When the demand for used vehicles in the US is so high, sometimes the only chance to get a dream car is to buy it out of the home state. But without careful planning, a buyer may incur additional costs. The specialists from the top rated Indianapolis used car dealership Indy Auto Man give comprehensive instructions on how customers from other states can make a purchase in Indiana and avoid the headache with the fees payments.
What to Consider When Buying a Car in Another State
To purchase a vehicle in the neighborhood region can be a great bargain. And good preparation for buying a car in another state can help avoid the hassle and extra expense. The main points are:
- Sales tax must be paid in the state where the car is registered, not where it was purchased. However, in Indiana, a buyer needs to obtain a temporary registration card to take the vehicle home.
- It is required that the vehicle meets the emission standards for the state it will be registered in. Some states have more strict emission protocols than Indiana. Fortunately, many vehicles have a label about meeting all 50 national emission control standards.
- Transporting a vehicle from one state to another is not a difficult task. However, shipping can nullify any potential savings from purchasing a car. It is vital to calculate the expenses, as the delivery conditions vary from one dealer to another. For example, Indy Auto Man provides free shipping within 250 miles of the dealership.
Steps to Buy a Car in Indiana
The first thing for a potential buyer is to get a vehicle history report. Reputed dealerships, like Indy Auto Man, always provide this information for free. The vehicle should have a clear title with no liens. Otherwise, the new owner will be responsible for the satisfaction of any legalities.
After getting the vehicle home, the owner must pay sales tax according to the acting laws of the state of residence.
The state car department can also provide information on the inspections required for the new car, and, depending on the state, this may include odometer, emissions, and/or safety checks. After inspecting the car, the owner must visit the DMV with the inspection certificate, sales paperwork, photo ID, and address confirmation. This document allows registering and obtaining ownership of the vehicle.
It is indispensable to check the terms for registration of the car in the state of residence. In most cases, it must be completed within 30 days of purchase. Otherwise, the owner may be subject to fines and other penalties.
Working with dealers outside the state can help complete the necessary registration documents. The owner may be asked to provide a vehicle identification number form. This document will confirm that the vehicle is not stolen property.
If the car requires a non-standard document, such as a salvage title, the future owner should read the precautionary requirements for these types before completing the purchase. The cost of ownership and the amount of time to claim after purchase also vary from state to state.
The car insurance policy determines whether an owner needs coverage before or after buying a car. Some insurance companies cover the purchase of a new vehicle for a certain period, even before the car is insured. However, if the policy does not include this provision, a buyer should receive coverage immediately. Also, if the car is financed, there may be certain insurance requirements that a buyer must meet before getting a loan from a lender.
In some cases, the insurance company will give a grace period to get new coverage under the current car policy. However, if the buyer does not have valid car insurance or if the car price differs significantly from the value of the vehicle listed in the insurance, he will need to obtain new insurance before purchasing the vehicle.
When buying a car from a dealer, the customer gets everything done with no headache. The sales representatives will help with paperwork and make sure that there will be no troubles with transporting and registering a car in another state. A buyer can always choose a car online, discuss everything in advance, calculate all payments and fees, and purchase the vehicle with no risks.
