If you’re about to embark upon buying a new car, whether it’s a brand new car or just a car that will be new to you, you might be feeling intimidated by the whole process. Even if you’re well-versed in mechanics and negotiation, buying a car can be a very stressful situation. Not only are you investing quite a bit of money, but you’re also taking a risk that this car is going to be suitable for you.

With all of this weighing on your mind, you might overlook some very important things that need to be done regarding getting your new vehicle. So, to help you stay organized and make sure you don’t miss anything, we have provided a detailed list of steps to take after purchasing your car.

But before diving into these steps, there is an important consideration to address beforehand and that is having a secure place to park and store your vehicle. If you already have a garage attached to your home, that’s a plus. However, if this is your first car and you don’t yet have a garage, it’s a good idea to think about creating a safe and stable space for your vehicle well before you plan to purchase it. In this case, you can think of reaching out to a company that specializes in building Denver Concrete garages (or elsewhere). A well-constructed garage can not only protect your new car from the elements but can also provide additional security and peace of mind.

Once your garage is built and you’ve purchased your dream car, you’re in a great position. Now it’s time to focus on the important steps you should take right after buying a car. Here are three essential things to do as soon as you’ve driven your new vehicle home.

Get The Right Paperwork Taken Care Of

Once you’ve found the car that you want and have the funds to acquire it, you now have to concern yourself with ensuring that you’re legally capable of owning and driving the vehicle. According to DMV.org, different states have different requirements for registering and titling a car that’s just had a change in ownership. So to keep yourself from getting into any legal trouble and to ensure that the whole sales process is able to go off without a hitch, do your research about what paperwork is required and how long you have to get all the proper documentation taken care of.

Have Everything Insured

In addition to having your new car legally owned by you, you also need to ensure that you’ve got the right type and amount of insurance for your new ride. Luckily, an independent insurance company or brokerage will be able to help you find the relevant and cheapest plan for your needs. According to John M. Vincent, a contributor to U.S. News and World Report, your new car will often be automatically covered for a few days after you get it so you don’t have to handle this part while at the dealership. However, if you know the car that you’re going to get, it’s a great idea to contact your insurance carrier and get that car covered before you take it off the lot. Until you own the car outright, you’re going to need to have the car fully covered by insurance as part of your loan conditions, so make sure you’ve got everything you need to properly insure your new vehicle.

Familiarize Yourself With The Vehicle

While you’re test driving the car and after you’ve decided that this is the vehicle you want, David Bonnici, a contributor to WhichCar.com, suggests that you take some time to familiarize yourself with the vehicle and its functions before you do any real driving. The last thing you want is to be on the freeway and not know how to adjust your mirrors or set cruise control and find yourself getting into a scary situation that could end in a car accident in your new car.

If you’re about to buy a new car or have just recently purchased a new car, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you know which steps to take next.