Buying a new four-wheeler makes everyone happy and brings excitement to your family. Buying a new car is an important decision and a major investment. There are some essential steps to take before and after you buy a car to avoid any future inconvenience.
If you are wondering as do I need insurance before I buy a car, then the answer is a big yes. Obtaining an insurance certificate is of utmost importance if you buy a car. Ensure buying auto insurance for your car from a reputable, trusted company. Read more at AutoInsurance.org if you want an answer to this question: “Do I need insurance before I buy a car?”
Essential Steps To Take Before You Buy A Car
1. Research multiple car options
The first and foremost step to take in buying a car is to research for multiple car options based on your needs and requirements.
Many people end up buying cars that have stylish designs, or their friends or relatives have the same car. It’s important to consider other features of a car as well before making a purchase. Wishlist cars that have most of the attributes that you need and then select your ideal car.
2. Obtain a valid driver’s license
You will require a valid driver’s license before you buy a car. No dealership will sell your car if you don’t have a driver’s license. So if you don’t have a driver’s license, then consider getting one as soon as possible. If you already have a driver’s license, then ensure that it is valid and not expired. If it is expired, then apply for license renewal soon so you can purchase your ideal car.
3. Choose between new and used cars
The third step should be making a decision between buying a new car or a used car. Once you can fix the budget, you must choose between a new or used car. Make a pros and cons list of both new and used cars and then accordingly decide what will be the best option for you.
4. Look for finance options
The next step before buying a car is to look for finance options based on your sources of income. You can either take a car loan from the bank. You must have a good credit score to get a loan with a lower interest rate.
Look for banks that offer comfortable repayment options, don’t feel pressured by repayment of loans. You can even ask for financial help from your relatives or friends if they have a high source of income.
5. Search the right dealership
The last step before buying a car is to search for the right dealership. If you have any known dealership in town, you can get additional discounts and offers. Look for dealerships that have the model that you are looking for.
Local dealers don’t have much variety in car models. A great dealer can satisfy all your car buying experience. They have more insights into car features, and they can even recommend better options than your research. Once you find the right dealership, you can go forward to buy a car.
Essential Steps To Take After You Buy A Car
1. Check thoroughly all the paperwork
The most important step after you buy a car is to check all the paperwork thoroughly and keep all the documents safely with yourself. Ensure that you have collected all the documents from your dealer and the personal information and details are filled in correctly.
All the important paperwork must include purchase invoice, receipt of payment, tax records, insurance certificate etc. Alongside, also keep every receipt of repayment of the loan made to the bank to avoid any future complications.
2. Obtain an insurance certificate
The next important step after you buy a car is to obtain an insurance certificate for your car before taking it on the roads. An insurance certificate is mandatory in almost every country to protect your car from any damage.
Different insurance plans offer different premium benefits based on the policy value. Read the terms and conditions carefully before getting an insurance certificate for your car. Get your car insurance from a reputable, trusted company to avoid any insurance fraud.
3. Obtain a registration certificate
The third step after buying a car is to obtain a registration certificate. It is illegal to bring your car out on the streets without a registration certificate. Ask for a temporary registered certificate from your dealership.
You will have a maximum of 30 days to get a permanent registration certificate that you can get from the regional transport office in your city. A registration certificate is a very important document and can be asked anytime in case you break traffic rules or get into an accident.
4. Obtain a pollution certificate
The fourth step includes getting a pollution certificate for your car. A pollution certificate can be obtained after your car passes the pollution test. If you are buying a used car, ensure that it can pass the pollution test. The test is conducted to measure vehicle emissions in acquiescence with the air pollution rules. You will be penalized if you are caught without a pollution certificate by the traffic police.
5. Extended warranties and breakdown service
The final step after you buy a car is to get extended warranties and breakdown service for your car. You don’t have to worry about availing these services until the warranty period by the manufacturer is over. Even a small problem or damage in the car can make it unable to drive. Hence, having these services can help you get your car fixed quickly without spending much money.
The Bottom-line
Buying a car is not easy as it seems. Buying a car might feel overwhelming sometimes if you haven’t planned everything from the beginning. These are some essential steps that you must follow before and after you buy a car to enhance your car buying experience. This will help you to keep up with the legal formalities and make the right choice.