How to safely meet buyers when selling your car privately

Selling your car privately can be both exciting and a little nerve-racking. While it’s rewarding to deal directly with buyers and potentially get a better price, safety and preparation are key. From arranging meetings to managing test drives, taking a few smart steps will keep you in control and make the process smoother.

One of the most important parts of selling your car is meeting prospective buyers. Here’s how to keep things safe and professional:
• Confirm their details – Get the buyer’s full name and phone number, then call back to confirm the meeting and check they’re genuine. • Request ID – Ask them to bring proof of identity, such as a driving licence. They’ll need this if they want a test drive anyway. • Choose a safe meeting spot – Meeting at your home is usually best, as the car’s logbook is registered there. If you’d feel safer, invite a friend or family member to be present. • Take notes – If the buyer arrives in their own car, jot down its registration number. • Give them space – Allow plenty of time for the buyer to inspect the vehicle without pressure. If they ask for an independent inspection, be open to it.

Having the right paperwork ready builds trust and can speed up the sale. Be prepared with:
• V5C logbook • MOT certificate • Service history • Receipts for any repairs or maintenance

When arranging to meet a potential buyer, try to be flexible in your timings to suit them, but don’t be pressured into a time that’s inconvenient for you.
The most important thing is to stay in control throughout the process, and you can do that by following these tips: • When you’re setting up a meeting, get the buyer’s contact details. Call them back to confirm details and to check they’re genuine. • Ask them to bring some proof of identity with them - perhaps their driving licence, as they'll need this if they want to test drive the car. • Always meet potential buyers at your home. If it makes you more comfortable, have someone with you. When your buyer arrives, check their proof of identity and, if they come by car, take a note of its details. Allow them plenty of time to look over your car and let them set up a third-party inspection if they want one. When they arrive, give them time to explore the car. Try not to hover around or pressure them, and don’t act like you’re too desperate to sell the car. Buyers will appreciate it if they can make an informed decision in one go, so make sure you have all the necessary documents to hand and let them look under the bonnet if they want. Just don’t leave the keys with them.

Letting someone drive your car is often the most sensitive part of the process. Here’s how to protect yourself:
• Check their identity: Verify their licence and make a note of their details. • Check insurance: Either your insurance must cover them, or they must show proof that their policy allows them to drive other vehicles. Never skip this step. • Stay in control: Always accompany the buyer on the test drive. For extra reassurance, you can bring another person along too. • Let them choose the route: Allowing the buyer to pick where they drive can help them feel more comfortable but never let them take the car out alone.

If at any point you feel uneasy, whether about a buyer’s behaviour, the meeting location, or their requests, don’t be afraid to walk away. You can always reschedule or simply decline the sale.
Visit our safety and security centre for more on how to stay safe when buying and selling a vehicle. Learn more about selling your vehicle here.