Buying a new car can be a time-consuming process. Apart from deciding which car you want, you need to arrange financing, register the vehicle, sign the purchasing agreement, and pay for the vehicle. However, making sure that you have the correct documents before you go to the dealership can save you time and hassle. Discover four of the essential documents you’ll need for your new car purchase.
1. Driver’s License
When you’re buying a new car, you’ll want to test drive it first. The dealer will need to know that you are legally registered to drive. Your driver’s license also provides an additional source of identification for your check or another form of payment. Of course, once you’ve completed the purchase, you can drive your shiny new car off the lot.
2. Proof of Insurance
To drive your new car off the lot, you’ll need to prove that you have insurance for the vehicle. Contact your insurance company and inform your agent about what vehicle you’re planning to buy before heading to the dealership. The insurance agent can let you know whether your insurance premium might change based on the vehicle you decide to purchase. Your insurance company can issue a temporary card and update your policy with the new details.
3. Title for Your Trade-In Vehicle
If you are trading in your old car, you will need proof that you own it. The car title proves that you are the owner of the vehicle. If you have a co-signatory or a lien against the title, you will need to get the required signatures in advance. If any errors exist concerning how the title is signed, the dealer may not accept it. Your state’s department of motor vehicles could also reject the title.
If you’re not clear about the correct procedure, call the dealership’s finance department and ask for assistance. You can check the motor vehicle registry website for your state for information about where to sign the title.
4. Your Payment for the Vehicle
Your new car purchase is going nowhere without a means of payment in place. If the dealer is arranging the financing, you can make your down payment with a personal check, a cashier’s check, or a credit card. Before you visit the dealership, confirm the forms of payment the dealer will accept to avoid any holdup. Get preapproved financing, even if you intend to finance the vehicle at the dealership.
If you’re getting financing through the dealership, what items you need to bring might vary depending upon your credit score. If you have a strong credit rating, the items listed above should be all you need to complete the purchase.
If you’ve arranged outside financing and are not using the dealership for financing, you should bring all the information related to your loan. When you have a preapproved outside loan, you can pay with a check from the bank or credit union providing the financing.
When you’re buying a new Chevy, your local Chevrolet dealership makes the process as quick and easy as possible. Additionally, having the correct paperwork will allow the transaction to go smoothly.
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