After a parent dies, practical questions can arrive quickly—often before you’ve had time to breathe. One common and understandably urgent question many Australians ask is: my dad passed away can i drive his car?

It seems simple. The car is there. You may need it to organise funeral arrangements, pick up family members, or manage day-to-day responsibilities. But legally and practically, the answer isn’t always straightforward.

The short answer: sometimes, but not automatically

In most cases, driving your father’s car after his death is not immediately illegal—but it does depend on several factors. These include ownership, insurance, and whether probate has begun.

Understanding these details early can prevent insurance issues or legal complications later.

Who legally owns the car after death?

When someone dies, their assets—including their car—become part of their estate. Until the estate is formally administered, ownership does not automatically transfer to family members, even close ones.

This means that even if you were driving the car regularly before, you may not legally “own” it yet. That’s an important distinction when asking my dad passed away can i drive his car.

What about insurance?

Insurance is the biggest issue families overlook.

Most Australian car insurance policies are issued in the name of the policyholder—in this case, your dad. When the policyholder passes away, the policy doesn’t always automatically remain valid for other drivers.

Some insurers allow a short grace period, particularly if the executor notifies them promptly. Others require immediate updates. If you drive the car without valid insurance and have an accident, you may not be covered.

Before driving, contact the insurer and explain the situation. Ask:

• Is the vehicle still insured?

• Am I covered as a driver?

• What steps are required during probate?

Who is allowed to drive the car?

Generally, the executor of the estate has authority over estate assets, including the car. If you are the executor, you may be able to drive it for estate-related purposes—such as transporting documents, attending appointments, or maintaining the vehicle.

If you are not the executor, you should seek their permission before using the car. Clear communication matters, especially in families where emotions are already stretched.

Registration and roadworthiness

Vehicle registration usually remains valid until its expiry date, regardless of the owner’s death. However, responsibility for the vehicle—fines, tolls, maintenance—still exists.

If you’re asking my dad passed away can i drive his car, consider whether:

• the car is registered

• it’s safe to drive

• any fines or tolls are outstanding

These costs typically fall to the estate, not the individual driver—but clarity helps avoid disputes later.

When should the car be transferred or sold?

Eventually, the car will need to be transferred to a beneficiary or sold as part of the estate. This usually happens after probate is granted.

If the will specifies who receives the car, it can be transferred once the legal process allows. If not, the executor may sell it and distribute the proceeds.

Driving the car long-term before ownership is resolved can complicate this process, especially if damage occurs.

Emotional considerations

For many people, driving a parent’s car carries emotional weight. It can feel comforting—or confronting. There’s no right reaction.

If using the car feels too hard, it’s okay to step back. Practical decisions don’t need to be rushed in the first days of grief.

A practical checklist before driving

If you’re unsure my dad passed away can i drive his car, ask yourself:

• Am I the executor, or do I have permission from them?

• Have I checked insurance coverage?

• Is the car registered and roadworthy?

• Am I using it for short-term, practical reasons?

If the answer to any of these is unclear, pause and get advice.

Final thought

Grief often collides with administration in uncomfortable ways. Asking my dad passed away can i drive his car isn’t about entitlement—it’s about navigating reality while you’re still hurting.

At Black Tulip Funerals, we regularly help families understand what comes next after a death—not just emotionally, but practically. You don’t have to figure it all out at once.