'I'm stuck': A Florida mom says she traded her car in for a used van two months ago and is still waiting for the title. A warning for used car buyers

“So, honestly, I don’t have my trade in. I don’t have the money that I paid for this and I’m stuck.”

The owner of the dealership that sold her the car, Michael Rosa, says that she should have the title within two weeks. Legally, Florida requires that car owners transfer car titles within 30 days of purchase.

Here’s what Hemberger is actually risking in driving the car before she gets the title — and what you can do to protect yourself in similar situations.

Hemberger can legally drive her car now — but she can’t collect insurance benefits

Hemberger reached out to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to check on her title and they told her that it was in someone else’s name.

“I actually feel really uncomfortable because I was told that it could be repossessed,” Hemberger said. “I’ve turned down job interviews for jobs in order to just not be stranded if it gets repossessed.”

According to another Department of Motor Vehicles representative, Hemberger can legally drive her car now. But she won’t be able to sell the car or even collect insurance benefits until the title is in her name.

That means, if she gets into a wreck, she’s on the hook until she has the title.

The dealership, Rosa’s Auto House, says the title is taking a while because the previous owner died before it was transferred to the dealership. Rosa is working with a title company to get the title in Hemberger’s name.

Hemberger has filed a complaint with the state, which Florida residents can do through Form 84901. She says an investigator is looking into the issue. Generally, Florida state law requires owners to pay a penalty fee if the title isn’t transferred within 30 days.

What to do to avoid being stuck with a new car and no title

If you find yourself in a similar situation to Hemberger, you can sue to get the title back. But there are some things you can do to keep from being in that situation in the first place.