Selling your car, our expert advice on how to successfully sell your car in Luxembourg
A growing family, repairs that are starting to pile up on your vehicle, an urge to upgrade to a newer, “cleaner” model, or simply a "love at first sight” moment during a motor show... There are many reasons why you may want to sell your car. With the right advice and preparation, you can optimise your sales process, whether you do it yourself, through a trade-in or with a professional. This article will guide you step by step on the road to your new vehicle.
How do I prepare my car for sale?
Gather the necessary documents
To sell your car, you need to gather all the necessary documents:
Registration certificate: essential to make the sale official.
Service manual: document provided by the manufacturer to justify the maintenance carried out.
Proof of roadworthiness tests: all reports carried out since registration.
Record of claims: ask your insurer for details of any past incidents.
...
Gathering these elements will allow you to sell your car with complete peace of mind.
Assess the condition of your vehicle
The next step is to assess the condition of your vehicle. Start with a thorough cleaning of the interior and exterior. Then take care of any minor repairs or cosmetic improvements, and give the vehicle a general check-up.
With AXA motor insurance, you can have your vehicle cosmetically repaired by one of our partners at a preferential rate specially negotiated for you.
Set the selling price
Finally, to set the selling price of your vehicle, consult reference sites such as Mycar.lu or Carluxembourg.lu, which will calculate the value of your vehicle. You also need to factor in the vehicle's age, mileage and general condition. You can also ask various dealerships to assess its trade-in value.
Note that an accident-free vehicle will have a higher resale value.
The ACL also offers you a free estimate of your car's value.
How do I sell my car in Luxembourg?
You can entrust your car to a professional for sale or trade-in at a dealership, or decide to sell it on your own.
If you go for the last option, don’t just rely on word-of-mouth, but publish an ad on sites such as Luxauto, MyCar.lu or Marketplace (Facebook).
Write a complete ad:
- List your vehicle's options (specifications, features).
- Be transparent about its general condition.
- Set a realistic price based on your estimate.
Clean your car:
- Go over the interior and exterior.
- Take your vehicle to a specialised centre for a thorough cleaning and you will get it back as good as new.
Take attractive photos:
- Make sure the photos are well taken and show off your car to best advantage.
- A smart visual presentation will attract more potential buyers.
What do I need to finalise the sale of my vehicle?
Has your car found a buyer? Good news!
You now need to draw up a detailed sales contract, including all the details of the buyer, seller and the words “sold as is”.
You'll also need to hand over all documents to the buyer: vehicle registration document, service manual, roadworthiness certificate, etc.
You'll need to comply with current Luxembourg legislation. For example, from the date of sale, you have 5 working days to inform the National Society of Automotive Traffic, the SNCA. You can make the declaration of deregistration online, at one of the SNCA sites, or by post, together with the supporting documents.
What happens to my motor insurance when I sell my car?
As far as your motor insurance is concerned, there are a few steps to follow when you decide to change car.
Inform your insurer
When you decide to sell your car, it's important to inform your insurer of this decision. This makes it possible to update your insurance. You may be able to claim a refund for the portion of your insurance premium yet to run, depending on the terms and conditions of your policy.
Transfer the insurance to the new vehicle
If you plan to buy a new vehicle after selling your old one, you may want to consider transferring your motor insurance to the new vehicle. This can be more convenient than taking out a new policy, especially as some insurers may offer you a transfer option at no extra cost!
Cancel your insurance if you're not replacing your car
If you're not planning to buy a new vehicle, you may be able to cancel your motor insurance policy once the sale is completed.
By following these simple tips, you can effectively manage your motor insurance when selling your car. Don't forget to consult your insurer for information specific to your situation, so that you understand the implications of your insurance decisions. You can also visit your insurer's website for more information.
Remember, your car is like your second home. It’s there for you on all your daily trips: to do the school run, to get to work and to get away for the weekend... With AXA, you’re opting for a comprehensive insurance that adapts to your needs.
