If someone else buys you a car, and it's titled in your name, can they take it?

Question

Story:

Girlfriend and I bought a car about a year ago. We have a joint bank account, and used a portion of her tax return and my paychecks to purchase it. The car is owned outright, and is titled and registered in my name. Because I don't have my license yet, she is insured to drive it.

Things have been shaky between us lately. She's now claiming that if we split, she will take the car. And if I prevent her from doing so, she will take me to court for it. She is also claiming that I did not put forth anything at all to pay for the vehicle.

This being said, does she have any grounds? Could she actually win the car in court? Just curious as to how this could go down.

Nosehair · Answer

You will need to identify exactly how much each of you contributed to purchase the vehicle and that percentage will determine how much of the vehicle you both own. Two options if you split up: one of you repay the other for the money they invested and assume full ownership or sell the vehicle and split the proceeds per the percentage owned. Small claims court in my state will only award money, it will not award ownership of title. The cost of  civil court is probably greater than the total cost of the vehicle so it is not a viable solution.

David 14 · Answer

No. You are the owner.

STEVEN F · Answer

The name on the title is what legally matters.  Who paid is legally irrelevant.

Nekkid Truth! · Answer

Its your car.  
Even if she slaims that she paid for it, the fact that it was put into YOUR name shows that it was purchased as a gift.

Anonymous · Answer

You would be wise to consult with a lawyer, but in general, if it's all in your name, it's your car.

You COULD be a ***** if she decides to go thru on her threat: report the car stolen....

Anonymous · Answer

How could you register it in your name if you do not have a licence?

Anonymous · Answer

Sell the car. Give her the money. Say thank you for your life with her.

mokrie · Answer

You own the title. Keep it hidden from her so she doesn't steal it from you. As long as it is registered and titled to YOU then YOU own the car and if she tries to take it you can report her stealing it and she would be arrested. She has no claim on it. It is your car and yours alone. She would have to be on the title to have any ownership.

Donnie Porko · Answer

It’ll be split. You have a joint bank account so there’s no way to say what percent you contribute to the car and what percent she contributed. Since it’s joint, it’s 50/50.

G. Whilikers · Answer

A clever lawyer could argue that since you don t have a license or insurance, and she does, your ownership is a sham. BUT with the joint account she can t prove you don t have any interest in it, especially if the car cost more than the tax refund.
Tip: play nice to stay on her good side, get that driver s license ASAP, and buy gas and oil changes with your credit card.

If someone else buys you a car, and it's titled in your name, can they take it?

13 Answers