That shiny new ride is right in reach. You’ve searched high and low, spent more time reviewing reviews on Google than you want to admit, but the time has come! You are ready to purchase your new (or new to you) vehicle. Before you head over to the dealership, make sure you have all the documents you’ll need to make the process as smooth as possible.
What Documents Should I Bring?
Here is your standard list of things to have ready when you walk in to purchase a vehicle:
- Driver’s License. Well, you should always have your license on you when operating a vehicle, however, when you’re at a dealership they will need your license for any test drives and often during paperwork phases to make it faster for everyone.
- Proof of Insurance. Many dealerships will require to see some sort of proof of insurance before they hand over the keys. Are you buying a car, titled to you, after normal business hours of your agency or on a weekend? Good news! Your current policy (as long as you are listed as the named insured) does not just vanish when you buy a new car, your coverage (in most cases) can rollover to automatically cover your new ride until your agent is available to help make the official change.
- Payment. If you are paying in cash, check or even a private loan company make sure you have that ready as that can speed up the process for you. If you are financing through the dealership, be prepared to sit and fill out a bit more paperwork that may require some proof of income.
- Discount Information. Some dealerships offer promotions or discounts on models they are trying to actively sell or lower the overflow stock they have sitting. If you happened upon a discount or promotion being mentioned, make sure you bring it with you to ensure you are eligible for any savings.
Do I Need Anything Else If I’m Trading in My Car?
If you’re trading in your old car towards a new vehicle, you will need a few more items to add to your above list. Things like:
- Title. If you own the vehicle and have its title, you will need to provide it to the dealership so they can properly process the trade in.
- Registration. Your current vehicle’s state registration paperwork is also required for the dealership to process plate transfers to the new vehicle.
- Loan Information. If you still have a loan out on the vehicle you are trading in, you will need to provide information on the loan and the loan servicer so that the dealership can work with your loan servicer to process a pay off and get the vehicle title sent to them.
Tips to Making the Process a Bit Easier:
- Speak with your agent in advance. Your agent can process a new vehicle in advance and give you an exact quote if you know the vehicle you are purchasing’s VIN (vehicle identification number). Even if you aren’t sure of the exact vehicle you’ll be purchasing, your agent will be able to provide an estimated quote if you know the type of vehicle you are on the search for. Looping in your agent in advance allows them to be prepared for the purchase, but also help to make sure your coverages are up to date and ready for the new vehicle.
- Loan pre-approval completed. If you have chosen to go with a private loan servicer, you will need to bring any information you have on the loan to process the payment of the vehicle. Typically, your agent will also need this information when adding your vehicle to your policy.
- Ensure documents are current. To keep things moving quickly, ensure your documents are current. Make sure you have the most recent and up to date versions of all the documents you’ll need to have. Having something lapsed or expired can add another stressful layer of paperwork to sort out on the spot at the dealership.
The process of purchasing a car can be rather stressful. If you’re undergoing that process make sure you reach out to your local ERIE agent to get expert advice along the way and keep your policies up to date.
ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of January 2024 and may be changed at any time.
Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.
