Can bailiffs take my car if it's not in my name?


Yes

Bailiffs may only take goods that belong to the debtor.[1]

If bailiffs take control of goods or a vehicle belonging to another, they can make a claim.[2][3]

The DVLA does not issue Title Documents for vehicles to register ownership, only the registered keeper.

Bailiffs enforcing traffic debts will pursue the registered keeper because the vehicle registration details are on the warrant of control. They target their vehicle until the owner proves their ownership.[2][3]

The procedure for the claim starts by giving the bailiff company and the bailiff a Notice to Claim of Controlled Goods

If the debt is being enforced in the High Court, the Notice is called a Notice to claim to Executed Goods

The owner of the goods may also claim damages for being deprived of his goods, or vehicle.[4][5]



Template

Send the notice to the bailiff company and get a certificate of posting from the post office.

Give a copy of the notice to the bailiff company by email and make a screenshot of the sent email capturing the time you gave it.

Send a copy of the notice by text message to the bailiff to his mobile and make a screenshot of the sent text message to record the time you gave it.

Keep all screenshots for your file.



[1] Paragraph 10 of Schedule 12 of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
[2] Non-High Court Debts: Civil Procedure Rule 85.4
[3] High Court Debts: Civil Procedure 85.6
[4] Section 3 of the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977
[5] Paragraph 66 of Schedule 12 of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act 2007