How to Sell a Car After Moving to Assisted Living
Moving into a senior community is a big change. Selling the car you no longer need shouldn’t add to it. We come to you.
One Less Thing to Manage After the Move
Many people stop driving when they move into assisted living, and the car ends up sitting in a parking space or a family member’s driveway. It still needs insurance and registration, and the longer it sits, the more it can lose value.
HoHo Buys Cars comes to the community, the old home or wherever the car is parked. We make a clear written offer, handle the paperwork and take the car with us, so it is one less thing for you or your family to manage.
Who Signs the Title?
The resident signs, or someone with legal authority signs for them.
If the resident can make their own decisions, they can sign the title themselves, right at the community. A family member can handle the rest.
If someone is signing for the resident, they need a durable power of attorney that covers property, or guardianship papers from the court. A durable power of attorney only works if it was signed while the resident could still make their own decisions.
Before You Sell
A few quick steps make the sale smooth.
- Find the title and all keys
- Gather loan details if the car is financed
- Remove personal items, garage door openers and toll transponders
- Check with the community about where we can meet
- Plan to remove the license plate after the sale
What About Insurance and the Plate?
Do these in the right order.
In Florida the license plate belongs to the owner, not the car. After the sale, remove the plate and either transfer it to another vehicle or turn it in at the county tax collector’s office.
Take care of the plate before you cancel the insurance, because canceling coverage on an active plate can lead to a suspension.
For Senior Living Communities and Move Managers
One call. We handle the vehicle.
When a resident or a family asks what to do with a car, give them our number. We come to the community at a time that works, treat residents with patience and respect, and take the car with us when the sale is done. Call Howard directly at 941-270-4400.
How It Works
Selling the car takes three simple steps.
- Submit Your Vehicle Information
- Schedule Your Free Appraisal
- Receive Instant Cash Payment
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions families ask us most.
Can you come to the assisted living community?
Yes. We meet residents at their community, and family members are welcome to join.
Can my family handle the sale if I can't be there?
Yes, as long as the person signing has the authority to do so, such as a durable power of attorney.
What if the car is still at my old house?
That's fine. We meet wherever the car is parked.
Can you buy the car if there is still a loan on it?
Yes. Tell us who holds the loan when you call. We can pay off the lender as part of the purchase and handle that paperwork, and if our offer is higher than the payoff, the difference goes to the seller.
What happens to the license plate after the sale?
In Florida the plate belongs to the owner, not the car. Remove it after the sale and either transfer it to another vehicle or turn it in at the county tax collector's office. Do that before you cancel the insurance, because canceling coverage on an active plate can lead to a suspension.
Does the appraisal cost anything?
No. The appraisal is free, it takes about 10 minutes, and there is no pressure to sell.
This page is general information about selling a vehicle in Florida, not legal advice. For questions about probate, guardianship or who has authority to sign, talk with the estate's attorney or your county tax collector's office.
More Guides for Your Situation
Sell a Deceased Person's Car
Who can sign, which documents to gather and how the title transfer works in Florida.
Read the guide →Sell an Inherited Car
You inherited a car you don't need. Here is how to sell it without the hassle.
Read the guide →Sell an Elderly Parent's Car
Helping Mom or Dad sell the car after they stop driving, safely and simply.
Read the guide →Sell an Estate Vehicle
A step by step guide for personal representatives and families settling an estate.
Read the guide →
