What to Do After Buying a Car

After buying a car, you might be tempted to bask in the excitement of that new car smell. However, some of the most essential parts of the car buying process happen after you get the keys, such as registering your vehicle and scheduling maintenance. Find out what to do after buying a car, whether you’re shopping for a new or used vehicle.

Things to Do After Buying a New Car

Before you drive away in your new car, you have to take care of a few important tasks. After you purchase a new car, make time to do the following:

Insure Your Car: If you paid for your new car in full, it’s optional to insure your vehicle for accident or theft, according to U.S. News. However, it’s required to get this insurance if you took out a loan for your purchase. By law, you need liability insurance to protect other drivers from your actions. Before deciding on an insurance policy, research providers and read the fine print carefully. You should know what you’re paying for in terms of premium, riders, and benefits.
Get the Title: According to The Nest, the dealership should provide you with the title to your vehicle if you pay in full for your new car. The dealership should also sign over the title to you, indicating you’re the new owner. Make sure the title shows the vehicle’s odometer reading accurately. If you took out financing for your car, the dealership might not give you the title when you buy the car. In many states, the dealer has to send the title to your state agency for processing.
Keep the Bill of Sale: Similar to a receipt, the bill of sale for your vehicle shows the seller, the buyer, the purchase price, and any applicable terms. It’s used to calculate sales tax. It’s also required when you go to register your new vehicle with your state.
Get Temporary Tags: In most cases, dealerships give you temporary tags that give you 30 days to register your new vehicle. In addition to physical tags for your car, most dealerships give you a 30-day registration document. You can keep this temporary registration on hand in case you get pulled over and have to prove you own the car.
Register Your Vehicle: Before the 30-day grace period ends, you have to register your car and pay the fee. It’s illegal to drive your new vehicle without registration. In some cases, you can register your new automobile and get permanent license plates at the dealership. Most times, however, you have to go to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to register your automobile. When you go to the DMV, be prepared to show the title, loan documents, and proof of insurance. You may also need proof that your new car has passed the state emissions test.
Schedule Maintenance: When you buy a new car, it’s easy to assume it won’t need a tune-up for weeks or months to come. Check with the dealership for a maintenance schedule, and follow it as closely as possible. You might be tempted to skip some maintenance to save money, but sticking to the schedule can help your car run smoothly and save you money in the long run.
Search for Recalls: Since new vehicles often rely on new technology, automakers sometimes recall them to update or replace high-tech parts. Because recalls can affect your safety, it’s important to pay attention to them. When you buy your car, type your vehicle identification number (VIN) into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database to search for recalls. Search a few times a year to check for new recalls.
Save Your Paperwork: As Tomorrow Makers states, it’s essential to keep all car-related paperwork on file. Keep your registration in your vehicle, and save other documents in a safe place. For example, you should have your bill of sale, tax receipts, insurance certificate, financing documents, and an extra copy of your registration.

Things to Do After Buying a Used Car

If you buy a used car, your to-do list might be similar. Follow these steps after just purchasing a used car:

Transfer the Title: First, have the seller transfer the title to you. If you bought your used car from a dealership, the dealer might do this automatically. But if you purchased it from an individual, you may have to complete the transfer at the DMV.
Get Insurance: According to Auto.com, you need to insure your car before you register and drive it. Some dealers partner with insurance companies to offer special rates. If you insure your vehicle through a third party, make sure you know what types of insurance your state requires. You might want to think about getting additional coverage if your budget allows it.
Get an Inspection: Next, have your car inspected by a mechanic or dealership. The Nest states, qualified mechanics can check the transmission, engine, exhaust system, and other major systems. They can also test your car for emissions, which may be required by your state.
Register Your Car: You need the title, any loan documents, proof of insurance, and a government-issued ID to register your used vehicle. Depending on your state, you may also need to show an emissions certificate. Check with your state’s DMV to confirm the registration requirements.
Schedule Repairs: If you discover any problems during the inspection, schedule any necessary repairs. Make sure you take care of them as soon as possible to avoid more expensive repairs in the future.
Plan for Maintenance: Read the owner’s manual to find out if your car requires any routine maintenance. For example, you might need to change the oil, rotate the tires, replace fluids, or change the battery. Following a maintenance plan can help your car run smoothly for longer.
Hit the Road: After tackling your post-purchase to-do list, take your car out for a spin. Enjoy the open road and all the freedom your vehicle brings.

Now that you know how to navigate the car buying process, you’re ready to shop. Start the search for your dream car today.

Information and research in this article verified by ASE-certified Master Technician Keith Canete of YourMechanic.com. For any feedback or correction requests please contact us at [email protected].