Couples ‘smashing up their vehicles’ amid ‘carstody battles’ after messy break ups
Legal experts have warned that not clarifying which person out of a couple owns the vehicle when it is bought is leading to a growing number of bitter disputes over their cars
Many people have admitted to smashing up their cars after a break up (stock)(Image: Getty Images/Image Source)
Warring couples are getting into ‘carstody’ battles over their motors when they split. Many partners are used to arguing over children, the home and pets when a relationship or marriage breaks down.
But an increasing number are falling out over vehicle ownership. New findings have revealed as many as 70% of UK couples who shared a car have fought about who keeps it.
And millions have admitted the bust-ups have led to them smashing up the motor. Hot headed Gen Z were the most likely to damage a car, with a quarter saying they vandalised a vehicle due to an argument over it.
Findings from used car marketplace Cazoo showed 34% of couples never discussed car ownership when buying the vehicle together. Cazoo has launched the UK’s first ‘Brake-Up Clause’ guide to help couples navigate “carstody” battles after a break-up.
They have partnered with Estella Newbold-Brown, a legal expert who specialises in shared ownership disputes to help draft the guide. Lucy Tugby, Cazoo’s marketing director, said: “Cars are often the silent casualty of a breakup.
“They’re financially valuable and also essential to every day life, which means that disagreements can quickly escalate. Having a pre-agreed plan helps separate the emotional from the practical, allowing couples to make calm decisions before tensions arise and avoid any unnecessary conflict.”
Estella Newbold-Brown, legal expert at Amphlett Lissimore, said: “Apart from your home, your car might be among one of the most expensive purchases in your lifetime — and equally vulnerable if your relationship comes to an unexpected end.
“Unromantic as it may seem, if your car is important to you, it makes sense to plan for the breakup while you still have control. When a marriage ends (including civil partnerships) the Court has wide powers to redistribute assets, including personal property such as jewellery, furniture — and even cars (“chattel”) — regardless of who bought or paid for them.
“In some cases, chattel can be transferred, retained by one spouse, or even sold. Courts will often encourage negotiation or mediation to resolve a dispute about chattel, as they would prefer not to spend time dealing with it.
“A formal agreement, prepared by professionals, can help reduce uncertainty and costs. This is where a car-specific Nuptial agreement can be useful or a car-specific Cohabitation agreement, for cohabiting couples.
“While tempting, doing it yourself agreements can be risky and are unlikely to be upheld. Professional advice helps avoid costly mistakes later on, as there are specific criteria which need to be followed to allow the maximum chances of the court enforcing the agreement.”
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