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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 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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How to Get Historical Plates and Registration

how to get historical license plates

Living in the past isn’t healthy unless you’re obsessing over classic cars. Nostalgia plays a big role in why vintage vehicles are so popular. More often than not, these cars always have a good story behind them, and it’s so easy to get lost in them as you listen to owners talk about the memories they’ve shared with their classic cars. 

For some owners, their vintage vehicle is where they had their first kiss. For others, it’s where they had their first breakup. And for a select few, their vintage vehicle is what allowed them to win a big race or compete in an exhibition. 

Regardless of the story, it’s fun to listen to all of the memorable moments that owners share with their classic cars, so much so that it may be tempting to get an antique vehicle for yourself. And while it’s not terribly difficult to find someone who will sell their classic car to you, it is challenging to get historical license plates and vehicle registration if your car doesn’t meet all of the guidelines and follow specific criteria. 

What do states consider a classic car?

If you want to get historical license plates and vehicle registration for your classic car, the first thing you need to do is verify that your new car is actually historic. What’s considered “historic” will vary depending on the state you live in, but usually, when a car hits 25 years old, it qualifies as a historic vehicle.

However, again, that magic number can vary. For example, in New York and New Jersey, a car must be 25 years old to qualify as a historic vehicle. But in Connecticut, the car only has to be 20 years old. Slight differences like this make it extremely important to check your state’s guidelines.

But once you have what your state identifies as a classic car, you can move forward with getting historical license plates and vehicle registration. And both of these items will signal that you own a vintage vehicle. 

Where are you allowed to use a classic car?

Unlike modern vehicles, classic cars are not eligible for everyday use in some states. Depending on where you live, you cannot take your vintage vehicle out for a joy ride or use it to run errands. If you want to get historical license plates and vehicle registration, your classic car will typically need to be a collector’s item, not a means of everyday transportation.  

However, that doesn’t mean your classic car can’t ever leave the garage if you live in a stricter state. A collector’s item is great for parades, tours, club activities, educational purposes, exhibitions, or other showboating events. So you’ll have plenty of opportunities to present your classic car in all of its glory. But your state may limit where you can showcase your vehicle.

While this seems very restrictive, state officials create guidelines like these to protect classic cars. Most states agree that preserving these types of vehicles requires owners to limit their use of them. And while states may vary on what “limited” looks like, you’ll likely encounter some sort of regulation regarding when you can use your vehicle. 

How often can you use a classic car?

a classic car with historical license plates

Some states will regulate how often you can use your classic car, so if you want to get and keep your historical license plates and vehicle registration, you must consider this guideline. 

Depending on where you live, you might only have the capability to drive your vehicle so many miles per year. This rule means that you’ll have to keep track of every mile you drive, and once you hit a specific number, you’ll need to keep your car in the garage. 

Some states have slightly different rules. Instead of restricting your mileage each year, they restrict your distance. Specifically, you may have to limit how far your classic car is from your home address. For example, in Virginia, you can drive up to 250 miles away from your house. 

Can you re-design your classic car?

Sometimes, it’s tempting to get a car and make enhancements, especially if you’re all about adding a personal touch. But if you want to get historical license plates and vehicle registration, you need to know that in some states, altering your vintage car’s design is not an option. 

For example, in New Jersey, your classic car “cannot be altered from the manufacturer’s original design in any way.” This rule is another one of those regulations that are supposed to help protect and preserve historical cars, so while it may seem restricting, it’s inspired by good intentions. 

Follow your state’s guidelines 

It should go without saying that you can’t get historical license plates or vehicle registration for your classic car if you don’t follow your state’s guidelines. If you want to start on the right foot, do what your state requires. 

And once you get your historical license plates and vehicle registration, make sure you don’t slip in following the rules. If you do, you will face penalties and hefty fines. While having an antique car has its financial benefits—like discounted insurance rates and cheaper plates—you can still rack up a lot of expenses in fines if you don’t follow your state’s guidelines. 

