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What Does Instant Gratification Mean for Car Dealers?

what does instant gratification mean for car dealers

It’s no secret that instant gratification is real. People want things quickly and hassle-free, so much so that 45% of consumers will switch brands if companies don’t actively anticipate their needs. If you want someone to blame for this problematic trend, point the finger at the on-demand economy, which consists of tech giants like Amazon, Netflix, and Uber. These brands have conditioned shoppers to expect companies to be fast and responsive in our always-on culture. Long wait times and general statements like “we’ll handle it when we can” are unacceptable, and that’s not just true for retail brands. 

Regardless of your industry, you can’t shrug off instant gratification, believing it only impacts e-commerce companies. In a world where most people—especially millennials and Gen Z—prefer immediacy and a click-and-collect model, every market must consider how instant gratification affects them. That means you need to ask yourself an important question: what does instant gratification mean for car dealers?

Faster Transactions are Crucial 

While in-person visits haven’t disappeared, you can’t bet your dealership’s success on them. More people are buying cars online, with some shoppers completing transactions on their mobile phones. 

One general manager of an auto retail shop said in an article that the majority of their brand’s purchases came from mobile devices. In that same article, an automotive retail consultant said they noticed that 30% of U.S. new car sales in 2021 happened online. Before the pandemic, that number was less than two percent. So, what’s the deal? 

According to Progressive, one of the primary reasons for the increasing number of online sales is the time savings associated with it. Having the opportunity to browse cars online, research the best options on a laptop or mobile device, and complete paperwork digitally allows consumers to finish their car-buying process almost instantaneously. And that reality means your car dealership needs to start moving its sales process online. 

If you want to compete in today’s environment, you need an intuitive, speedy website, a consistent social media presence, an online chat option, and educational content that answers consumers’ most common questions. These elements will ensure car buyers have everything they need to receive quick answers and make fast decisions. However, an online sales process isn’t the only thing you need to succeed with consumers these days.

Supercharge Your DMV Processes

There’s one thing most people agree on: the DMV is slow. No matter the day or time you visit or the item you need, the DMV can take weeks or months to provide any documents. For most, this situation was frustrating before the on-demand economy birthed instant gratification. But now that patience is no longer a virtue, dealing with the DMV is a headache for almost everyone. 

No one wants to stand in long lines or experience lengthy hold times on the phone to get the DMV documents they need for their cars. After purchasing a vehicle, people want to have all their legal documents in hand within days. Fortunately, there’s one way to achieve this difficult goal, and that’s to work with a private DMV services company like Barry Risk Management. 

These types of companies are designed for car buyers who crave instant gratification, primarily because they do everything digitally to provide DMV documents hastily. For example, when working with our team at Barry Risk Management, your dealership can give car buyers the following items in a timely manner. 

1. Car Titles 

A title is one of the most important documents car buyers need. Without it, no one will believe they own their car, making it critical to deliver this record as soon as possible. Luckily, when partnering with our representatives at Barry Risk Management, all you have to do is go online and provide a few pieces of information. Then, we’ll give those details to the DMV and make sure your car buyers receive their titles in little to no time. 

2. License Plates

Your customers can only drive with temporary license plates for so long. Eventually, they’ll need their official plates. If you want to provide this quickly, our team at Barry Risk Management can help. All it takes is providing some information about the car buyer via our online platform. Then, you can sit back while we work with the DMV to deliver your customers their license plates within days. 

3. Tags & Vehicle Registration 

For your buyers to drive their cars legally, they’ll need official tags and vehicle registration. Instead of visiting your local DMV to handle this step, you can use our services. After going online and answering some questions, our representatives at Barry Risk Management will handle what’s necessary to give your customers their tags and vehicle registration in a timeframe that makes them happy and you satisfied.

Giving car buyers instant gratification

Experiencing success isn’t as simple these days. For your dealership to thrive, you must adjust to consumers’ desire for instant gratification, which means transitioning to online sales and quickening your DMV processes to ensure your car buyers get what they need in a timely manner. Only after taking those two steps will you put your business in a position to gratify consumers instantaneously.

If you want to supercharge your DMV process for car buyers, call Barry Risk Management at 1-888-995-TAGS(8247) to learn how we can help.

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The Top Tasks to Outsource in The Car Dealership Sales Process

car dealership sales process

If you’re an auto dealer, there’s one thing you know for certain: the industry is experiencing unique challenges in the sales process. Most of these challenges aren’t easy to solve. Some even require significant shifts in how your dealership does business. However, if you want to be successful in today’s competitive environment, you need to be able to solve your organization’s most pressing sales concerns, and that can only happen if you have time to address them. 

But how can you get that time? The only way you typically can: you must outsource specific sales-related tasks to create an opportunity to handle others. This idea may sound scary initially, especially since sales are a pivotal part of your business, but don’t worry. The tasks we recommend outsourcing happen after you’ve completed a transaction, leaving the beginning of your car dealership sales process intact. 

If you’re wondering what tasks we’re referring to, we’ll get to them soon. But first, let’s dive deeper into the sales challenges you’re facing that make it necessary to outsource certain responsibilities.

Low inventory remains a top concern

The first problem your dealership may be experiencing is low inventory. With the ongoing shortage of semiconductor chips, manufacturers have had trouble producing new vehicles, and it’s left dealerships like yours in a bind. In fact, many dealers can barely get 1 million vehicles in stock when they’re typically used to having 3 million cars in inventory. 

Some dealerships are handling this problem by reducing sales incentives and increasing prices. You might even be doing the same things. However, while these responses are normal and understandable, they don’t prevent consumers from becoming frustrated during the car dealership sales process. 

