Purchasing a horse float is an exciting step in ensuring your horse’s safe transport, whether it’s for competitions, travel, or just regular vet visits. However, like any significant investment, buying a horse float involves paperwork that helps ensure the transaction is legal, transparent, and in your best interest. Whether you’re buying a brand-new or a used horse float, it’s essential to understand what documents are needed for the process. In this blog post, we will walk you through the essential paperwork for buying horse floats in Australia, providing clarity on what to look for and ensuring a smooth purchase.
1. Bill of Sale
The Bill of Sale is one of the most important documents when buying a horse float. It acts as a receipt and contract for the transaction, outlining the details of the sale. A Bill of Sale typically includes:
- Seller’s details: Name, address, and contact information.
- Buyer’s details: Name, address, and contact information.
- Float details: Make, model, year, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and any other relevant specifications.
- Price: The total cost of the float, including any taxes, fees, or other charges.
- Terms of the sale: Any warranties, payment methods, and if applicable, any deposits paid.
- Date of purchase: The date when the sale occurred.
This document is important because it serves as proof of ownership. If you ever need to sell the float in the future, you can reference this document as evidence of your ownership. At Netto Anna Horse Float, we provide an official Bill of Sale for every purchase made through our website. You can browse our range of horse floats here.
2. Proof of Ownership and Registration Documents
When buying a horse float, particularly a used one, proof of ownership is crucial. This helps ensure that the seller has the legal right to sell the float and that it hasn’t been stolen or involved in any legal disputes. The following documents are typically involved:
- Proof of Ownership: This can be in the form of the previous owner’s registration certificate, which proves that the seller legally owns the float. The registration document will also include the float’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), making it easier to verify its identity and history.
- Registration Documents: A horse float is generally registered as a trailer, and in Australia, trailers need to be registered with the relevant state or territory’s road authority. When purchasing a used horse float, ask for the current registration certificate that includes details about the float, such as its registration number, expiration date, and any inspections it has passed.
If the seller cannot provide these documents, it could indicate that the float is not legally registered, which could lead to issues down the line. It’s also important to check whether the registration is current or if the float needs to be re-registered after the purchase.
At Netto Anna Horse Float, we ensure all our horse floats come with the necessary registration and ownership documents. You can learn more about our offerings here.
3. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Check
One of the most critical steps in the paperwork process is verifying the VIN of the horse float. The VIN is a unique identification code that is assigned to each float and can help confirm its history and authenticity. It is typically located on the chassis or another permanent part of the float.
When purchasing a used horse float, always request a VIN check to verify the following:
- Ownership: Ensure that the VIN matches the ownership documents provided by the seller.
- Registration History: Check for any past registration issues, including unpaid fines or if the float has ever been written off.
- Accident History: Verify if the float has been involved in any major accidents or incidents that could affect its structural integrity.
You can run a VIN check through a range of online services, ensuring that the float has not been stolen or written off. It’s essential to perform this check to avoid any future complications.
At Netto Anna Horse Float, we ensure that all our floats are thoroughly checked and come with a clean VIN history. Learn more about our range of horse floats here.
4. Insurance Certificate
While not a legal requirement at the point of sale, an insurance certificate can provide additional peace of mind when buying a horse float, especially if you’re purchasing a second-hand model. The insurance certificate proves that the horse float has been covered by an insurance policy, which could provide protection in case of accidents or damage during transport.
Some sellers may offer an insurance certificate as part of the sale, especially if the float is relatively new or has recently been serviced. It’s always worth asking the seller for any insurance history related to the float.
Once the float is in your possession, you will need to obtain your own insurance. Public liability insurance is often a good idea, as it will cover any damage to property or injury to others if something goes wrong during travel.
5. Roadworthy Certificate (for Used Floats)
In some Australian states, you may be required to provide a Roadworthy Certificate when buying a second-hand horse float. This certificate confirms that the float meets the necessary safety standards required for use on public roads. It is typically issued after a comprehensive inspection of the float’s condition, including brakes, tyres, suspension, and structural integrity.
If you’re buying from a private seller, it’s worth asking whether the float has passed a recent roadworthy inspection. If not, you may need to arrange for one yourself.
At Netto Anna Horse Float, all of our used floats undergo a thorough inspection and meet roadworthy standards before being sold. We ensure that you don’t have to worry about additional paperwork or inspections when you purchase a float from us. You can check out our available models here.
6. Warranty Documents (if Applicable)
Some horse floats come with a warranty for added peace of mind, particularly if you’re buying a new or near-new float. A warranty protects you against defects in workmanship or materials and ensures that you won’t face costly repairs in the event of an issue.
- New Floats: Typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Be sure to ask for any warranty documentation and read the terms and conditions carefully to understand what is covered and for how long.
- Used Floats: While warranties are rare for used floats, some sellers may offer limited warranties on specific parts or after-sales service. Always inquire about this when purchasing.
7. Seller’s ID and Contact Information
To finalize the sale, you should ensure that you have proper contact information for the seller, including their full name, address, and contact details. This information is crucial for any future correspondence or in case any issues arise with the float after the purchase. If you’re buying from a dealership, this information should be readily available.
Conclusion on What Paperwork Do You Need When Buying a Horse Float?
When buying a horse float in Australia, ensuring that you have the right paperwork in place is crucial for a smooth and legal transaction. The key documents include the Bill of Sale, proof of ownership, VIN check, registration details, roadworthy certificate, and insurance certificate. These documents not only protect your investment but also help ensure the float is safe and ready for use.
At Netto Anna Horse Float, we ensure that all the necessary paperwork is provided with each purchase, making the buying process simple and stress-free. For more information or to view our range of horse floats for sale, visit us here.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the paperwork process, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!
