Can a co-buyer take the car from the buyer?

Asked by: Prof. Alyce Schultz  |  Last update: January 12, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (20 votes)

Yes. Each of your have a right to keep the vehicle in your posession. However, if you try to get the vehicle from the other owner, you cannot breach the peace to take it, and example: you cannot break into a garage or somethng like that.

Does a co-buyer have the same rights as the buyer?

As an equal partner on the financial agreement, a co-buyer shares the benefits of ownership and the financial accountability. This means that the co-buyer and the primary borrower have the same rights, such as the ability to sell the vehicle or trade it in (though both parties would have to agree to do so).

Can a co-owner of a car take it?

He can not take it away from you. But, if you are both in the title & registration card, you are both co-owners too. If you are in the title alone, it is your car.

Can a jointly owned car be seized?

1. If the car is jointly owned, then the creditor has the right to foreclose on their lien, which would include a forced sale of the car; 2. This is the case even if your car is jointly owned with your wife.

Can you remove a co-buyer from a car loan?

The bank is going to be in charge of this if the loan is not paid in full. The only way to remove a co-signer from an active loan is to pay off the loan. You can do that out of pocket, or you can refinance the loan in your name only. Either way, a new title will be issued in your name with the lender as lien holder.

Can Co-Buyer Take Our Car If I Make All Payments On Time?

15 related questions found

Who owns the car if there is a co-borrower?

Equal rights: The co-borrower has equal rights to the car as the primary borrower. This means the co-owner must be involved in the sale or transfer of the car. Insurance: Even if the co-owner doesn't use the car, they will likely need to be on the insurance policy. This can mean higher costs for both involved.

Can a co buyer sell a car without the buyer?

You can't sell a car without your co-borrower's permission. They have legal rights to the vehicle, too, and they could take action against you.

Can a co-owner repossess a car?

So in other words, the law would allow you to repossess the vehicle, but since it's co-owned, you can't keep it from the co-owner. Also, you can't sell it without their consent, so consider one of those options.

Why spouses should never title automobiles jointly?

For married couples the rule of thumb is for each spouse to individually own the car they drive. The reason for this is to limit liability in the event of an accident.

Can creditors come after joint assets?

Creditors Can Go After Some Jointly Held Assets

In the event an estate does not possess or contain adequate assets to fulfill a valid creditor claim, creditors can look to assets in which heirs might possess interest, if: The assets are joint accounts. The assets are considered community property.

How do I remove a co-owner from my car title?

When the title states “and/or” or “or” in the name field, only one person needs to consent to remove a name. If it only contains the word “and,” both parties need to agree to remove any name from the title. Therefore, you'll need to get consent from the co owner.

Can you kick out a co owner?

Miller & Starr, the leading treatise on California real estate, explains that: “As between the cotenants, each has the right to enter on and to occupy the entire property, and no cotenant has the right to exclude another cotenant from any portion of the property.” Right to possession, 4 Cal. Real Est.

What is the difference between a buyer and a co-buyer?

A co-buyer, also called a co-borrower, is usually a spouse who signs the car loan documents with the primary borrower. Being a co-buyer means both the primary borrower and their spouse share equal rights to the vehicle, and they can combine incomes to qualify for an auto loan.

Can a co-borrower take possession of the car after?

The answer is no, the cosigner has no legal right to take possession of the car. As a cosigner, you don't have legal ownership rights to the vehicle.

How do I get out of being a co buyer?

Removing a cosigner or co-borrower from a mortgage almost always requires paying off the loan in full or refinancing by getting a new loan in your own name. Under rare circumstances, though, the lender may allow you to take over an existing mortgage from your other signer.

What rights does a co-owner have on a car?

Co-Ownership Pros:

You will have an equal say in all decisions regarding the car, such as repairs, modifications, and selling. You will be equally responsible for making payments on the car loan, so if one person defaults, the other is still on the hook.

Does it matter whose name is on the car?

Yes, the name on a car title can impact insurance coverage. Insurance companies usually require the policyholder to have an insurable interest in the vehicle, meaning they either own the car or have a significant financial interest in it.

Am I liable if my name is on a car title?

Most of the time no, the person is not going to be responsible, but there are times specifically if they're your employer, if you're running an errand at their specific request behest or if you are a family member living with them, then they might be responsible.

Can I report my car stolen if my husband took it?

Report the car as stolen because that is what it is if you did not give permission. Since you are only one on title, she cannot defend why she currently possesses it. Call them and repot it stolen.

Does it matter whose name is first on a car title?

The order of the names on the title do not matter.

Can a repo man move another car to get yours?

A repo agent can't move another car to get your vehicle without permission. If another vehicle is blocking your vehicle, they will need permission from the owner to move it. Repossession agents can't threaten you, use physical force, or harm you in any way. This is a breach of the peace and is not allowed.

Does a co-borrower have rights to the car?

A co-borrower, also known as a joint applicant, shares equal ownership rights of the car with the primary borrower. They have legal authority to use the vehicle as they please.

Can you remove yourself as a co buyer?

"Generally, you'll need the cooperation of the primary account holder to remove your name as a co-signer since, in many cases, it requires a new agreement with the lender to do so," says Leslie Tayne, a financial attorney and founder and managing director of New York's Tayne Law Group, which specializes in debt ...

How do I remove a co buyer from my car title?

To remove your co-signer from your car loan, you can ask your lender for a co-signer release. That option may have already be built-in to your contract with your lender. The paperwork on your car financing may state specific conditions under which you can get the co-signer release.

Can someone put a car in your name without you knowing?

Yes, it's possible for someone to steal your identity and buy a car in your name.