Car shoppers are competing for fewer options while facing significantly higher prices. In December 2021, the average price for a new vehicle cost more than $47,000, which is $12,000 over the average price at the beginning of 2020. These high prices, along with increased competition, mean you have to educate consumers on why there’s low inventory while trying to ease their frustration to ensure you don’t permanently damage the relationship. 

Even if shoppers can’t buy a vehicle immediately, the last thing you want to do is let them walk away angry and unwilling to work with you once inventory increases and prices stabilize. So spending ample time managing consumer relationships is essential for long-term success. 

Navigating a different sales process 

navigating a new car dealership sales process

Outside of managing consumers’ emotions and low inventory, your team also has to learn a new sales process. Before the pandemic, your salespeople were primarily responsible for test-driving vehicles with walk-in customers and delivering compelling sales pitches face-to-face. But today, many customers are shopping for cars from the comfort of their homes, meaning your sales team has to shift their efforts to the digital world. 

If your dealership wants to make sales, your team has to focus on answering online requests quickly and delivering vehicles to buyers who bought their cars online. Doing this requires your salespeople to become more analytical and tech-adept than ever before. Additionally, they’ll have to navigate a new consumer journey and discern which digital touch points will allow them to make the most impact. 

The learning curve can be steep, so your sales team will need to spend sufficient time understanding it. Otherwise, your dealership could face more challenges than necessary.

Outsource tasks to address the big issues

With low inventory, consumer frustration, and a new sales process for your team to learn, you can’t afford to focus on tasks that can easily be outsourced. Instead, your full attention must be on the most significant obstacles affecting your business. So, to make time for what matters most, you should outsource the DMV responsibilities in your car dealership sales process.

These responsibilities include the paperwork you have to fill out to get a buyer’s tags, vehicle registration, license plates, and more. Tasks like these are easy for private DMV services companies. These types of organizations can gather the necessary paperwork to turn it in so that your customers get what they need in a timely manner. 

The only essential factor to consider is the DMV services company you work with—some of these organizations have minimal experience in the DMV industry. Additionally, many of them don’t know which forms to complete for certain DMV services. However, a reputable company will know all the ins and outs of getting tags, vehicle registration, license plates, and more, making it easier for you to trust outsourcing these tasks to them. 

A reputable company for your DMV Needs

If outsourcing your DMV tasks will free up your time and benefit your dealership, you don’t have to look far for a reputable company to help. In fact, our team at Barry Risk Management can step in to handle all of your DMV-related responsibilities. 

We have over 30 years of experience in the DMV industry and work with dealerships across the U.S. Even better, we do everything online, so you don’t have to visit our office to get the help you need. You can remain at your dealership to focus on increasing inventory, maintaining customer relationships, and conducting sales online. 

So, give us a call at your earliest convenience. One of our representatives will answer any questions you have and start completing the DMV paperwork for your most recent customer. 

Dial 1-888-995-TAGS(8247) to get in touch with one of our representatives at Barry Risk Management!

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How Auto Dealers Can Overcome the Labor Shortage in 2022 as Consumer Demand Rises

Labor Shortage in 202

While every brand is unique, there’s a chance your dealership has one thing in common with auto dealers across the country: a sharp increase in consumer demand. In U.S. showrooms, people are buying makes and models almost as quickly as they can be made. 

Empowered by a strong economic recovery and low-interest rates, consumers are racing to snatch up new and used vehicles. The growing interest in car buying has even led some dealers to contact former customers to see if they can buy back their vehicles to meet consumer demand for used cars. 

Of course, this increased need has some benefits, especially financially. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that prices for used vehicles were 40.5 percent higher in January 2022 than in January 2021. Transaction prices for new vehicles also shot up by 12.2 percent within that same timeframe. And according to a report by Edmunds.com, 8 out of 10 car shoppers paid over the sticker price in January compared to 2.8 percent last year. 

Maybe your car dealership is seeing similar sales. With consumer demand increasing, it’s possible you’re speaking with more customers than ever before. But how manageable is that workload if you’re understaffed like many other car dealerships in the U.S.? 

Labor shortages in 2022 are impacting success

It’s no secret. The Great Resignation is impacting many markets, including the auto industry. Around 57 percent of car dealerships are understaffed, and 80 percent expect workforce challenges to get worse in the short term. 

Some states are faring notably worse than others. For example, there are thousands of open jobs in the auto industry in Alabama. And car dealerships in Michigan are seeing few people apply for open positions while new hires quit by lunchtime. But this quick turnover aligns with industry research. 

The employee turnover rate in auto dealerships is 46 percent, more than double the average U.S. rate of 19.6 percent. For sales employees, the stats are even higher. The auto industry’s annual turnover rate in sales departments is a whopping 80 percent. 

With many open positions and a high turnover rate, it’s hard to keep up with consumer demand for new and used vehicles, and you may have noticed this at work. Trying to sell cars while handling all of the DMV paperwork for recent transactions isn’t easy. You could easily spend all day and night in the office just filling out and submitting the documents for car buyers’ titles, tags, license plates, and more. 

Obviously, decreasing this burden is possible with strong and consistent recruiting efforts. If you can onboard the right employees who won’t quit during their lunch break, it’ll be easier to meet consumer demand and fulfill all of the other responsibilities that come with your job. 

But hiring top talent takes a while, and you need an immediate solution to your problem to sustain your business and keep a level head. With that in mind, the best option is to work with a private DMV services company. 

Why you should use a private DMV services company

First thing’s first. A DMV services company will not help sell the vehicles on your lot. These organizations do not provide sales associates. However, they fill in the gaps by handling all of the DMV paperwork you or a sales associate would have to do after a transaction. That means half the battle—and specifically, the last half—can be outsourced to a reputable company. 

