Whether you’re buying a new or used car, there are some important steps you need to take immediately after purchasing. These steps are more or less the same for both new and used cars, but there are some subtle differences you should be aware of. Regardless of the circumstances, here are some basic things that need to be taken care of after buying a car.
Insurance
Insurance is one of the first things you should take care of when buying a car. Not only is it a legal requirement, but there’s a ton of risk involved if you drive without insurance. You can quickly and easily make arrangements with an insurance carrier, even from the parking lot after you’ve purchased. If you want to be proactive, you can even contact your preferred insurance provider ahead of time and put in place the policy you want to buy. You won’t need to activate the policy immediately, but the insurance company can keep your information on file so that when you do need to activate it, all you need to do is give them the go ahead. After making payment, make sure that you’re emailed or texted a copy of your insurance card before you drive since you won’t receive the paper copy right away.
Gather Necessary Paperwork
You’ll need to collect certain documents to transfer the title and register a vehicle and it’s best to think about this ahead of time. You’ll want to have the bill of sale (if new), title, proof of insurance, personal identification, and proof of residency before transferring the title and paying registration. If you’re buying a used car, you’ll hopefully be provided with maintenance records as well, which you should put somewhere safe that you know what needs to be done in the future.
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Title Transfer
If you’re buying a new car, or a used one from a dealership, they can usually arrange the title transfer for you buy sending the necessary paperwork in. If buying from a private seller, you’ll need to physically take the title to the local motor vehicle department and handle the transfer there. If a smog check or emissions certificate is required, you’ll need to bring that with you as well, along with proof of insurance.
Read the Owner’s Manual
It may seem like an unnecessary chore, but it is important that you consult the owner’s manual after buying a vehicle. If you’re buying a used car that doesn’t come with the manual, they can be found rather easily online on websites like this and this. You don’t need to read the manual cover to cover, but you should at least familiarize yourself with the maintenance recommendations so you can make an appropriate schedule for servicing.