Handover Guide

Handover Guide

This Is It - Handover Day!
You've made it to the final step of your vehicle transaction. Handover is where the vehicle and money change hands, keys are exchanged, and ownership transfers. It's an exciting moment, but it's also important to do it properly.

This guide provides practical, step-by-step instructions for both buyers and sellers to make handover smooth, safe, and successful. Follow these steps, use the checklists provided, and you'll complete your transaction with confidence.

Before You Leave for Handover

Preparation is key to a smooth handover. Here's what both parties should do before heading to the meeting location.

For Sellers: What to Bring

  1. All vehicle keys (including spare keys and any key fobs)
  2. Owner's manual and service books
  3. Registration documents (physical copies if you have them)
  4. Transfer and disposal forms (may require counter-signing depending on your state)
  5. Service history records (physical copies)
  6. Warranty documentation (if transferable)
  7. Keys for accessories (roof racks, locking wheel nuts, etc.)
  8. Spare wheel key or tool (if applicable)
  9. Your mobile phone (fully charged for AutoSettle handover process)
  10. Photo ID (driver's licence or passport) 

For Buyers: What to Bring

  1. Your mobile phone (fully charged for AutoSettle handover process with VIN and odometer scanning)
  2. Photo ID (driver's licence or passport)
  3. Printed final inspection checklist (provided at the end of this guide)
  4. Pen and notepad for notes
  5. Friend or mechanic (optional, for support or second opinion)
Important: Leave valuables at home and only bring what you need. 

Choosing a Safe Handover Location

The location matters. Choose somewhere public, well-populated, and safe for both parties:
  1. Bank branches (during business hours-high security)
  2. Police station car parks (maximum safety and surveillance)
  3. Motor registry/service centres
  4. Shopping centre car parks (busy, well-lit, public)
  5. Service stations (public, usually has CCTV)

Safety Tips

  1. Meet during daylight hours when possible
  2. Choose locations you're familiar with
  3. Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return
  4. Trust your instincts - if something feels off, suggest a different location
  5. Bring a friend if you're feeling vulnerable or uncertain
Warning
Never meet at your home address unless you're completely comfortable. Public locations protect both parties.

The Handover Process: Step by Step

Here's exactly what happens during the handover meeting, from arrival to driving away.

Step 1: Arrive and Greet

Meet at the agreed location and time. Be courteous and professional - you're completing a verified transaction through AutoSettle, so there's no need for tension. Both parties should have their mobile phones ready with AutoSettle open.

Step 2: Buyer Performs Final Vehicle Inspection

Before any scanning or confirmation, the buyer should perform a final walk-around inspection of the vehicle. Use the Final Inspection Checklist at the end of this guide, but key things to check:
  1. Vehicle condition matches what you saw at test drive
  2. No new damage or issues since test drive
  3. All features and accessories are present
  4. Tyres, wheels, panels, lights all in expected condition
If anything is significantly different from the test drive, you have the right to discontinue. Your funds will be refunded to you without penalty or cost.

Step 3: Scan the VIN Number

The buyer opens AutoSettle and is prompted to scan the vehicle's VIN using their phone camera. This critical step verifies you're receiving the exact vehicle that was verified in AutoSettle.
What happens:
  1. VIN matches: Both parties are notified - proceed with confidence
  2. VIN doesn't match: Both parties are alerted - buyer should NOT accept the vehicle and walk away. AutoSettle will not support the sale.
WarningThis VIN scanning prevents vehicle switching fraud. It ensures the seller hasn't substituted a different vehicle at the last minute.

Step 4: Scan the Odometer

The buyer also scans the odometer reading using their phone. This creates a final record of the vehicle's mileage at handover and verifies it matches expectations.

Step 5: Buyer Confirms or Discontinues

If the buyer is satisfied with everything - the vehicle condition, VIN verification, and odometer reading - they press the 'Pay Seller' button in AutoSettle. This action:
  1. Instantly transfers funds from buyer's AutoSettle Wallet to seller's AutoSettle Wallet
  2. Completes the transaction
  3. Generates all documentation
If the buyer is not satisfied, they can discontinue the transaction. All funds are immediately refunded, and the sale is cancelled. No penalties, no questions asked.

Step 6: Seller Hands Over Vehicle

Once the seller provides the buyer with all of the vehicles keys, documents and accessories, payment can be transferred. The seller should provide:
  1. All keys (main and spare)
  2. Remote key fobs
  3. Owner's manual and service books
  4. Registration documents (physical copies)
  5. Transfer and disposal forms (may need counter-signing)
  6. Service history records
  7. Warranty documentation
  8. Keys for roof racks, locking wheel nuts, etc.
  9. Spare wheel tools/key
Sellers: Do one final check for personal items in the glove box, door pockets, boot, and any hidden compartments. Remove everything before handing over.

Step 7: Final Paperwork (If Required)

Depending on your state, the transfer and disposal forms may require counter-signing by both parties. If so, complete this together before parting ways.

Step 8: Drive Away!

For buyers: You can now drive away in your vehicle. The seller has been paid, the transaction is complete, and you have full ownership.
For sellers: The funds are in your AutoSettle wallet immediately. You can withdraw them to your bank account at your convenience. 

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