Donating a car to charity is a noble gesture that many people undertake to help those in need. However, as one Sacramento woman found out, the process of transferring ownership and ensuring that you are no longer liable for the vehicle can be more complicated than expected. Vickie Balog’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering donating their car.
In 2019, Balog decided to donate her car to the Sacramento SPCA to support their cause of helping animals. Little did she know that this act of kindness would turn into a nightmare that would haunt her for years to come. Despite filling out the necessary paperwork with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to transfer ownership and release liability, Balog continued to receive toll violations, tickets, tow and storage fees for a vehicle that was no longer in her possession.
The root of the problem lay in the fact that the buyer of Balog’s car never registered it after purchasing it at auction. This meant that Balog remained the last registered owner of the vehicle, making her responsible for any violations incurred by the new owner. Over the years, Balog had to deal with a myriad of issues, including court notices and collections notices for thousands of dollars in fees.
Despite her best efforts to clear up the violations with various agencies, Balog continued to face challenges. It wasn’t until she reached out to CBS13 and the Call Kurtis consumer investigative team that her situation started to improve. With the help of the non-profit organization CARS, which handled the donation, Balog was able to get the collection agency to drop the debt in her name.
The lesson learned from Balog’s ordeal is clear – when donating a car, it’s essential to ensure that the new owner registers the vehicle in their name promptly. If you’re selling your car, consider meeting the buyer at the DMV to complete the transfer together. Taking these extra precautions can save you from potential headaches down the road.
In the end, Balog’s old car was dismantled, putting an end to the toll violations and fees that had plagued her for years. For others facing similar issues, the DMV offers a solution in the form of a letter stating that you were not the owner of the vehicle when violations occurred, provided you filled out the release of liability form correctly.
Balog’s story serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned acts of charity can have unintended consequences if not handled properly. By being vigilant and proactive when donating or selling a car, you can avoid finding yourself in a situation like Balog’s. And if you do encounter problems, remember that there are resources available, such as consumer investigative teams like Call Kurtis, to help you navigate the complexities of vehicle ownership and liability.