Free Vehicle Loan Agreement Template (Comodato) for Araia Residents
If you are planning to lend your vehicle to a friend, family member, or business associate in Araia, it is highly recommended to formalize the arrangement with a Contrato de Comodato. In Spanish law, a comodato is a gratuitous loan contract where you (the lender) allow someone else to use your vehicle for a specific period without charging them rent. Having this document is essential to protect yourself from liability regarding traffic fines, accidents, or potential criminal misuse of the vehicle while it is not in your direct possession.
Instructions on how and where to submit it in Araia
Since this is a private contract between two parties, you do not need to submit it to the Araia Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) or the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) for it to be valid. However, you should follow these steps to ensure its legal effectiveness:
- Drafting: Fill out the bilingual template provided below with the details of both the owner (comodante) and the user (comodatario).
- Signing: Both parties must sign every page of the document.
- Digital Timestamping: While not strictly mandatory, it is highly recommended to sign the document using a digital certificate or have the signatures verified by a notary in Vitoria-Gasteiz if the loan period is long.
- Keeping Records: Keep the original document in your records. If the user is stopped by the Guardia Civil or local police, they should carry a copy of this agreement to prove they have authorization to drive the vehicle.
CONTRATO DE COMODATO DE VEHÍCULO / VEHICLE LOAN AGREEMENT
En Araia, a [Día] de [Mes] de [Año] / In Araia, on [Date]
REUNIDOS / PARTIES
D./Dña. [Nombre del Propietario], con DNI/NIE [Número] y domicilio en [Dirección], en adelante "el Comodante" (the Lender).
D./Dña. [Nombre del Usuario], con DNI/NIE [Número] y domicilio en [Dirección], en adelante "el Comodatario" (the Borrower).
OBJETO / OBJECT
El Comodante cede en precario y de forma gratuita el uso del vehículo: / The Lender grants the free use of the vehicle:
Marca/Make: [Marca] | Modelo/Model: [Modelo] | Matrícula/License Plate: [Matrícula]
CONDICIONES / CONDITIONS
1. El vehículo se destinará exclusivamente a uso particular. / The vehicle shall be used exclusively for private use.
2. El Comodatario se hace responsable de las sanciones de tráfico y gastos de combustible. / The Borrower is responsible for traffic fines and fuel costs.
3. El contrato finalizará el día [Fecha de fin]. / The contract will end on [End Date].
FIRMAS / SIGNATURES
Fdo. Comodante: ____________________ | Fdo. Comodatario: ____________________
Additional documentation required
To ensure the vehicle remains legally compliant while on loan, the user should always carry the following documents inside the glove compartment:
- Permiso de Circulación: The vehicle's registration document.
- ITV Card: The technical inspection card with the valid sticker on the windshield.
- Proof of Insurance: Ensure your insurance policy covers "authorized third-party drivers." If the user is under 25 or has a recently issued license, contact your insurer to verify if they need to be added to the policy to avoid coverage denials in case of an accident.
Expert Tip: Always perform a quick visual inspection of the vehicle with the borrower before handing over the keys. Document any existing scratches or mechanical issues in an annex to this contract. This prevents disputes later regarding damages that may have occurred during the loan period. If the vehicle is used for work-related purposes, consider consulting a local solicitor to ensure the loan does not inadvertently trigger tax implications under Spanish law.