Your car is one of the most expensive and necessary assets you have. You will need to carefully manage the documents involving your vehicle(s). Each state has unique laws and regulations governing vehicles licensed in the state. Insurance is required and proof of insurance is a must in every vehicle. Maintenance records are valuable to ensure that car dealership and parts warranties are honored.  If and when you sell your car, you can pass along all the maintenance to the new owner. It is also important to have up-to-date information in the case of being pulled over by the police. Therefore, let’s get these documents organized today so that you are prepared and can access all that you need when necessary.

First, gather all the vehicle related documents you can find. Check your car’s glove box, storage compartments, trunk and sun visors. The side door pockets are common storage places for these items and be sure to check under the seats and behind the seats in the pockets located there. Once you have all these items together, check in the garage, any files in your home regarding the automobiles or motorcycles. You can also utilize this system for boats, RV’s and watercraft so gather all these documents while you are gathering these papers.

Categorize these papers according to each different vehicle. Then for each stack of papers regarding each vehicle, put them in chronological order with the most recent on top. These will be the documents that you will need to access if needed. If you have titles to your vehicles, these will need to be put into your critical document storage in a safe or safety deposit box. It would be prudent to make a copy for each vehicle to keep in the file.

Now prepare a file for each vehicle. I prefer to keep a file in my filing system with the maintenance records and older paperwork for each vehicle housed here.  I then put the registration, insurance and other documents in a check book wallet to remain in the vehicle for ease of access. Preferences differ as some folks like to keep all the records in the vehicle. Either way, find a dedicated place to store these documents and keep them accessible and safe.

Once you have all the papers for each vehicle categorized, chronologically organized, and put in the appropriate place, conduct an audit of each vehicle noting the need for maintenance, tag renewal and inspections if necessary. Write down or put in your electronic calendar, a schedule of when these important tasks are due to help maintain your asset and to not get caught off guard when registration dates expire. This will save you time and money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs and fines.