With a private DMV services brand, the labor shortages you’re experiencing in 2022 will feel less stressful. While you and your team handle a packed sales volume, the representatives at a private DMV services company will manage the other important aspects of completing each transaction. They’ll get your customers’ tags, license plates, vehicle registration, and titles. A credible brand will know which documents to fill out and submit to acquire these necessities and will have everything to car buyers in a short timeframe. 

All you have to do is find a reputable private DMV services company to handle these responsibilities. Then, you can put more hours back into your day to focus on sales and consumer needs. 

Barry Risk Management is here to help 

Barry Risk Management is a private DMV services company you can rely on to handle the paperwork you don’t have time to touch. Everything we do happens online, so you don’t have to visit our office to drop off any information. We prioritize convenience, and we already know you’re strapped for time, so you can get what you need by interacting with us online. 

Only the first step requires a quick phone call. That way, we can better understand your needs and walk you through our process. During the call, you’ll speak with one of our representatives—all of them have over 30 years of experience in the DMV industry, so you’ll be in good hands with anyone on our team. 

Just give us a call to talk through the specifics. You don’t need to continue sinking under the weight of labor shortages if you can make the rest of 2022 an easier and less stressful year. Let a private DMV service company like us take some of the load off by managing the paperwork from your increased sales volume.

For a deeper look into how our team at Barry Risk Management can help, contact us at 1-888-995-TAGS(8247). 

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How Auto Dealers Can Quickly Handle DMV Paperwork

DMV paperwork

If you’re an auto dealer, business is about to get busy. The intent to buy new or used cars is increasing amongst consumers. Research suggests that 94% of people are looking to buy a new car, and 97% of consumers have intentions to buy a used car.

These numbers have significantly increased since 2020, which means you can expect to ramp up sales and bring in more deals. But while you’re speaking with eager consumers and showing the vehicles on your lot, keep in mind that making an official sale won’t be a walk in the park, and that’s not because customers will be demanding. It’s because the DMV will be more challenging to work with than usual. 

The DMV wait times are increasing 

You may have heard that businesses spanning various industries are currently facing staff shortages. According to the Job Opening and Labor Turnover Survey by the Department of Labor, there were 11.3 million job openings in January 2021. 

Of course, when an organization is short-staffed, you’ll experience longer wait times than usual, and unfortunately, this is especially true with the DMV. There’s no reason to sugarcoat it—the DMV is notoriously slow, and when you throw in labor shortages, getting things done will move at a snail’s pace, and that’s not an exaggeration. 

DMVs across the U.S. have fewer employees than usual, leading to longer wait times. In fact, a DMV in Oregon recently reported that it’s trying to keep things going with only six employees on most workdays when it usually has 17 employees on hand. 

With these severe staff shortages, you’ll have a tough time completing the forms you must give the DMV after you sell a new or used motor vehicle. Most likely, you won’t even know which documents to fill out and submit to make a transaction official. 

The DMV requires a plethora of paperwork, and keeping up with it can be challenging, which is why it’s tempting to call the DMV or go in person to figure everything out. But because DMVs are so short-staffed, it’ll be incredibly difficult to get someone on the phone. And speaking with an associate in person could take hours or an entire workday. 

How to skip the long DMV process

the best ways for auto dealers to handle DMV paperwork

While the DMV may not be able to assist you in providing necessary paperwork, you can’t let that stop you from making sales. Otherwise, you won’t have a dealership. However, how can you figure out which documents to give the DMV so that your customers can drive their vehicles legally? 

The best step is to use a private DMV services company, which will act as an intermediary between you and the actual DMV. A good, reputable company will know the exact documents to submit to the DMV and will even deliver the forms for you. With this type of business working by your side, you’ll not only complete the necessary forms to make your transactions official, but you’ll also have the opportunity to give your customers essential items, including the ones below. 

1. Titles

Without a title, who’s going to believe someone owns their car? You need to get this document to your customers as soon as possible, and a private DMV services company will make that happen. It’ll handle and submit the required information to the DMV, ensuring you get titles to your customers in a timely manner.  

2. License Plates 

After you make a sale, you need to give your customers a temporary license plate. However, keep in mind that you may need to provide the official license plate as well. Some customers will prefer you to do it instead of handing it themselves, but accommodating this request can be quick and painless with a private DMV services company. 

This type of business will gather all of the necessary forms and give them to the DMV. Then, your customers will have an official license plate in their mailbox in no time. 

3. Tags and registration 

Other items your customers may want you to provide are their tags and vehicle registration. And no, this doesn’t include the temporary tags and registration you give them before they drive off the lot. 

Most likely, you’ll also need to provide the official documents, which a private DMV services company can handle for you. Instead of filling out the paperwork yourself, a private DMV services company will get everything together, submit it, and make sure your customers receive their tags and registration quickly. 

The best DMV services company to use

Using a private DMV services company may sound like a good idea. But this good idea can fail fast if you don’t use a great DMV services company. An inexperienced one won’t know which documents to submit to the DMV after you make a sale, leading to chaos, confusion, and unhappy customers. 

However, our team at Barry Risk Management isn’t inexperienced or unknowledgeable. We’ve been working in the DMV industry for over 30 years, so we know exactly what you need to provide to legitimize your transactions and help customers get what they need. 

Even better, we handle everything online, so you don’t have to take a break out of our busy schedule to visit us. You can focus on making deals and give us a call in between to let us know what you need. We’re available and ready to provide the DMV services you require, so reach out to speak with one of our representatives so that you’re equipped to handle your increase in sales. 

Use a team of experts to handle your DMV needs by calling Barry Risk Management at 1-888-995-TAGS(8247). 

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Can You Transfer License Plates Online?

