Full question:
My ex-girlfriend died about a year ago she left a car at my house in my possession and I have the title but my name is not on it. Can I claim the car since it's been in my possession for over a year? if not how do I go about getting it I paid for the car but didn't have a license at the time and we put it in her name. I have the bill of sale with my name on it is the sufficient?
- Category: Abandoned Property
- Subcategory: Vehicles
- Date:
- State: Pennsylvania
Answer:
In Pennsylvania, a vehicle left unattended on private property may be considered abandoned. If a vehicle has been on your property without your consent for more than twenty-four hours, you can report it to the local police. You must file a report using a specific form provided by the department, indicating that the vehicle is unauthorized and has been left unattended.
Once you report it, the police will process the vehicle as abandoned within five business days. If you are the property owner, you have the right to authorize its removal (75 Pa.C.S. § 7311.1).
As for the title, since your name is not on it, claiming the car may be more complicated. You can potentially transfer the vehicle to a salvage dealer if the title is lost or defective, but this requires specific procedures (75 Pa.C.S. § 1162). Having a bill of sale with your name may help, but it does not guarantee ownership without a title in your name.
For further assistance, consider consulting a legal professional who can guide you through the process based on your specific circumstances.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.