How to get historical license plates and vehicle registration

If you’re going to adhere to your state’s rules for classic cars, you should have no problem getting historical license plates and vehicle registration. However, to make sure you experience the least resistance possible, go through a transportation agency like Barry Risk Management. 

Using the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which is known for long wait times and continuous back-and-forth, will only lead to headaches. But credible and experienced transportation agencies can get you historical license plates and vehicle registration much quicker. 

Barry Risk Management, in particular, has over 30 years of industry experience and has many representatives who know how to get the license plates and vehicle registration you need, regardless of the state you live in. And Barry Risk Management does everything online, so you don’t have to leave your home to get what you want. 

Unlike the DMV, Barry Risk Management’s process is quick and painless, so skip the long lines at the DMV. Use Barry Risk Management to get your historical license plates and vehicle registration.

Call 1-888-995-TAGS(8247) to speak with a representative from Barry Risk Management who can help you get everything you need for your classic car. 

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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! 

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What Do You Need to Register a Vehicle?

what do you need to register a vehicle? Discover the answers in our blog post.

If you want something, usually you have to give something in return.

For example, if you want to pursue a side hustle, you need to put in the effort. If you want to park at a meter, you need to give it money. And if you want good relationships, you have to spend time with the people who matter most. 

When it comes to certain things in life, sometimes you just don’t have a choice — you have to give in order to get. And the same concept applies to registering a vehicle. 

While a mundane task, you have to provide several things for vehicle registration. It doesn’t matter if it’s a motorcycle, motor home, SUV, or two-door car. If you’re riding around in something with wheels, you need to register it, and you need to provide the right information to do so correctly. 

Surprisingly, though, most people don’t know what to bring. While many consumers have at least one vehicle, they don’t know what information they need to provide to register it. In fact, even if someone has registered a car before, it’s likely they’ve already forgotten what they had to bring to do it. 

And that’s no one’s fault. Vehicle registration just isn’t top-of-mind. People don’t think about it on a regular basis, so the details can get a little blurry. 

However, that’s why this article is here for you to read. If you’re wondering what you need to register a motor vehicle, you’ve come to the right place. 

When you need to register a vehicle 

It’s important to start with the basics. 

Before you learn what you need to register a vehicle, you should know whether you need to register it at all. There are certain times where you need to apply for vehicle registration. And depending on your situation, you may not have to do it that often. 

For example, here are three specific times when you’ll need to register your motor vehicle. 

1. When you move to a new state

Moving to a new state is expected. When you graduate from college, you might decide to move. When you get a job out of state, you usually have to move. And when you retire, you may want to move somewhere that has great weather, sunshine every day of the week, and a beach. 

Research suggests that if you’re living in the U.S., you can expect to move 11.7 times in your lifetime. That’s a lot of relocating. And while it’s easy to get swept up by the adventure in it all, you don’t want to get so excited that you forget to do one crucial thing: register your vehicle. 

That’s right—every time you move to a new state, you need to register your motor vehicle. And you need to do it within a specific timeframe. Every state is different, so the timeframes will vary. But as long as you check with your state’s requirements, you should be good to go. 

2. When you buy a new or used vehicle 

Getting a car, truck, or another type of motor vehicle is always exciting. Whether it’s new or used, it’s easy to fall in love with your new whip. However, before you grab the keys and take off without a second thought, you need to register your vehicle. 

If you get a vehicle from a dealership, the company will likely handle this task for you. Most dealerships will take care of the registration, regardless of whether the vehicle is new or used. 

But if you’re getting a vehicle from someone who doesn’t work for a dealership, then you’ll need to register the vehicle on your own. 

3. When you need to renew your registration

Maybe you’ve already registered your vehicle. If that’s the case, you’ll need to do it again. However, you won’t have to do it often. 