Can You Transfer License Plates Online

Sometimes, you get attached to certain things. Maybe it’s a person or pet or something a little more random, like your license plates. 

If you have personalized or historical plates, there’s a good chance you’ll want to keep them when you buy a new car or trade in your old vehicle. After all, your license plates might say a lot about you. It may represent your alma mater, showcase your favorite hobby, or indicate your number one sports team. 

With these personalized touches, wanting to keep your license plates is not uncommon or strange. It’s a normal attachment to have, which is why it’s possible to transfer your plates to another vehicle.  

Of course, the vehicle you transfer the license plates to must be in the same category as the old one. For example, you can move them from one passenger vehicle to another. 

But in a practical sense, how can you actually go about transferring your plates? And more importantly, can you transfer license plates online? 

In a digital world where convenience reigns, the ability to go online to move your plates from one vehicle to another is the best-case scenario. However, this article will let you know if it’s even possible. 

Can you transfer your license plates online? 

Ultimately, the answer is yes and no. How you transfer your license plates depends on the organization you choose to do it with. There are three available options. 

The first one is the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you go with your state’s DMV, you’ll have to transfer your plates in person. There is no online service for this request. You’ll have to visit one of the DMV offices. 

The second option is to use the dealership. If you purchase a new vehicle from an auto dealer, you can ask them to transfer your license plates to the new car. However, you’ll need to do everything in person. The paperwork and transfer fee must be filled out at the dealership. 

However, the third and final option is not like the other two. If you go with a transportation agency, you can transfer license plates online. Unfortunately, this does not apply to all transportation agencies. You’ll need to figure out which ones provide this service, but some do exist. 

Which transportation agencies transfer plates online? 

Barry Risk Management is one of the few transportation agencies that transfer license plates online. We only offer online DMV services—nothing we do requires physical paperwork or in-person meetings. All you need to work with us is internet access and the willingness to talk on the phone when necessary. 

These two things make our services convenient, which is a top priority for our representatives. But what’s even better about our team at Barry Risk Management is that we have more than 30 years of experience in the DMV industry. 

When you’re working with a transportation agency, thorough experience is paramount. Without it, you may walk away with more problems than you brought to the table. 

Understanding and navigating the ins and outs of the DMV space is not easy. There are different processes and paperwork for every single service, so you must work with a transportation agency that knows what it’s doing. 

If you choose our team at Barry Risk Management, you can trust you’ll be well taken care of—with three decades of experience, we know how to get things done. 

Transferring your license plates online is not a problem, and it doesn’t matter where you live. We can help you no matter which state you call home.   

What do you need to transfer your license plates?

Can You Transfer License Plates Online

If you decide to transfer your plates online, there are a few things you’ll need to provide first. These required documents are similar to the ones you’d need in person. But in case you don’t know what those documents are, here’s a brief overview of what to get.

1. A copy of your vehicle registration 

A government official likely gave you a copy of your vehicle registration when you registered your car or moved to another state. This document includes your name, your vehicle’s tag number, and the registration number. If you can’t find this paperwork for some reason, you can request a new copy before you do a plate transfer. 

2. The title to your new vehicle 

Getting the title to the new vehicle you want to transfer your plates to is necessary. The title proves you own the motor vehicle that will have the transferred license plates, so you must have it. Otherwise, you can’t move forward. 

3. Proof of insurance for the new vehicle 

Before you transfer your plates, you need to get insurance for your new car. This step will only require you to transition the insurance from your old vehicle to the new one. Once that’s complete, have your insurance card or a physical copy of the form you received from your insurer after you purchased a policy.  

Transfer your license plates online 

With your insurance, registration, and title, you can easily transfer your license plates online with a transportation agency. Our team at Barry Risk Management uses an online platform that makes it easy to provide necessary documents. That way, we can take care of everything quickly and simply. All you have to do to get started is call us. 

Call 1-888-995-TAGS(8247) to speak with a representative from Barry Risk Management to transfer your license plates!

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How to Post an Auto Lien on a Motor Vehicle

how to post an auto lien

When you’re in a good financial situation and have the ability to lend someone five dollars or even twenty bucks, you may not stress about it too much. You’re probably not going to require them to sign a contract or do anything that legally binds them to the five or twenty dollars that they owe you. 

However, when it comes to more significant amounts, the same rules typically don’t apply. When you start lending tens of thousands—or hundreds of thousands—of dollars to people, you usually want something in writing that ensures you’ll get your money back or have the opportunity to take action if you don’t. 

Of course, this scenario can play out in your personal or professional life, but it’s especially prevalent in the auto industry. It doesn’t matter if you’re a private lender or a salesperson at a dealership. If you’re providing money to help someone purchase a vehicle, you want to protect yourself in case the individual defaults on their loan, which means you need to post an auto lien. 

What is an auto lien? 

A lien is basically an insurance policy that protects you as the lender. Merriam-Webster dictionary explains it as “a charge upon real or personal property for the satisfaction of some debt or duty ordinarily arising by operation of law.” 

Keeping that in mind, when it comes to an auto lien, you have the right to a person’s vehicle until they pay off their debt to you. Having this ownership means you get to keep the car title in your name and possession. Additionally, if the borrower defaults on their loan, a creditor can repossess the car, taking it away from the driver completely.   

What are the different types of liens?

When you post an auto lien on a vehicle, it’s considered a voluntary lien. By falling into this category, the borrower is agreeing to the contract and giving you the right to their property if they fail to meet the obligations in the deal. 

