If a Cosigner Takes Possession of a Car Can it Be Reported Stolen

[OhSoYaya]

My question involves vehicle registration or title in the state of: California. Last year a family member bought a vehicle for me and I became the consigner on it. She had the income I had the credit. I pay all car notes out of my banking account and both our names are on the vehicle registration and the insurance on the vehicle is in my name not hers. Last week we had a falling out and she threatened to report the vehicle stolen? Can she do that? I am still paying the notes. Not sure what I should do at this point. I hate I put all my money into this vehicle to loose it

[flyingron]

Well she can certainly report it stolen, but in fact it isn't and she'd be ill-advised to make such a false statement to police.

If your name is on the title/registration, then your possession of it is not THEFT. Further, I'd be extremely disinclined to allow her to illegally drive the vehicle (she must have insurance).

[Mr. Knowitall]

The car is insured, and we've not been told that the other driver is an excluded driver. You don't need two policies on a co-owned car.

[Who'sThatGuy]

What money are you losing? You stated that the other party has the income and you have the credit. If the other party is placing money into your account to pay the bills, you have nothing to lose except your credit history.

[OhSoYaya]

When I say loose money. I mean to say that I work but do not receive a pay check stub for my services since I do hair and just charge my clients. The person is not giving me money to put in my account. I'm paying for the car on my own every month. She just simply came with me to the dealership and the dealership said it would be best that she get the vehicle and I just consign on it. And at the end of the lean we just transfer the vehicle over to me 100%. So when we registered the vehicle both our names went on the registration and I went and got insurance on it

- - - Updated - - -

Only my name is on the insurance. She doesn't have insurance on the vehicle at all. Everything involving the car I made sure my name was on in some type of way

- - - Updated - - -

So even though she's the owner and I'm only the consiger she still can't legally report the vehicle stolen? So at this point is it a civil suit I should file on the vehicle? Because I've had the car for two years and made all payments on it. I really don't want to get rid of it. And I also know she can not afford the notes so I really don't want to mess up my credit either. Sticky situation

[adjusterjack]

Title and registration are not the same.

Is your name on the title?

[Who'sThatGuy]

So legally you both own this vehicle. You need to sort this out or sort it out in a courtroom.