Car Sale Agreement Template for Switzerland

A Car Sale Agreement is a legally binding contract that records the transfer of a vehicle from seller to buyer in Switzerland. It spells out the key details like the car's make, model, registration number, price, and the exact condition at the time of sale - protecting both parties in the transaction.

Under Swiss civil law, this document proves ownership transfer and helps prevent future disputes about the sale terms. It typically includes important warranty information, payment arrangements, and any specific conditions like remaining leases or outstanding loans. Most Swiss cantons require this agreement for vehicle registration transfer at their local road traffic office (Strassenverkehrsamt).

You need a Car Sale Agreement anytime you buy or sell a vehicle in Switzerland - even for private sales between friends or family members. This document becomes essential when transferring ownership at your local Strassenverkehrsamt, where officials require proof of the transaction's terms and conditions.

Swiss law makes this agreement particularly important when buying used cars, as it documents the vehicle's disclosed condition and any known defects. It helps prevent costly disputes later, especially if mechanical issues arise after the sale. Having this agreement ready before meeting at the registration office saves time and ensures a smooth ownership transfer process.

• Basic Private Sale Agreement: The simplest form for direct sales between individuals, covering essential details like price, vehicle condition, and basic warranties
• Dealer Purchase Agreement: More comprehensive version used by Swiss car dealerships, including detailed warranty terms and dealer-specific guarantees
• Commercial Fleet Sale Agreement: Specialized format for business-to-business transactions involving multiple vehicles or fleet sales
• Classic Car Sale Agreement: Enhanced version with detailed provisions for vintage vehicles, including historical documentation and restoration records
• Export/Import Sale Agreement: Modified version meeting additional requirements for cross-border sales within Europe, including customs declarations

• Private Sellers: Individual car owners selling their vehicles need this agreement to properly document the sale and transfer ownership
• Private Buyers: Individuals purchasing cars who require legal protection and proof of purchase for registration purposes
• Car Dealerships: Professional sellers who routinely prepare and execute these agreements as part of their daily business
• Cantonal Authorities: Road traffic offices (Strassenverkehrsamt) that process vehicle registration transfers based on these agreements
• Legal Advisors: Lawyers who review or draft agreements for complex sales or assist with dispute resolution

• Vehicle Details: Gather the car's make, model, year, chassis number (VIN), registration number, and current mileage reading
• Technical Information: Document recent service history, known defects, modifications, and accident history
• Seller Documentation: Collect proof of ownership, service records, and vehicle registration papers
• Price Agreement: Specify the final price, payment method, and any deposit arrangements
• Inspection Results: Include recent vehicle inspection reports or arrange for a pre-sale technical check
• Transfer Details: Note the planned handover date and location for both the vehicle and documentation

• Party Information: Full legal names, addresses, and identification numbers of both buyer and seller
• Vehicle Description: Complete details including make, model, VIN, registration number, and current mileage
• Price and Payment: Clear statement of purchase price, payment terms, and transfer method
• Condition Declaration: Detailed description of vehicle condition and any known defects
• Warranty Terms: Specific warranties provided or explicitly excluded
• Transfer Details: Date and location of ownership transfer
• Signatures: Dated signatures of both parties with witness requirements if applicable

A Car Sale Agreement often gets confused with a Vehicle Sale Agreement, but there are important differences in their scope and application under Swiss law. While both documents handle vehicle transfers, their specific uses and requirements differ.

• Scope of Coverage: Car Sale Agreements specifically focus on automobiles, while Vehicle Sale Agreements cover a broader range including motorcycles, trucks, and commercial vehicles
• Documentation Requirements: Car Sale Agreements typically require more detailed information about the specific car model, features, and service history, while Vehicle Sale Agreements may have simpler documentation needs
• Warranty Provisions: Car Sale Agreements often include specific warranty terms common to automobile sales, whereas Vehicle Sale Agreements use more general warranty language suitable for various vehicle types
• Registration Process: Car Sale Agreements align specifically with cantonal car registration requirements, while Vehicle Sale Agreements may need additional documentation depending on the vehicle type