Once again, they assured me not to worry - I also went to the DMV to submit this transfer of ownership in person, of which I got a receipt.

Now, I received a collections notice in the mail for a leftover balance, despite having spoken to them multiple times and submitting the paperwork to the DMV, it appears I am still liable. Do I have any legal recourse in this matter?

Thank you.

 

[adjusterjack]

You don't need any "legal recourse" unless somebody sues you for the money or puts the debt on your credit report.

Meantime, all you can do is keep responding to the notices the same way you've been responding, along with any documentation of the sale.

That you filed notice with the DMV months after the actual sale doesn't get you off the hook for the bill.

The notice should have been filed the same day the car was sold and a copy kept.

Also should have had a bill of sale signed by both parties and kept a copy.

 

[quincy]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

Hi everyone,

My parents sold an old car under my name that we let one of my relatives drive around a while back. Fast forward a couple weeks, I received a notice in the mail that the car was impounded at a tow facility - not sure if it was stolen or otherwise. The transfer of ownership was submitted through the mail.

The same day, I submitted the transfer of ownership online. I called the towing company, who assured me not to worry if it was no longer under my name, that the towing notices are sent to all past owners. The next day, I received a notice for lien sale in the mail. Once again, they assured me not to worry - I also went to the DMV to submit this transfer of ownership in person, of which I got a receipt.

Now, I received a collections notice in the mail for a leftover balance, despite having spoken to them multiple times and submitting the paperwork to the DMV, it appears I am still liable. Do I have any legal recourse in this matter?

Thank you.

Under whose name is the title of the vehicle? If the title is still in your name, the transfer of ownership has not been completed.