How Do I Sell a Vehicle Left for Repair in California if a Co-Owner Claims the Vehicle?
Full Question:
Answer:
We own a body shop, contracted custom work to be done on the property. Received a deposit of $1,000.00. 18 months after the owner contacted us from Mexico saying he had to leave the country for legal troubles. We told him we need payment and for him to get the car off the property or we would have to lien sale it. We waited 2 years...he never contacted us again...we attempted lein sale and another owner popped up wanting the car and did not want to pay for the work or storage...Can the car be considered abandoned (legally) and is the additional owner liable for any of it?
California has complicated laws regarding a lien sale on a vehicle that must be complied with before a sale can take place. Because of the time period that elapsed, your lien was likely extinguished. However, the other owner may be required to pay storage costs before you release the vehicle according to the following statute:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/appndxa/civil/civ3068.htm
For further information, please see:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr8.htm
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr7.htm