However, one car can have multiple liens on it. These types of liens show up for various reasons and typically fall into the “involuntary” category. For example, a borrower may have these additional liens on their vehicle: 

  • Judgment liens: This lien occurs when a creditor thinks it’s time to take a borrower to court for failing to pay on their loan. These liens are court-ordered. 
  • Mechanics liens: If a borrower doesn’t pay for a specific service, a mechanics loan will likely appear on the car title. 
  • Tax liens: The Internal Revenue Services (IRS) will place a tax lien on a borrower’s property if the person fails to pay taxes on their car. When this happens, the IRS has the right to liquidate a borrower’s assets, including the motor vehicle, to recover what the person owes the government. 

If you’re working with a reliable borrower, these involuntary liens will most likely not show up. But it’s still good to know which liens might appear on a vehicle if your borrower isn’t making their necessary payments. 

Can someone sell a car with a lien on it? 

can you sell a car that has an auto lien on it

Even though you post a lien on a vehicle, your borrower can sell the car with your expressed permission. Providing this wiggle room will not disadvantage you since you have the first right to any money that comes from the sale. 

For example, maybe the borrower sells the car for $10,000, the exact amount they still owe you. In this case, you’ll get every penny from that transaction. The borrower will only walk away debt-free. 

However, perhaps the borrower sells the car for $20,000. In this scenario, you’ll still receive the $10,000 that they owe. But the borrower will get to keep the other half of the profits. Most likely, you’ll receive one check, and the borrower will receive another. 

Additionally, if the borrower pays off their debt by selling the car, your next step is to remove the lien. Then, you’ll need to transfer the title to the new buyer.

Should you use the DMV to post an auto lien?

When it’s time to place an auto lien on a vehicle, there are two paths that you can take. The first is the most obvious: go to the Department of Motor Vehicles Services (DMV) for help. 

You can visit the DMV’s website to find an office that’s near you. All you have to do is type in your city, state, or zip code, and the DMV will pull up its most suitable locations.

From there, you need to drive to the DMV and fill out some paperwork. A representative will give you a title application, which will ask you to provide personal information, vehicle information, and details regarding your lien. After you fill everything out, you just need to submit the application and pay a fee, which varies state by state. 

Overall, this process is nothing new, but it’s still long and time-consuming. It requires back-and-forth, physical paperwork, frustrating wait times, and multiple trips to the DMV if you need to provide more information for your auto lien. 

Of course, if you have an abundance of patience and plenty of time on your hands, this process may not seem too difficult. But if you’re someone who wants a quicker solution, you need to consider the second path to posting an auto lien. 

The best way to post an auto lien

For a more efficient way to post an auto lien, you should use a transportation agency with online services. For example, companies like Barry Risk Management do the same things as the DMV, but their representatives help customers online. 

If you want to post an auto lien through Barry Risk Management, you don’t have to drive to a specific location or fill out any physical paperwork. Instead, all you have to do is contact a representative and provide the information they need. Then, they’ll create the auto lien for you. 

It’s that simple. 

There are no long wait times or constant back-and-forth. With a transportation agency like Barry Risk Management, you can get things done quickly and efficiently. It also helps that Barry Risk Management has over 30 years of experience in the DMV industry, so you’ll be working with an experienced team of professionals who know how to help, regardless of the state that you call home. 

Call 1-888-995-TAGS(8247) to speak with a representative from Barry Risk Management to put an auto lien on a car!

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How to Look Up a Car’s License Plate Number

How to Look Up a Car's License Plate Number

Looking up a car’s license plate number is quite common. Every day, hundreds of people provide a vehicle’s license plate number in the hopes of getting something in return. Sometimes, it’s the identification of a driver who’s abandoned their car. Other times, it’s a vehicle’s history and market value. 

Today, there are plenty of reasons to look up a car’s license plate number, making it imperative to know how to accomplish this task. You never know when a situation will arise where you’ll need to identify a specific driver or learn about a vehicle’s background. 

For example, what if someone committed a hit and run? Remembering the perpetrator’s license plate number and knowing how to look it up will come in handy if you want justice. Additionally, what if you decide to buy a car but need information on the vehicle before you make a purchase? Knowing how to check out the license plate number will lead to the details you seek. 

Undeniably, you need to understand how to look up a car’s license plate number to save you stress in various situations. But if you’re unsure how to go about this task, you’re in the right place. This article will provide everything you need to know. 

What is a license plate number?

Regardless of the state you live in, if you have a car, that vehicle will have a license plate. Every state requires the DMV or a transportation agency to assign a registration number or license plate to a motor vehicle upon registration. 

On that metal or plastic plate, you’ll see a unique number that doesn’t exist anywhere else. This unique number is the license plate number, and it helps identify a vehicle. 

Typically, most states will have distinct-looking license plates. You’ll likely notice a specific logo, color scheme, and registration number format for the license plates in a certain state. However, it is possible to choose the number and letter combination on the license plates by ordering vanity or custom plates. 

Still, one thing that doesn’t usually change is where the license plates go on a vehicle. To ensure the plate number is easily accessible, the license plates must be mounted on the front and back of a car or just at the back. 

What information do you get from a plate lookup?

As previously mentioned, there are many reasons why you may want to look up a car’s license plate number. But there are a few common reasons that typically come up. 

For example, you may want to check out a plate number to find out the following: 

  • The owner of a car
  • A vehicle’s make and model 
  • A vehicle’s market value 
  • A vehicle’s safety rating
  • A vehicle’s specifications 
  • A car’s manufacturer recall or warranty
  • Signs of potential auto fraud and theft 

Depending on how you look up a car’s license plate number, you can get more or less information. But if you need simple details, it should be easy to get that regardless of the method you use. 

The best ways to look up a car’s license plate number

what you need if you want to learn how to look up a car's license plate number

When trying to look up a license plate number, there are three ways you can go about it. Each path is quite different, so the one you choose will ultimately depend on personal preference. 

