Driving is a huge responsibility, and with responsibility comes paperwork to prove it. While there are a lot of documents that come with owning or leasing a vehicle, there are only a few you’ll need to keep with you in the event you get pulled over or become involved in an accident. To help you understand which documents should go where, the team of experts at Car-Title.org have compiled a list of the best places to store your vehicle documentation.
Driver’s License: On your person, at all times
OK, so maybe not while you’re hanging out at home or diving into the ocean to cool off, but it’s typically important to keep your driver’s license on your person even when you’re not driving. Your driver’s license also serves as your ID, and you can’t engage in a number of activities if no one can verify your age.
Vehicle Registration: In your car
If you get into an accident or are pulled over for a serious offense, you need your registration. Most states also provide a registration sticker that goes on your windshield or license plate, but you still need the registration document for official purposes. The team at Car-Title.org recommends you keep your registration in a folder in your glove compartment. Some owner’s manuals even come with folders to store important documents.
Car Insurance Card: In your wallet and vehicle
Your car insurance company typically sends you multiple copies of your insurance card every time you renew your policy. If not, you can always ask for multiple copies. You will need a copy of your insurance card if you get pulled over, if you get into an accident or if you are renting a car. Therefore, the experts at Car-Title.org recommend keeping a copy of your insurance card both in your glove compartment (in the same folder as your registration) and in your wallet.
Vehicle Title: At home in a safe place
Your vehicle title is a legal document that signifies ownership of the vehicle. This document is extremely important if you ever decide to sell your car or trade it in, or in the unfortunate event that it’s totaled. You will often know in advance when you need to present this document, so instead of carrying it on your person, the team at Car-Title.org recommends you keep it at home with the rest of your legal documents.
Maintenance Records: At home
You will usually only need maintenance records if you’re trying to sell your vehicle and the person or company that you’re selling to requests them. For this reason, it’s best to keep your maintenance records at home. The experts at Car-Title.org recommend keeping a separate folder for these documents so that they’re all together and easy to locate.