The Benefit of Having Two Names on a Car Title

On January 13, 2024
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Author - Steve Momot

Should you consider listing a spouse, family member, or friend as a joint owner?

Below, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the benefits of having two names on a car title so you can make the best decision.

Relevant Articles:

Two Names On Car Title How To Remove One

Key Benefits of Joint Car Ownership

1. Shared Rights and Responsibilities

Having two names on the title grants equal rights and duties over the car to both owners. This allows for flexible usage arrangements.

2. Smooth Ownership Transfer

If an owner passes away, joint ownership ensures the vehicle immediately transfers to the surviving owner. This avoids lengthy probate disputes.

3. Estate Planning Advantages

Listing a spouse/family member makes transferring ownership to them hassle-free if you become incapacitated or die.

Financial Perks

Better Loan Terms

Lenders may provide lower interest rates thanks to two applicants’ combined income and credit history. This offers substantial interest savings over the life of the auto loan.

Insurance Discounts

Some insurers provide multi-car or multi-owner policies at discounted premium rates. This can add up to major savings over time.

4. Usage and Selling Flexibility

Both owners can freely drive the car without needing permission from the other party. Additionally, either party can initiate selling or transferring the vehicle ownership thanks to their equal rights over the title.

How to Add a Joint Owner to the Title

Follow these key steps, which are discussed in more detail in the following article: Can You Add Someone To A Car Title?

1. Contact the Lien Holder

For financed vehicles, inform your lender of your intent to add a co-owner. They will need to update loan records.

2. Apply at Your Local DMV Office

Bring your current title, new co-owner’s ID, and completed application forms to the DMV to update.

3. Sign New Title Documentation

Check your state’s specifics, but generally, both owners sign the new title indicating joint ownership status.

And vs Or: Car Title Ownership Structures

You’ll need to make an important choice when adding a co-owner to your title – should you list owners as “and” or “or”? Understanding the difference in terms of ownership rights and asset transfer impacts will help inform the optimal selection:

If you structure ownership using “and”, this means:

Both listed owners must consent and sign to sell or transfer ownership of the vehicle.
Ensures joint control over decisions impacting the asset.

Can ease financing approval as two incomes qualify for larger loans.
If an owner dies, complications can arise transferring rights to the other.

If you structure ownership using “or”, this means:

Gives each individual owner independent rights over the vehicle.
Either party can independently sell or transfer ownership at their discretion.
Can qualify for lower insurance rates than shared policies.

If one owner dies, in most cases, it automatically transfers that ownership share to the surviving owner.

The choice between “and” and “or’ boils down to preference for shared control over major decisions like selling vs. greater individual freedom to act without joint consent.

Consult a legal or financial expert to determine which approach best fits your intent and use case.

Potential Cons of Joint Ownership

While beneficial overall, joint ownership also comes with a few key implications.

1. Shared Liability Risks

Both owners share liability for parking tickets, traffic violations, accidents or other incidents involving the vehicle. This may impact insurance premiums or civil lawsuits.

2. Potential Disagreements

Decisions regarding usage, customization, proper maintenance, and eventual sale of the jointly owned vehicle require agreement between co-owners. Conflicting opinions can cause issues.

3. Complications Removing One Name Later

Taking one name off a jointly owned title is only possible if the removed party willingly signs the release of ownership documentation. Laws vary by state.

Inheritance and Estate Planning Advantages

A vehicle held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship automatically passes to the surviving owner upon death without requiring probate. This simplifies estate transitions.

Additionally, joint ownership titles your vehicle asset appropriately as part of an estate plan and avoids unintended transfers.

Consult an estate planner for guidance catered to your situation.

Do Insurance and Registration Names Need to Match?

You might wonder – if I have two names on my car’s title, do those same two names need to be on the insurance policy and registration paperwork?

The answer depends slightly on your state’s specifics, but generally:

There is no legal requirement mandating all documents match names in most states. New York is currently the only state enforcing matching names on insurance, registration, and titles.
Insurance companies can implement internal rules demanding matched names. So check your provider’s stance when obtaining coverage.
Getting coverage under a different name than your title/registration is allowed. This occurs often with family members borrowing vehicles.

However, non-matching names can cause processing delays if accident claims arise before verification checks happen.
Listing different names without a reasonable explanation may also prompt an investigation to rule out fraud.

The best practice is matching names when feasible for smoother record-keeping and avoiding administrative hassles. But differing names won’t necessarily prevent acquiring coverage or receiving payouts from insurance providers.

My Final Thoughts

Analyzing the pros and cons will determine if linking your car’s ownership to someone else makes sense and doesn’t work for everyone.

Discuss your situation with family/friends and domestic partners or financial/legal advisers to make an optimal title ownership decision. Consider the key benefits and implications covered here as part of that dialogue.

Sources For This Article:

https://batterysigns.com/benefits-of-having-two-names-on-a-car-title/

Steve Momot - Author

Steve, a seasoned expert in the automotive industry, formerly held a car dealer license in Florida. With extensive experience spanning across car trading and mechanical work, he founded Autohitch. His mission? To guide both buyers and sellers through the intricate maze of car purchasing, ensuring a seamless and informed experience. Outside of the automotive world, Steve has a passion for fishing and capturing the beauty of nature through photography.