Car Ownership Guide After Purchase | Bob Moore Auto Group

Just walked off the lot with a new car, but not sure what to do next? Bob Moore Auto Group has your back! It’s always exciting to get a new car, but ownership comes with a long list of errands and tasks to take care of to ensure you get the most from your experience. Make sure to enjoy the ride home, because right after you get the keys, you’re responsible for it, so you’ll need to handle insurance, registration, and maintenance. Purchasing a new and used car both come with many of the same responsibilities, with a couple of extra twists for used vehicles. We’ll break down everything you need to do after you purchase a new vehicle from Bob Moore Auto Group in OKC!

What to Do After Purchasing a New Car

Immediately after purchasing a new car, you’ll want to ensure you’re taking care of the following items: 

• Get Car Insurance: Car insurance is legally required in Oklahoma, and all drivers must carry minimum liability coverage: $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury to all persons, and $25,000 for property damage. Make sure to get insurance on your vehicle as soon as you purchase it.
• Get a Title: If you pay for your vehicle up front, the dealership will sign the title over to you. If you take out financing, you won’t receive the title immediately, as we send it to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. A lien will be placed on your title until the vehicle is paid off.
• Keep your Bill of Sale: Like a receipt, it’s good to keep this around so you can review terms in the future. It’s also needed to register your vehicle. 
• Registration: You’ll get temporary tags after driving off the lot, giving you 30 days to register your car. Keep this temporary registration in your vehicle until you get real tags. Before the grace period ends, register your vehicle at the DMV. You’ll get a permanent license plate and pay a registration fee. You’ll need to show proof of insurance, loan documents, the title, and the bill of sale. 
• Review your Warranty: All new cars come with warranty protection, so make sure you know what coverage you have on your vehicle to take the best care of it. 
• Schedule Maintenance: We know you just drove off the lot, but to keep your car in great condition, it’s essential to keep up with regular maintenance intervals, which can be set up immediately after purchase at the dealership. 
• Keep the Paperwork: Buying a new car generates a lot of paperwork. While it might seem a little overwhelming, it’s important to keep the paperwork proving ownership of the car and maintenance notes. 

What to Do After Purchasing a Used Car

• Transfer the Title: This is usually done at the dealership. If you buy from a third party, though, make sure the seller transfers the title to you at the DMV.
• Get insurance: Like with a new car, you want to ensure you get insurance immediately after you purchase your vehicle. 
• Get an Inspection: If you haven’t already, take your vehicle to a mechanic for a full inspection so you know what to look out for. 
• Registration: You’ll need the title, proof of insurance, any loan documents, and a valid ID to register your vehicle. 
• Schedule Maintenance: Regular service intervals help you get the most out of your vehicle; don’t cut corners, or else you’ll find yourself staring down a bigger bill!

Find your Next Car with Bob Moore Auto Group

Congratulations on your new car! We hope we didn’t scare you too much. After a couple of hours of work, you should be free and clear to enjoy your new car. If you’re still looking for the next car, explore the new inventory for sale at Bob Moore Auto Group!