First Month After Buying a Car: Essential Checklist

Congratulations on your new car! Whether you have bought from a dealer or a private seller, the first month of ownership involves several important tasks to ensure you are legally covered, properly protected, and set up for hassle-free motoring. This comprehensive UK checklist walks you through everything you need to do, organised by priority and timeframe.

Immediate Tasks: First 24-48 Hours

These tasks are time-sensitive and should be completed before you drive your new car on public roads or as soon as possible after purchase.

1. Arrange Car Insurance

You cannot legally drive on UK roads without at least third-party insurance. If you have bought from a dealer, they may offer temporary driveaway insurance, but this typically only lasts for a few days.

What to do:

• Compare quotes from multiple insurers using comparison sites like Compare the Market, GoCompare, or MoneySupermarket
• Have your driving licence, vehicle registration number, and details of any previous claims ready
• Consider the level of cover you need: third-party only, third-party fire and theft, or fully comprehensive
• Check if your policy includes a courtesy car, legal cover, and windscreen protection
• Save your certificate of insurance and policy documents securely

Top tip: Fully comprehensive cover is sometimes cheaper than third-party only, particularly for younger drivers. Always compare all three levels.

2. Notify the DVLA of Change of Ownership

If you bought from a private seller, you must notify the DVLA that you are the new registered keeper. The seller should have completed Section 6 of the V5C (logbook) and given you the green slip (Section 10).

What to do:

• Complete Section 6 of the V5C if not already done by the seller
• Post the completed V5C to the DVLA, or if the seller has already sent it, wait for your new V5C to arrive (this takes 2-6 weeks)
• Keep the green slip as proof of purchase until your new V5C arrives
• You can check vehicle details at GOV.UK vehicle enquiry service

If you bought from a dealer, they typically handle the V5C transfer for you, but always confirm this is the case.

3. Check Your Vehicle Tax Status

Vehicle tax (road tax) does not transfer with the car when it is sold. You must tax the vehicle before driving it on public roads.

What to do:

• Tax your vehicle online at GOV.UK vehicle tax
• You will need the 11-digit reference number from the green slip or your new V5C
• Set up a Direct Debit to spread the cost if preferred (monthly or six-monthly payments available, though these cost slightly more than annual payment)

4. Verify MOT Status

If your car is over three years old, it needs a valid MOT certificate.

What to do:

• Check MOT status for free at GOV.UK MOT check
• Note the expiry date in your calendar
• If the MOT expires soon, book a test promptly to avoid any gaps in cover

First Week Tasks

Once the immediate legalities are sorted, focus on these important setup tasks during your first week.

5. Arrange Breakdown Cover

Breaking down without cover can be expensive and stressful. Breakdown cover gives you peace of mind, especially if you are unfamiliar with your new vehicle.

Options to consider:

• Major providers include the AA, RAC, Green Flag, and Startrescue
• Check if breakdown cover is included with your bank account or credit card
• Consider the level of cover: roadside assistance only, or including home start, onward travel, and European cover
• Compare prices directly and through comparison sites

Average costs: Basic roadside cover starts from around 30 pounds per year, with comprehensive packages ranging from 60 to 150 pounds.

6. Arrange Parking Permits

If you need a residents parking permit for your area, apply as soon as possible as these can take time to process.

What to do:

• Check your local council website for permit requirements and costs
• Gather required documents: proof of address, V5C (or green slip), and proof of insurance
• Apply online or in person depending on your council
• Display any temporary permits correctly while waiting for your permanent one

7. Install a Dashcam

A dashcam provides valuable evidence in case of accidents and can help with insurance claims. Some insurers offer discounts for dashcam users.

What to consider:

• Front-only or front and rear coverage
• Resolution quality (1080p minimum recommended, 4K for clearest footage)
• Parking mode for recording while stationary
• GPS logging for speed and location data
• Storage capacity and loop recording features

Installation tips:

• Position behind the rear-view mirror for minimal obstruction
• Use a hardwire kit for a neat installation without trailing cables
• Check your field of view covers the full width of the road

8. Update Your Address on Documents

If you have recently moved or if the V5C shows an old address, update your details promptly.