Most states require you to renew your vehicle registration every 1-2 years. But again, every state is different. If you want information that’s specific to you and your vehicle registration, you should look up your state’s requirements. Then, you’ll know exactly when it’s time to renew your registration. 

What you need for vehicle registration

After you buy a car, you need to register it. But what do you need to register a vehicle? Find out.

 

When it’s time for you to register your vehicle, you need to approach the task prepared. Doing this requires you to know everything that you need. And luckily, the list of items is simple. 

If you need to register your vehicle, most states will require the following: 

1. Money to pay the fees

As with most things that deal with your vehicle, you need to pay a registration fee to register it. The price will differ depending on the state you live in, so make sure you do some research to determine the exact costs. 

2. The car title

Before you can register a vehicle, you need to prove that it’s actually yours. Without proof of ownership, you can’t register any motor vehicle in your name, so make sure you have the car title with you. And if you’re leasing a motor vehicle, bring a copy of the lease agreement. 

3. Proof of ID and residence

Registering a vehicle with a state requires you to prove that you indeed live in the state. Typically, your license can work. It’ll prove your identity and residence. 

However, if you just moved to a new state, your license will not work. In this case, you need to find something else to bring, like a utility bill. 

4. A bill of sale or certificate of origin

Are you the first person to own your vehicle? If so, you need to provide the certificate of origin to prove it, which you’ll get from the car dealer. 

If you’re not the first person to own your vehicle, then you need to provide something else: the bill of sale. You should get this document from the private seller who sold you the vehicle. 

5. Information about the vehicle 

Most of the general information about your vehicle will be on the title. However, in case something’s missing, you want to be prepared. 

Before registering your vehicle, make sure you jot down important information, including your vehicle’s make, model, model year, color, odometer reading, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). 

6. Proof of insurance

Car insurance is essential. It protects you and helps you register your vehicle with the state. When you get car insurance, make sure to provide proof of it when you’re registering your vehicle. You should also ensure that your insurance follows state requirements because these guidelines can vary depending on where you live. 

7. Emission and safety certificates

If you have a used car, some states will want proof that your vehicle meets certain criteria. These specific guidelines are usually in regards to emissions and whether your vehicle is mechanically sound.

How to register your vehicle 

Once you have everything you need to register your vehicle, all you have to do is complete the task. You can do this in one of two ways. 

You can either go to the DMV or use a credible transportation agency like Barry Risk Management, Inc.. The ladder option is the best because good transportation agencies don’t require you to go through a long, arduous process like the DMV does. 

For example, Barry Risk Management, Inc. lets you register your vehicle online. And you get access to a representative who knows your state’s requirements for vehicle registration, allowing you to skip a lengthy research process. 

The best part is that Barry Risk Management, Inc. is just as skilled as any DMV office. Their team has 30 years of experience in the DMV industry, making them an excellent choice if you want DMV services without all of the hassles. 

So, if you want to register your vehicle, use Barry Risk Management, Inc. Then, you can check this task off your to-do list quickly and easily. 

Call  1-888-995-TAGS(8247) to contact a representative with Barry Risk Management, Inc. and register or renew your vehicle registration! 

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What is the Difference Between Car Title and Registration?

What is the Difference Between Car Title and Registration?

When you’re in the market for a new car, you have a lot to think about. What kind of vehicle do you want? Do you need an auto loan? Are there any reasonable car insurance rates? Should you even buy, or should you just lease?

All of these questions can easily run through your mind, and you need to have an answer for all of them. However, if you decide to buy a vehicle, you have to get a car title and registration, which could lead to another pressing question: what’s the difference between them? 

It’s easy to mistake these documents as one and the same. But honestly, a car title is entirely different from vehicle registration. You can’t get one of these documents and assume it’ll act as a representative for the other. 

You need to get both of them, which means you need to understand the differences between a car title and vehicle registration. 

What is a car title? 

