Once you successfully negotiate and buy your new vehicle, the work isn’t much done.
You will need to take some steps after purchasing your car, such as registering a new vehicle, getting insurance, and planning future inspections. These steps will retain legal ownership of the new set of wheels and allow you to enjoy the open path without worry.
10 steps to take after buying a car
Before you confirm any important ownership details after purchasing your car, follow these steps before putting your new ride into the drive.
1. Register a new car
Registering a new vehicle is essential after purchase. It is illegal to operate a vehicle without a valid state registration. If you purchased a new car, the dealer may have processed the registration on your behalf, but you will need to make sure your vehicle is registered properly before you depart on the road.
If the dealer does not process the registration or purchases from a private seller, you will need to make a reservation and head to the Automobile Department (DMV) to register a new vehicle. This process varies slightly from state to state, but most commonly, the following documents are required to register a vehicle:
- Valid driver’s license.
- Vehicle sales bills.
- Proof of state residence.
-
Vehicle insurance proof.
- Vehicle title.
- Loan document.
- Proof of passing the state emission test.
Check the state’s DMV website to see the required documentation before booking.
2. I’ll be taking out insurance
Auto insurance protects your finances by covering unexpected accidents or costs associated with owning a vehicle. Once you have purchased the vehicle, you will need to obtain new coverage or change existing policies. The type of coverage you need will vary depending on the type of vehicle, use and the condition you live in. Each state has minimal compensation requirements to drive legally, so check your home regulations before signing off.
3. Please read the owner’s manual
Reading to cover the manual cover may take some time, but getting familiar with the features of your new car can be helpful. This way you can make the most of your new vehicle and make sure you are using all the available technologies and safety features properly.
4. Arrange future maintenance
Maintenance of your car is one of the bigger, consistent costs you will be meeting, so it’s best to prepare for your upcoming mechanic trips.
Most vehicles require basic maintenance every 5,000 or 10,000 miles and require detailed service at critical checkpoints.
- 36,000 miles.
- 50,000 miles.
- 60,000 miles.
- 100,000 miles.
- 125,000 miles.
- 180,000 miles.
- 250,000 miles.
New cars do not require immediate maintenance, but it is best to check the manual and online vehicle forums to create a list of the maintenance you need. This will allow you to book and budget for future expenses.
5. Set up automatic payments
When purchasing a new vehicle using a car loan, it is important to be responsible for managing your loan repayments. Each time you make a monthly payment, you can avoid damage to your credit score, one potential competition for your car loan.
To help with that effort, consider setting up an automated loan payment. When you set up Autopay, it will automatically be deducted from your bank account, protecting you from accidentally forgetting to pay. Some lenders offer an annual percentage of customers using Autopay between 0.25% and 0.5%, so taking this step can save money.
6. Add a temporary vehicle tag (if purchased from a dealer)
In some states, you will receive temporary tags directly from the dealer. This is a temporary license plate to use before you get the official plate. Timing varies depending on the condition, but temporary tags are essential and proof that the vehicle is registered. If your dealer doesn’t handle temporary plates, check specific state regulations.
7. Transfer the vehicle title (if purchased from a personal seller)
Two main steps are required to transfer a vehicle title. The seller releases ownership and then the new owner, you take over the ownership in the DMV. If you are purchasing from a private seller, you are responsible for ensuring that this step has been completed. Check your local DMV for specific regulations as each condition changes slightly.
The following documentation is required:
- Vehicle sales bills.
- Sales date.
- Vehicle insurance.
- Buyer and recipient names and addresses.
- License information.
8. Get in your car to inspect your vehicle (if purchased from a private seller)
You will need to get on the vehicle to be checked by a reliable mechanic before you buy, but it is still wise to go when the vehicle is taking care of you. Doing this early will help you find mechanical issues that need to be fixed. It also helps you build valuable relationships with trustworthy mechanics. Certain items to note include checking tires, brakes and filters.
9. Search for recall
If there is a safety issue or if other updates are required, the manufacturer can remember the selected model. Check for vehicle recalls before hitting the road. Using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database, you can enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) to search, but you should also find information about the current recall, which is listed on the manufacturer’s website.
Regardless of which route you take, know that the manufacturer needs to take charge of the safety recall for free. When purchasing a new or used vehicle, you do not have to pay out of pocket for a safety recall.
10. Keep the documents
Don’t throw any sales bills or other documents related to recent purchases in the trash can yet. Instead, keep it in a safe place just in case you need to access it in the near future or in the future. It is also recommended to store backup copies of your registered files in other files.
If you have issues with your loan or vehicle, placing your documents in a safe and accessible location can be less headache. It’s beneficial to keep things organized, even if you just look up the documents when you’re approaching the loan payment date.
Conclusion
Once you have completed these steps, make sure to register, title and insurance in your glove box for storage. All your vehicles belong to you, and you can enjoy the freedom of ownership of the vehicle.