What to do:

• Update your driving licence address for free at GOV.UK change address
• Ensure your insurance policy shows your correct address
• Update your V5C address when you receive the new document, or notify DVLA separately

First Month Tasks

With the essentials complete, use the rest of your first month to properly familiarise yourself with your new car.

9. Learn Your Vehicle Controls and Features

Modern cars come packed with features that can take time to master. Spending time learning these makes driving safer and more enjoyable.

Key areas to explore:

• Heating and air conditioning controls
• Infotainment system, Bluetooth pairing, and navigation
• Cruise control and speed limiter operation
• Parking sensors and camera systems
• Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warnings
• Warning lights and what they mean (check your handbook)
• Windscreen wiper and light controls, including automatic settings

Top tip: Read through your owner's manual during the first week. It contains valuable information specific to your vehicle that generic guides cannot provide.

10. Perform Basic Maintenance Checks

Even if your car passed an MOT recently, perform your own basic checks to establish a baseline and catch any issues early.

Weekly checks to establish:

• Tyres: Check pressure (including the spare) against the figures in your door jamb or manual. Look for damage, bulges, or uneven wear
• Oil level: Check when the engine is cold and on level ground
• Coolant level: Check the expansion tank is between minimum and maximum marks
• Windscreen washer fluid: Top up with screen wash concentrate
• Lights: Check all bulbs are working, including brake lights (use a reflection or ask someone to help)

11. Book Your First Service If Due

Check when the next service is due based on mileage or time, whichever comes first.

What to do:

• Review the service book or digital service history
• Note the service interval (typically every 12 months or 10,000-12,000 miles)
• If a service is due soon, book with a reputable garage or main dealer
• Keep all receipts and ensure the service book is stamped to maintain resale value

12. Set Up Maintenance Reminders

Create a system to remind you of important dates and tasks.

Key dates to track:

• MOT expiry date (you can book up to one month in advance without losing days)
• Service due date or mileage
• Insurance renewal date
• Road tax renewal date (if not on Direct Debit)
• Tyre replacement intervals (typically every 20,000-30,000 miles depending on driving style)

Tools to use:

• Calendar reminders on your phone
• The free MOT reminder service at GOV.UK MOT reminder
• Apps like Drivvo or Simply Auto for comprehensive vehicle tracking

Understanding Your Warranty

If your car came with a warranty, understanding its terms helps you avoid unexpected costs and ensures you do not accidentally void your cover.

Manufacturer Warranty

New cars typically come with a manufacturer warranty of three to seven years. Used cars from dealers often include a shorter warranty of three to twelve months.

Key points to understand:

• What is covered (usually mechanical and electrical faults, not wear and tear items)
• What is excluded (damage from accidents, modifications, or neglect)
• Service requirements to maintain warranty validity
• Whether you must use main dealer servicing or if independent garages are acceptable
• The claims process and any excess payable

Extended Warranties

If your manufacturer warranty has expired or you bought privately without cover, consider an extended warranty or mechanical breakdown insurance.

What to look for:

• Comprehensive cover including engine, gearbox, and electronics
• No betterment clauses that reduce payouts based on vehicle age
• Reputable providers with good claims records
• Clear exclusions and claim limits

Quick Reference Checklist

Use this summary to track your progress:

First 24-48 hours:

• Car insurance arranged and active
• DVLA notified of new keeper (V5C sent or dealer handling)
• Vehicle taxed
• MOT status verified

First week:

• Breakdown cover arranged
• Parking permit applied for (if needed)
• Dashcam installed (recommended)
• Address updated on documents

First month:

• Vehicle controls and features learned
• Basic maintenance checks completed
• Service booked if due
• Maintenance reminders set up
• Warranty terms reviewed and understood

Final Thoughts

The first month of car ownership sets the foundation for years of trouble-free motoring. By working through this checklist systematically, you ensure your car is legal, protected, and properly maintained from day one. Keep all your documents organised in one place, whether that is a physical folder or a digital system, and you will find future admin much easier to manage.

If you have any concerns about the condition of your vehicle during this period, do not hesitate to get it checked by a professional mechanic. It is far better to identify and address issues early than to face larger problems down the road.