1. The DMV

In some states, the DMV will provide details about a license plate number for a fee. If your state DMV does this, you’ll need to go on its website to find the link for Plate Inquiry or Request for Record Information. If you don’t find one of these things, look for something similar. 

From there, once you’re in the right place on the site, enter the plate number into the search field. Then, you’ll receive basic information about the car, but you won’t get any personal information. 

2. Private Detective 

This strategy may seem like something you only see in movies. But the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act allows real-life private detectives to access the database that houses license plate numbers and the names of those who own a vehicle. 

Of course, because this route can provide a bit more information, it is the most expensive, so you shouldn’t use it unless it’s absolutely necessary. And if you do decide to hire a private detective, make sure you avoid giving them money before you have a conversation about the information you can expect to receive. You don’t want to be misled, which can easily happen in this scenario. 

3. A transportation agency 

Using a transportation agency to look up a car’s license plate number is the easiest solution out of the three. Depending on the agency you use, you’ll get more information than the DMV. For example, transportation agencies like Barry Risk Management can provide more personal details like the owner of an abandoned vehicle. 

What’s also important to note is that transportation agencies will do the research for you. Unlike the DMV, which makes you use a website that’s not user-friendly or easy to navigate, a transportation agency like Barry Risk Management will look up a car’s license plate number so that you don’t have to worry about it. 

Additionally, transportation agencies are much more cost-effective than hiring a private detective. You can easily pay hundreds of dollars for a detective to do a plate lookup, while a transportation agency will be significantly cheaper to accomplish the same task. 

Take the easy route

Looking up a car’s license plate number can be as hard or simple as you want it to be. If you go with the DMV or a private detective, you’ll get little to no information or run into high prices. But if you use a transportation agency, you’ll get more insight from a license plate and better prices. 

Barry Risk Management, for example, has over 30 years of experience in the DMV industry and knows how to get the information you seek for a cost-effective price. Our team is knowledgeable and does everything online, so you won’t have to wait long. All you’ll need is the license plate number that you want our representatives to look up, and we’ll have the details for you in no time. 

Call 1-888-995-TAGS(8247) to speak with a representative from Barry Risk Management to look up a car’s license plate number!

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How to Surrender License Plates

how to surrender license plates

Sometimes, you have to give up things in life. 

When you have a goal, you have to let go of distractions. When you have a job, you have to give up your time. And when you have a motor vehicle, you have to surrender your license plates in certain situations. 

Whether you have vintage license plates or regular ones, there are specific times in your life when you’ll have to return them. And when this happens, it’s easy to wonder how to surrender your license plates. After all, no one really talks about it. 

Are you supposed to go through a specific process? Or, can you throw the plates in the trash? Depending on the circumstance, both of these answers are actually correct. But to truly understand which route to take, this article will explain everything you need to know about how to surrender license plates.  

When to surrender your license plates

As previously mentioned, there are certain times when you need to surrender your license plates. Specific rules will vary depending on the state. However, usually, there are a handful of reasons you might have to return your plates: 

  • You sell or get rid of your vehicle, and you don’t plan to use the license plates again
  • You drop the liability insurance for your vehicle for whatever reason 
  • You’re getting repairs or storing your vehicle for a lengthy period of time, and you prefer not to maintain your liability insurance
  • You move to a different state and register your vehicle in that state
  • You transfer your vehicle’s ownership to someone else

Again, the rules will vary depending on the state, so make you check your state’s guidelines. Additionally, it’s important to know if your state even requires you to surrender license plates. Currently, only the following places ask for old plates:

  • Alaska
  • Connecticut 
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana 
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island 
  • South Carolina 
  • Vermont
  • Wyoming
  • Washington D.C.

If you live in one of these states, make sure to turn in your license plates at the proper time. But if you don’t call one of these states home, you don’t have to worry about surrendering your license plates, although you still need to render them useless. 

How to dispose of old license plates

how to surrender license plates that are old

When you live in a state that doesn’t require you to return your license plates, it’s still in your best interest to destroy them when necessary. If you keep old, unused plates, they could fall into the wrong hands, and someone could use them to commit a crime. This situation can create a significant problem since you’re the original owner of the plates, so make sure to destroy them when you’re done using them. 

You can easily do this by recycling the plates at a local cycling center. Just make sure you remove all insurance and registration stickers in advance. Also, another option is to deface the license plates so that you obscure the letters and numbers. Then, you can put these damaged plates into the trash or recycling bin. 

Can you surrender license plates temporarily?

When you live in a state that requires you to surrender your license plates, you don’t always have to take a permanent approach. For example, perhaps you want to stop driving for a while. In that case, you can cancel your insurance and surrender your plates until you want to start driving again. 

However, maybe you’re not in a position to choose whether you keep your plates. Perhaps you’re getting forced to surrender your license plates because you’ve lost your driving privileges. This situation can happen if you’ve been driving recklessly or have received a DUI. And in these cases, you have to give up your plates for a specific amount of days or months. 

What happens if your license plates are stolen, lost, or destroyed?

Inconvenient things always happen, and that’s true no matter what you’re doing. If your license plates are stolen, destroyed, or lost before you turn them in, the best step is to file a police report. That way, someone doesn’t use your plates to commit a crime. 

Once you’ve completed that step, you need to decide whether or not you want new plates. If you do, you’ll have to show the DMV or transportation agency the police report to prove your license plates are no longer in great condition or even in your possession. Additionally, you’ll likely need to pay a small fee and provide the following information: 

  • Driver’s license
  • Proof of insurance
  • Vehicle registration

If you have no intentions of getting new license plates, you don’t have to do anything but file a police report. After that, you can wipe your hands clean and call it a day. 

