Home Escrow Agreement

Tri-Party Escrow Agreement

Last Updated: 1 September 2026 · Supervised Trust Accounts operated by TradeSafe (FSCA Regulated)

FSCA Authorized Escrow Protection
All transaction funds are held in dedicated South African trust accounts in partnership with TradeSafe.

1. Parties to the Agreement

This Tri-Party Escrow Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between:

  • The Buyer: The verified user depositing funds to purchase a motor vehicle.
  • The Seller: The verified owner or authorized legal agent selling the motor vehicle.
  • The Escrow Agent: TradeSafe (Pty) Ltd in partnership with DealSafe (Pty) Ltd, acting as independent custodian of transaction funds.

2. Custody of Funds & Trust Account

Upon acceptance of a vehicle purchase offer via the DealSafe application:

  • The Buyer deposits the agreed purchase amount plus applicable escrow verification fees into TradeSafe's dedicated trust account.
  • TradeSafe acknowledges receipt of cleared funds and issues an automated confirmation to both Buyer and Seller.
  • Funds remain legally ring-fenced and protected against creditor claims, insolvency, or third-party attachment.

3. In-Person Inspection & Digital Handshake

The Seller and Buyer agree to meet at a safe location to complete physical vehicle inspection:

  • Inspection Scope: The Buyer verifies physical vehicle condition, checks VIN plate and engine numbers against the registration documents (RC1), and completes a road test.
  • Digital Acceptance: Once satisfied, the Buyer taps 'Accept Delivery' and generates/enters the one-time digital handshake handover PIN.
  • Instant Payout Release: Entry of the handshake PIN triggers irrevocable authorization for TradeSafe to disburse the full purchase price directly to the Seller's verified South African bank account.

4. Rejection of Delivery & Refund Policy

If the vehicle is found to be materially defective, misdescribed, or encumbered:

  • The Buyer may reject delivery within the DealSafe app prior to entering the handshake PIN.
  • The Seller retains full ownership and physical possession of the vehicle.
  • TradeSafe refunds the escrowed vehicle purchase amount to the Buyer within 1 to 2 business days.

5. Dispute Resolution & Arbitration

In the event of a disagreement regarding vehicle condition, paperwork handover, or cancellation:

DealSafe Dispute Arbitration reviews vehicle scan history, in-app messages, and Kredo CarTrust™ records. If unresolved, disputes are submitted to expedited arbitration under the rules of the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA).