[Mark444444]

Hey everyone,

I just bought a 2014 535 msport. Last week I blew out a tire and when I was at the dealer it was mentioned to me that the car had the wheel and tire insurance but that it wasn't transferable. Later that night, $400 lighter, I called bmw of America and spoke to someone who said that it indeed was transferable but that I would need to call safeguard and that they would happily transfer it for a $40 fee. Not only that, but I was fortunate that the last owner also bought the ring and dent insurance. Safeguard told me that the original owner would have to call in and verbally transfer the insurance to me or even worse, submit paperwork for it to be done.



Here is where things get a little interesting. While looking through the preprogrammed presets on the dash I noticed that the previous owner had his address stored and furthermore, he lives two minutes from me. While I would never go to his house and knock on his door, would it be in poor taste to mail him a letter explaining the situation and asking for his help or would i be better if letting it go? Also, does anyone have any solution that wouldn't involve him at all?



Thanks!

[The Beast]

Yes I would write to him

[Bbb34]

Just give him a polite phone call, worst case he won't be interested, you'll thank him and wish him a nice day. Could be just me, but writing or phone call, pretty much the same thing, except you get results faster.

[Mark444444]

I'd have to get creative to find his name and number however. Any ideas?

[CaboM4]

Originally Posted by Mark444444

I'd have to get creative to find his name and number however. Any ideas?

check public records for property tax / owner's information on the address and then google search the owner of the property

[EL Jeffe 5]

Just write letter with $100 bill

[cdmulders]

I personally would not have a problem knocking on his/her door, apologizing in advance that you pulled their information from the car itself, inquiring if they were the previous owner, complimenting them on how well they kept the car if so, and then simply asking if they would be willing to help transfer the insurance. You could offer compensation if required. The worst that could happen is that they say 'no thanks'. I think the personal touch is better than writing.

[Pit Stopper]

I agree, we should be able to approach and meet our neighbors. Especially with your circumstances. You never know you might make a new friend. They'll probable be curious when you pull up in their old car.

Just don't ask them what they traded the car in for ;-)

[martin mustang]

One option is to do it via the dealer, but not sure if this will work judging by the response regarding policy transfer.
Add in your letter how you going to delete his record from the car for his own good.

[The X Men]

One of the biggest reason I trade my to the dealer instead of selling it myself is that I do not have to deal with stupid things like this.

[Gpfarrell]

I'd write.

Your letter might catch him off guard, but he'll have a chance to consider what to do. I don't appreciate phone calls from people I don't know. The drive-up visit could be great... or terrible. Writing is very personal and very non-threatening... oh, and I'd disclose you found his address by accident in the preset so he knows you weren't stalking him. And definitely say how much you like the car.

[Bmw doubles]

Calling or a personal visit could result in a restraining order. See if the dealer could manage the contact and communication.