Many cars on Swiss roads still formally belong to a bank or leasing company. Anyone wanting to sell such a vehicle faces a fair question: how is the outstanding balance settled without someone ending up empty-handed? The answer is pleasantly unspectacular — provided the order of steps is right.
First: who actually owns the car?
With a lease, you are the registered keeper but not the owner. You can only sell once the leasing company has been paid off. With a consumer loan, the car is yours, but the bank has an economic interest and normally requires the loan to be repaid from the sale proceeds. In both cases the process is similar.
The process in four steps
- Request the settlement figure. Ask in writing for the amount that ends the contract immediately. The quote states a date until which it is valid — usually ten to thirty days.
- Determine market value. Get a purchase quote in parallel. Only comparing the two figures shows whether you receive money or need to pay in.
- Agree direct payment. The buyer transfers the settlement amount directly to the bank or leasing company — not to you. That protects both sides.
- Wait for release, then hand over. Once the company confirms receipt, the vehicle is handed over and the difference paid out to you.
A worked example
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bank settlement amount | CHF 11,800 |
| Purchase quote | CHF 14,500 |
| Paid out to you | CHF 2,700 |
If the purchase price is below the settlement amount, the vehicle is "underwater": you must pay the difference to exit the contract. That is manageable too — what matters is knowing the number before you commit.
Three mistakes that cost money
- Buyer pays you instead of the bank. If you have to forward the money, you carry the risk alone. Always have payment made directly to the company.
- Missing the quote's expiry. After the deadline the bank recalculates — usually to your disadvantage, because interest keeps accruing.
- Handing over before release. Until the bank confirms, the contract remains in force. Only hand over the car afterwards.
We handle the settlement
Settlements are everyday business for us: we check your settlement quote, make you a binding offer and transfer the outstanding amount directly to the bank or leasing company. You receive the difference immediately — cash or instant transfer. All you sign is the purchase contract; we do the rest. Reachable daily from 08:00 to 22:30.