How to Sell a Car in Alberta Privately

Have you recently purchased a new car? Congratulations! We can only imagine how thrilled you are to hit the road!

But, after buying a new car, drivers in Alberta are left with the same predicament — what should they do with their old car?

Depending on your vehicle's age, condition, make/model, etc., the best option may be to sell it privately. If you don't know how to sell a car in Alberta, you're in luck!

Today's article will provide a comprehensive guide that can teach you everything you need to know about selling a used vehicle in Alberta.

How to sell a car in Alberta in seven simple steps

Drivers in Alberta have a much better chance of selling their car quickly (and for the right price) if they follow these simple steps:

Step #1 — Research price ranges

If you're planning on selling a car in Alberta, the first thing that you need to do is figure out how much you wish to sell it for.

Even if you bought your vehicle just a few years ago, the car has likely dropped in value by a significant amount. So, instead of "going with your gut" and arbitrarily picking a price, you should use an online price comparison platform. There are several price comparison platforms that help drivers research and compare vehicle prices.

An online price comparison platform can help you sell your vehicle quickly and prevent you from setting too high or low of a price.

Step #2 — Clean and tune up the vehicle

Before selling a vehicle in Alberta, you may want to take the time to clean and tune up your car. 

Although this step may not feel necessary, it can be extremely beneficial. Taking the time to spruce up the vehicle doesn't just make it look more attractive to potential buyers; it also gives you the leverage to charge a little bit more for your ride.

Step #3 — List your vehicle online

Now that your car is looking fresh and clean, it's time to list the vehicle online!

If you're not familiar with how to list a car online in Alberta, you can make the process easier by making use of these tried-and-true tips:

• Take high-quality photos of the vehicle. Make sure all of the photos are clear and in focus. Remember to snap photos of the exterior and interior of the car before posting them online.
• Write a detailed description of the vehicle in a separate document. Be sure to include the make, model, total kilometres, and any recent repairs (along with the date the repairs were completed). Copy and paste the description into multiple selling platforms to save time and improve your reach.
• List any unique features or vehicle modifications potential buyers may want to know about.
• Include a copy of the vehicle history (if possible).

Step #4 — Prepare your proof of ownership

It's always wise for vehicle sellers to have their proof of ownership on hand while dealing with potential buyers.

Having your proof of ownership on hand is highly beneficial, as it allows you to verify that the car was purchased legally (i.e. not stolen) and can be driven without fear of legal repercussions in the future.

Step #5 — Sell your vehicle!

Now that you've found a buyer for your car and have agreed on a price, it's finally time to sell your old vehicle!

Drivers should note that in Alberta, both parties (i.e. the buyer and the seller) need to fill out the bill of sale. To be safe, both the buyer and the seller should fill out two separate documents. By doing this, both the buyer and the seller can reference the bill of sale as needed.

After both parties have completed the bill of sale, you can hand over your keys and congratulate the buyer!

However, there are still a few tasks that you need to take care of before you've finished the selling process…

Step #6 — Transfer or cancel your licence plate

After completing a private car sale Alberta drivers need to either transfer or cancel their licence plates. 

Drivers in Alberta need to transfer their licence plate if they have a new car that needs to be registered. On the other hand, drivers in Alberta can cancel their licence plate if they don't own a vehicle that needs to be registered. 

You can transfer or cancel your licence plate in Alberta by visiting your local AMA (Alberta Motor Association) or registry agent.

Step #7 — Contact your insurance provider or advisor

Now that you know how to sell a car privately in Alberta, the last thing that you need to do is reach out to your insurance company or advisor and let them know that you’ve sold your vehicle.

This is an essential step, as it gives your insurance company or advisor the chance to update your policy and remove the old vehicle.

If you've recently purchased a new vehicle but haven't registered it yet, you should let your insurance company or advisor know. Your insurance company or advisor can (in most cases) provide you with a 14-day insurance grace period in Alberta. This grace period allows you to get your registration and other documents in order.

Speaking of car insurance in Alberta…

Team up with your Surex insurance advisor and save up to 25% on coverage

Finding affordable car insurance shouldn't take all day — and thankfully, it doesn't have to!

When you team up with Surex, you get access to quotes from top-rated car insurance companies in a matter of minutes. We work with several of Alberta's top car insurance companies in order to provide drivers with an array of personalized options.

Reach out to one of our experienced insurance advisors today to get started! While speaking with your advisor, don't forget to ask about how you can save up to 25% when you bundle multiple policies with one of our carriers.

Want to learn more about car insurance in Alberta?

We know that car insurance in Alberta can be a complicated subject. 

That's why experts have filled the Surex blog with countless articles that can help you learn about various facets of the insurance industry! If you have a question, you can most likely find the answer in our blog!

If you have other questions or concerns relating to your personal policy, don't hesitate to reach out to a Surex insurance advisor today.