RC Transfer Stuck? Let's Decode the Delay Together!

We genuinely understand that RC (Registration Certificate) transfers can sometimes feel overwhelming. With around a decade of experience, we’ve seen firsthand the challenges you face, and we’re here to make things easier for you.

Over 82% of the cars we purchase are successfully transferred within 1 to 18 months. For rest, we’re constantly working to improve the process. Only a very small number, less than 1%, are not transferred even after 3 years. We know this can be frustrating, but we’re here to help at every step to make sure your experience is smooth and stress-free.

We know you might have questions, and it's important to us that we address them directly to clear up any doubts. After all, you really matter to us.

Unpacking the Ins and Outs of RC Transfers: Your top questions addressed

Q. Why does RC transfer take so long?

In India, a car’s value depreciates with each change of ownership. Generally, a car with fewer owners holds a higher value (1st owner > 2nd owner > 3rd owner). Because of this, intermediaries like dealers often delay transferring ownership until a final buyer is confirmed, aiming to maximise the car’s value. This practice can significantly extend the RC transfer time.

Q. Why do some RC transfers never happen?

Some buyers, either due to a lack of awareness or to increase future resale value, choose not to transfer the car to their name and continue using it under the previous owner's name. They believe that fewer ownership transfers can help maintain the car's value. However, this decision carries significant risks, such as losing insurance coverage in the event of an accident or theft, facing legal issues, and encountering complications during future sales. Despite these dangers, some buyers still opt for this approach, leading to RC transfers that never happen.

Q. Why doesn't CARS24 ensure buyers always transfer the car in their own name?

RC transfer can be a long, manual process. Sometimes buyers stop cooperating. In other cases, dealers might not follow through. In some cases, dealers hand over the documents and car to the buyer, leaving the transfer up to them. These are big issues we need to tackle.

Q. How frequently do issues arise with cars that haven't been transferred?

Less than 0.5% of overall cars we procure end up causing legal or major problems. While this is a small percentage, we understand that any chance of an issue can be stressful. We’re constantly working to minimise these risks and provide you with a smoother, worry-free experience.

Q. What has CARS24 done about it?

Since 2018, we've had a Seller Protection Policy in place to give you peace of mind. Here’s how it works: from the moment you hand over your car to us until the RC is transferred, we take on any liabilities linked to the vehicle. This includes full financial coverage and legal support.

If any issues arise, we’ll engage a lawyer at our own cost to represent you before any judicial, quasi-judicial, or law enforcement agencies. We’re proud to be the only company in India offering this level of protection and support, ensuring that our sellers can rest easy knowing we’ve got their back. No one else in the industry has stepped up like this.

Q. Why do police sometimes contact the original owner?

Police may contact the original owner if there are serious issues involving the car, such as accidents or criminal activities. They have to follow their protocols, which sometimes means reaching out to the last registered owner.

When this happens, we step in immediately. We provide all the necessary documents and evidence to the authorities, ensuring you’re not bothered. Our legal team is ready to assist and resolve any issues promptly. If you encounter any such problem, you can always reach out to us at care@CARS24.com, and we’ll provide support right away.

We understand that this might not be enough to put your mind entirely at ease. That’s why we are taking decisive action to provide even more robust support and 

We have already introduced :

1. Proof of Sale and Responsibility: To further reassure you, we have gone live with our ‘RC Progress Tracker’. With this new feature, you can easily check the status of your RC transfer anytime. If any unexpected legal issues come up with your car, you can quickly request a call back through the platform. We hope this brings you some peace of mind.

2. Legal Hotline for Immediate Support: A dedicated legal hotline for emergency calls when customers are contacted by police or other law-enforcement authorities. You can request a callback on our RC Progress Tracker and our legal support team will offer instant support and guidance, helping you stay calm and ensuring you receive the assistance you need immediately.

While we do everything we can to speed up the RC transfer process, some external factors are out of our control, like regulatory delays and external legal issues. In these situations, our RC Progress Tracker will be especially useful, keeping you updated and letting you request help when you need it.

Q. How can this issue be fixed for good?

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) is working on a solution. They are exploring the concept of deemed ownership for intermediaries, which would allow cars to reflect current ownership under registered intermediaries without changing the ownership serial number. This approach would maintain the car’s market value and clearly tag ownership. We are actively collaborating with the ministry and other stakeholders to expedite this process and bring a lasting solution.

Q. What can car sellers do in the meantime?

Here’s how you can ensure a better experience:

1. Stay Informed: Keep track of the RC transfer process. We will keep you updated at every step and provide assistance whenever needed, ensuring you are never left in the dark.

2. Consider Our Pilot Service: To offer you even more peace of mind, we're considering a pilot for a paid RC transfer service. If the RC transfer to the end buyer is delayed, we will transfer the car to our own name. This involves significant financial risk for us, but we are committed to providing the highest level of security and assurance to you.

3. Stay Patient and Reassured: Majority of RC transfers happen smoothly within 18 months, with less than 0.5% encountering issues. You've chosen a reliable partner in CARS24, but it's important to remember that sometimes delays occur due to external factors beyond our control. Rest assured, we’re always working diligently to resolve any issues as quickly as possible, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

4. Reach Out for Support: If you encounter any issues or have concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at care@CARS24.com. We understand your worries and are here to support you, ensuring your experience is stress-free.

5. Benefit from Our Experience: We’ve been in the industry for a decade, and we’ve seen it all. Our extensive experience means we know how to handle any hiccups along the way, and we're always looking for ways to improve and innovate for your benefit. So a little bit of trust from your side definitely will go a long way.