We get it – ensuring that your driving documents are up to date may not have been the first thing on your mind when you woke up this morning, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important. Keeping up with your inspections, making sure your car is registered, and renewing your license and auto insurance are all requirements designed to help keep yourself and others safe on the road. Plus, keeping your vehicle legal and well-maintained can help to mitigate costly tickets and unexpected repairs.
Follow this checklist to help get yourself and your vehicle ready for the road:
✔ Schedule a car inspection. While laws regarding car inspections vary by state, it’s recommended that your car is inspected at least once a year or every 10,000 to 12,000 miles. Car inspections check for a number of safety features, and it's important to ensure your vehicle passes before taking your next road trip.
✔ Register your vehicle for the road. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, most registrations are renewed every two years. A registration allows you to drive on public roads and highways, and establishes proof of ownership. Without a proper registration, you can expose yourself to liabilities and costs that can be avoided.
✔ Renew your driver’s license. Generally, a US driver's license is valid for eight years. However, if you’re a new driver, your license may need to be renewed much sooner than that. It’s important to pay attention to the expiration date – if you’re caught driving without a valid license, there could be serious consequences.
✔ Make sure your auto insurance coverage is adequate. The required amount of auto insurance coverage varies by state. However, most states require drivers to carry liability coverage for property damage and bodily injury at a minimum. Check with your insurance agent to ensure you have sufficient coverage while driving.
We know that keeping your driving documents up to date isn’t necessarily always top of mind, but it’s important to keep them current. Take note of when your driving documents are up for renewal, or your car is up for inspection, to help stay prepared on the road.
This information and any attachments or links are provided solely as an insurance risk management tool. They are derived from information believed to be accurate. Utica Mutual Insurance Company and the other member insurance companies of the Utica National Insurance Group (“Utica National”) are not providing legal advice or any other professional services. Utica National shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the use of the information provided. You are encouraged to consult an attorney or other professional for advice on these issues.
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