So, you’ve got yourself a new set of wheels. Whether you’ve chosen a nippy city car or a robust SUV, all that’s left to do is strap yourself in and enjoy it. Or that’s what you could be forgiven for thinking. After months of saving and research, it’s understandable to be keen to get going after you buy a car. Perhaps you travelled far and wide to find a Nissan dealer in Northern Ireland or a BMW dealer in Wales. In reality, you’re likely to have a few more bits of admin to complete before you hit the road. Follow the next steps below to make sure you have everything in order.
*This is a collaborative post.
Register The Vehicle (And Register For MOT Reminders)
How you register your new vehicle depends on whether it has a V5C registration certificate – or a logbook as it’s more commonly known. Regardless, it needs to be done. Thankfully, dealers usually register new vehicles for you. You should receive a logbook within 6 weeks or contact the DVLA if nothing turns up. If buying used, make sure the seller registers it in your name online or by post. Again, the DVLA should send a new logbook to you shortly afterwards. If you don’t have a logbook, you’ll have to pay a fee to get one. It’s also a smart idea at this point to register for free automatic MOT reminders, especially if buying a used car. You’ll need to get an MOT for it every year once it’s 3 years old.
Get Insurance
Motor insurance is a legal requirement rather than a recommended extra like travel insurance. You could face a penalty or fine if found driving without it, so make sure everything has gone through before getting behind the wheel. It’s best to shop around providers to find a deal that suits you. Compare features and get at least a couple of quotes before signing up. Once happy, you can then check if your car is registered as insured on the Motor Insurance Database. When you buy a car, it’s these extra costs that need thinking about.
Tax It
Road tax, or Vehicle Excise Duty to use its official name, is another legal requirement for all vehicles driven or even parked on public roads. This annual charge goes towards road maintenance in the UK and varies depending on the age and type of car you own. You can check the government’s vehicle tax rates to find out how much road tax you’ll have to pay.
After you buy a car and all of the above is covered, you’re finally free to enjoy your new car!
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. This post has been pre-written.
