Dumb question but I have tried to use logic on French rules and come unstuck a few times.
What is the sequence in registering the transfer of a second hand car to my name. I think I have to go to the Prefecture for a new carte gris but do I have to do insurance before that and, if so, doesn't eh new Carte Gris mean a new registration number
Any other steps I've missed ??
TIA
Having spent ages on a reply it seems to have completely disappeared. I clicked the save button in error and it said saving, but where?
You can go to a sous prefetcure. Ours (Lot) doesn't even have anyone to help. Just a pile of forms and some instructions. You put it all in the envelope provided and they send it to the prefecture, who send it to whomever. You get your CG in due course. Just take copies of all forms and keep with you in the interim.
It very much depends on how far you are from your local Préfecture! I state that as it costs money to travel into a city or town - car running costs, parking, etc.. I suspect that you will have a local garage that will do it for you online. I doubt that you would be charged more than 10€ if anything at all. They'll do the plates for you as well if needed:
http://www.cartegrise.com/?gclid=CKWTxJ75isACFSQXwwodV54AtQ
Hope this helps!
You're probably better off going into an agency and arrange face to face. Online here assume you've been in the system for years.
If you buy privately and there are joint owners, be sure that you get both signatures on the sale document.
We got caught wit this one. Two trips to the Prefecture and a lot of trouble getting the other signature from the sellers daughter who was away at university. They don't bend - you must have all the documentation absolutely correct!
French insurance is different. It is the car that is insured, not the driver. So you must keep your car insured so long as it is able to be driven, even if it is off the road and not in use. This is because, if it gets stolen and is involved in an accident, the damages are paid by your insurance.
Thanks - I thought that may have been the case so arranged temporary (15 days) insurance via Net over the weekend. Trouble is because I lived in Angola, I've had no insurance for 6 years (and haven't been permitted to drive for that matter, except rentals on leave) so No NCB and the online forms get very confused as to why there has been no insurance for so long.
You will need insurance before you drive off. Someone I knew didn't do this and there was a Gendarme 'need to make up number of pulled over folks before end of month day.' Got pulled over and got very lucky that they let them off with a warning and did not heavily fine them for driving without insurance.
Call your insurer, they can arrange something until new CG is in place. They will insure under old reg (if it is old style) and then change when new CG arrives.
Thanks Jane - see how we go
Oh reply went weird !! Steve you go to prefecture with, proof of identity, utilitities bill, certificate de vente, certificate controle technique, cartes grise and cheque book..no new number plates.
Rhubby and son..SRteve, having j7st done this fi