How to surrender license plates 

When it’s time to surrender your plates, there are two ways you can go about it. The first one is to use the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you take this route, you can return your license plates through the mail or in person. 

For example, in New York, you can surrender your plates through the mail by following the specific steps:

  • Updating your address if necessary 
  • Removing plates and stickers
  • Completing the PD-7 application 
  • Mail the application with your plates in an envelope 

If you’d prefer to visit a local DMV office in New York, you’ll complete steps 2-4. But instead of mailing in your application and plates, you’ll just bring them into the office. 

While these options sound straightforward, the DMV is never as straightforward as it seems. The long wait times and constant back-and-forth can leave you feeling drained and frustrated, so if you want an easier process, you should consider the second way to surrender your plates: use a transportation agency. 

Not every agency is great, but the best ones will speed up the process to make it as simple as possible for you to return your license plates. You just need to find a good transportation agency that you can trust. 

Why you should use Barry Risk Management 

Barry Risk Management is the best transportation agency that you can use to surrender your license plates. Not only does the company have over 30 years of experience in the industry, but it also allows you to do everything online. 

Most transportation agencies are like the DMV. They require you to come in person or mail things in to complete your tasks. But with Barry Risk Management, you can surrender your plates using a completely online process. There’s no reason to leave the comfort of your own home. 

What’s even better is that Barry Risk Management can help you no matter where you live. The representatives can tell you if your state requires plate surrender and help you do it successfully and efficiently. That way, you’re not stuck doing the research and process all by yourself. 

To surrender your license plates in your state, contact Barry Risk Management at 1-888-995-TAGS(8247).

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How to Get a New Auto Title

how to get a new auto title

When you own a car, you receive an important document. This document is an auto title, and it’s something that people typically tell you not to lose or damage. Otherwise, it could cause trouble. 

Usually, you safeguard this piece of information the best way that you can, hoping nothing happens to it. But what do you do when the worst-case scenario occurs, and you lose or damage your auto title? 

If you’ve found yourself in this predicament, it’s easy to panic and wonder what to do next. However, if you want to learn how to get a new auto title, this article will provide one easy tip that you can use. 

What is an auto title?

Before learning how to get a new auto title, it’s essential to revisit the purpose of having this document. This information might be old news to some of you, in which case this will be a good refresher. But if you’ve never learned what an auto title is, this definition will explain why it’s so critical to safeguard this document. 

Put simply, an auto title proves that you own your motor vehicle. Without it, you have no way of showing that you possess ownership of your car. 

Depending on the state you live in, the information on the auto title will vary. However, it’ll always include a vehicle identification number (VIN) and the signature of state officials who are in charge of motor vehicles or revenue collection. 

Typically, an auto title will also include the following:

  • Vehicle make
  • Vehicle model or body type
  • Vehicle year 
  • The owners of the vehicle 
  • The owner’s address
  • Odometer reading 
  • The date the title was issued 

Sometimes, your auto title may have more specific information. Yours could provide your license plate number, your vehicle’s weight, a title number, the engine number, the number of cylinders in the engine, and the type of fuel your vehicle uses. Additionally, some states require that you add information about salvage or flood damage. 

Why is a car title important? 

why is a new auto title important

You want a car title because it’ll prove that you own your vehicle—that’s the primary benefit of the document. But there are practical ways where you’ll see this benefit play out. For example, an auto title is important in the following situations.

1. Someone steals your car

If someone steals your motor vehicle, how do you prove that the thief doesn’t own your car? You refer to your auto title. Without this document, the police won’t believe that you possess ownership of your vehicle. 

2. You want to sell your car

You can’t sell your vehicle without an auto title. The buyer will ask you to transfer the title to them to prove they’re the new owners. But if you don’t have your auto title, the buyer is going to walk away

3. Your car gets impounded 

No one likes to hear that their car is in an impoundment lot. In these situations, it’s crucial to have your auto title. If you don’t, your vehicle will sit in the lot until it gets recycled, auctioned off, or taken to the wrecking yard. The only way to prevent any of these things from happening is to have proof that you own your vehicle when you pick it up. 

4. A vehicle is part of a crime after you sell it or before you own it 

It doesn’t matter if a vehicle is part of a crime after you sell it or before you own it. When the authorities come to speak with you, you want to have proof that you didn’t own the vehicle when it was part of a crime. Otherwise, you could draw unwanted attention. 

Types of auto titles

So, you know what an auto title is and why it’s important. But do you know what type of new auto title you need? 

Surprisingly, there are multiple types of auto titles. And before you try to get a new one, you need to know exactly what you’re replacing. Luckily, the list of auto titles is pretty short. 

1. An auto title for a clean vehicle

You need this type of auto title if your vehicle is in good shape structurally. This title indicates that your car has never been in a major accident, and therefore, totaled.  

2. An auto title for a clear vehicle

This title is required if there are no liens against your vehicle. If you’re not making any finance payments because you own your car, you want this type of title. 

3. An auto title for a salvage vehicle 

You need this auto title if your car was in an accident and declared a total loss. With a salvage title, the state is basically saying that you can’t drive or sell your vehicle in its current condition. 

4. An auto title for a rebuilt vehicle 

If you get your salvaged vehicle repaired, you need an auto title that’s specific to your rebuilt car. This title indicates that your vehicle is in better shape or that it may require additional repairs in the future.  

How to get a new auto title

It’s finally time to explain how to get a new auto title. When you get your first one, you either get it from a car dealer or private owner, depending on where you bought your car. 

But when you lose or damage that auto title, you can’t go back to the previous owner or car dealer. Instead, must with the DMV or a transportation agency. 

