Consigning a vehicle

Consigning a vehicle means paying a business to sell your vehicle on your behalf for a fee. Buying a vehicle that has been consigned means that you are buying a vehicle that a consignment business is selling on someone else’s behalf.

Selling a vehicle by consignment:

  • Make certain the consignment business is licensed by AMVIC– it’s the law. Search for a licensed business here and look for AMVIC’s window decal and business licence posted at the business premises.
  • If you want to sell a vehicle, you enter into a written contract, giving the consignment permission to sell your vehicle.
  • Review the consignment agreement in detail. The following details must be included:
    • Name address and phone numbers for the business and the vehicle owner.
    • Description of the vehicle that includes the year, make, model, colour, number of doors and options.
    • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
    • Current odometer reading.
    • The vehicle history, setting out any accident, special uses of the vehicle (such as police or taxi), whether it was owned by a rental company and any other facts that would affect the price a buyer might be willing to pay.
    • Consignor’s ownership interest in the vehicle.
    • Liens against the vehicle.
    • When the agreement ends and what happens to the vehicle if it has not been sold before the agreement ends.
    • Who will insure the vehicle while it is on consignment? Check with the insurer for more information.
    • Fees the business will charge for their services.
    • Any repairs or other work on the vehicle that the consignor authorizes the business operator to perform and who is responsible for paying for the repairs or other work.
    • Minimum amount that the consignor will receive from the business operator for the sale of the vehicle and whether the consignor will accept another vehicle or other personal property as part of the minimum amount.
  • The business must pay the seller within 14 days after the vehicle is sold.
  • The business must provide the seller with a detailed statement of account along with the payment.

Buying a consignment vehicle:

  • Make certain the consignment business is licensed by AMVIC– it’s the law. Search for a licensed business here and look for AMVIC’s window decal and business licence posted at the business premises.
  • Research a reasonable price for the make, model and year of vehicle before buying.
  • Test drive a consignment vehicle before buying.
  • Pay to have an independent mechanical inspection completed on the vehicle.
  • Pay attention to the vehicle history.
  • Purchase a vehicle history report.
  • Check the vehicle’s lien history and ensure the business has paid outstanding liens before taking possession of the vehicle.
  • Review finance contracts carefully. Know the real cost of the vehicle.
  • Get a receipt from the business and make certain all promises are in writing.