As you probably know, the DMV is slow. You could walk into their waiting room and sit for hours until an employee finally assists you. If you want to avoid that pain, you should go through a transportation agency. 

For example, Barry Risk Management can help you get a new auto title. With over 30 years of experience in the DMV industry, their team knows how to get the appropriate type of title and make sure it meets all of your state’s requirements. 

The best part is that everything is also online. Instead of walking inside an office, you can simply contact an agent over the phone. Then, a representative will help you get a new auto title all online, in the comfort of your own home. 

With transportation agencies like Barry Risk Management, getting a new auto title is simple and quick. There are no tricks, waiting rooms, or long wait times. You can get your auto title quickly so that you have proof your car is yours.  

Call Barry Risk Management at 1-888-995-TAGS(8247) to renew get your new auto title! 

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How Much Does It Cost to Renew Your Vehicle Registration?

the costs to renew your vehicle registration

In 2020, most state governments provided wiggle room regarding the deadline for renewing vehicle registration. With the pandemic disrupting many everyday activities, state officials thought it’d be best to extend the deadline for several DMV services, including vehicle registration renewals. 

Most states, like New York, extended the deadline all the way to November of 2020 to accommodate people. But today, those extensions no longer exist. In New York and other states across the U.S., your vehicle registration should be renewed at this point. However, that’s not the reality for many people. 

Whether you forgot about the extended deadline or thought state officials would extend it again, you’re in a situation where you haven’t renewed your vehicle registration. And this situation can lead to consequences, which is why you should get your registration renewed as soon as possible.

The consequences of not renewing your vehicle registration

When you don’t do something on time, you face the repercussions. For example, think about turning in a school assignment late. When that happens, you get an F unless your teacher is gracious enough to extend the deadline. 

If the teacher gives you extra time, you’re in luck—you can turn in the assignment by the new deadline and still get credit. However, if you still forget—or ignore—the extended deadline and don’t turn in the assignment on time, you can bet you’re going to face the consequences. 

About 430,000 Massachusetts residents are in this type of situation. Instead of renewing their vehicle registration by the extended deadline, they let their registration lapse. And now, they are in jeopardy of getting fined every time they drive their motor vehicle. 

What’s even worse is that there are 580,000 motor vehicles in the state with an expired inspection sticker, and those vehicles belong to the 430,000 residents, who will get fined multiple times if they have more than one vehicle with expired registration. If an officer pulls them over, they’ll likely receive a $40 fine, but the residents can get a penalty from multiple officers in one day, so that number can always increase. 

The worst punishment, however, is when the fines lead to higher car insurance rates. If an insurer notices that a driver is accumulating fines, the company won’t hesitate to increase its price. 

Consequences like these are common across every state, not just Massachusetts. State officials everywhere are fining residents who haven’t renewed their vehicle registration by the extended deadline. It doesn’t matter where you live. If your registration isn’t up-to-date, you’re at risk of receiving a fine and more expensive car insurance.  

The costs to renew your vehicle registration 

how much it costs to renew your vehicle registration?

If you want to renew your registration, you may be wondering how much it costs. Luckily, this service doesn’t demand a hefty price, but it does differ from state to state. 

In New York, for example, renewing your vehicle registration can be anywhere from $26 – $71, depending on the weight of your vehicle. If your motor vehicle is 1,650 lbs. or less, the registration renewal will cost $26. If it’s 1,751 lbs. to 1,850 lbs., the registration renewal will cost $29. And if it’s 1,951 lbs. or more, the registration renewal will be anywhere between $32.50 to $71.  

In Connecticut, on the other hand, the cost is different. If you live in this state and want to renew your vehicle registration, the price is around $80 for two years. However, you also have to pay an extra $10 for the Clean Air Act fee.  

Ultimately, the price for registration renewal depends on where you live and what your state uses to determine the costs. Common factors that play a role in determining the fee include your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, age, current value, and weight. But sometimes, DMV offices and transportation agencies also look at the number of cars registered in your name and your vehicle’s horsepower to see if your fee should be higher or lower.  

Where you shouldn’t go to renew vehicle registration

Once you know the cost of renewing your vehicle registration, it’s time to do it. But where should you go? The first answer is the most obvious one: the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). 

This option is usually the go-to route because it’s so well known. However, that doesn’t mean it should be the most popular. The DMV is notoriously slow, and the pandemic makes that fact even more true. 

DMV offices across the U.S. are struggling to address the backlog they’ve accumulated because of COVID-19. When their offices re-opened during the pandemic, DMV employees walked in to find more people than usual needing their help. 

The situation has gotten so bad that some people are waiting up to six months to complete simple transitions like license renewals, driver’s tests, and out-of-state transfers. And while vehicle registration is something that you can handle online, the DMV’s website is not as user-friendly as it should be to ensure a quick, seamless process. 

Where to renew your vehicle registration

If you want to renew your vehicle registration quickly to avoid fines and higher insurance rates, you can’t depend on the DMV. Instead, you need to use a credible transportation agency like Barry Risk Management, Inc. 

With over 30 years of experience in the DMV industry, Barry Risk Management, Inc. has the skills to help you renew your vehicle registration, and everything happens online. Unlike the DMV, the online platform that Barry Risk Management, Inc. uses is simple and user-friendly to ensure you get your renewal done quickly. 

And if any questions ever arise as you’re renewing your registration, Barry Risk Management, Inc. has representatives that are ready to help. Knowledgeable and friendly, a representative can guide you from start-to-finish until your renewed registration is set up, so you don’t have to worry about tackling any confusing phases alone. 

Don’t get a fine for not renewing your vehicle registration. Call to have Barry Risk Management, Inc. at 1-888-995-TAGS(8247) to renew your registration quickly!