Also called a Certificate of Title, a car title shows proof of ownership for various motor vehicles, including a car, truck, motorboat, motorcycle, utility trailer, travel trailer, or mobile home. 

Without a car title, you can’t prove to anyone that you legally own your motor vehicle. It’s the only piece of paper standing between you and someone else possibly thinking that you stole your car. So, it’s really important to have. 

Once you get your car title, you may notice that it includes a few details. This document will provide information on your motor vehicle like its make, model, year, and whether someone has totaled it or deemed it a complete loss after a theft or accident. 

Another critical piece of information that you’ll notice is any lienholders that you used. If you borrowed money from an auto dealer or bank to purchase your vehicle, that entity is going to be on your car title. 

How do you get a car title? 

learn the difference between a car title and vehicle registration

So, you know how important it is to have a car title, but how do you actually get one. The answer to this question depends on the situation. Specifically, here are three different scenarios in which you will need to get a car title. 

1. Buying a used vehicle 

If you’re buying a used vehicle, you’ll need the current owner to transfer the title to you. How this transfer happens will depend on how old the vehicle is. 

For example, maybe you buy a vehicle with the model year of 1973 or newer. In this situation, you need the current owner to put your name on the transfer section of the car title. Depending on the state you live in, you may have to get the title notarized and have the original owner sign a vehicle bill of sale. 

For vehicles that are ten years old or newer than the year of transfer, you’ll follow the same process. However, you may also need to get a damage disclosure statement and an odometer disclosure statement signed. 

And for vehicles from 1973 or later, all you have to do is have the owner sign the transferable registration and a bill of sale.  

2. Paying off your auto loan

When you’ve finished paying off your auto loan, it can feel like a relief. It’s one less bill that you have to pay! What’s even better is that you finally get full ownership of your vehicle, which means you get to have the car title in your possession. 

For this to happen, all you have to do is remove the lien on the car title. Transportation agencies such as Barry Risk Management, Inc. can help you with this, and their representatives will ensure the title is transferred to you once the lienholder is off. 

3. Lost, stolen, or damaged title 

Sometimes, a car title can get lost, stolen, or damaged. The best way to prevent this is to keep your car title somewhere secure (and no, your car doesn’t count). It would help if you kept it in a safe with a lock so that no one can steal or damage it.  

But if one of those things happens, you’ll need to go to a transportation agency like Barry Risk Management, Inc. to get a new car title. The process won’t take long. You’ll just have to provide some information online, and then you’ll get your new title in no time. 

What is vehicle registration? 

the biggest differences between car title and registration

The next important document that you need to get is vehicle registration. Unlike a car title, which shows proof of ownership, registration proves that you’ve registered your vehicle with the state and have paid all of the relevant fees and taxes. 

This document is essential because it allows you to drive on public roads. Without vehicle registration, your motor vehicle is not known to the state, which could lead to a fine or even jail time. So, regardless of whether you’re leasing or buying a vehicle, you need to get it registered with the state. 

When you take this action, you’ll usually get a license plate and a registration document or sticker to put on your windshield. Regardless of the one that you receive, both will provide proof that you’ve registered your vehicle. 

However, just because you’ve registered your vehicle once doesn’t mean that you don’t have to do it again. Typically, every 1-2 years, you’ll need to renew your registration. But it’s essential to check the exact time frame because every state is different. 

Additionally, if you decide to move across state lines, you’ll want to register your vehicle with your new state. Most places require you to update your registration and license plate soon after you become a resident. 

How do you register a vehicle? 

Registering your vehicle is not as straightforward as getting a car title. Because every state has its own laws, the process for registering a car can vary. 

However, there are some common steps in the process that you may notice. For example, you typically need to insure your vehicle before you register it. Not every state is like this, but most of them are. 

Similarly, most states require the following information for you to register your vehicle: 

  • Insurance card
  • Driver’s license
  • Car title 
  • Application for vehicle registration
  • Statement of transaction
  • Proof of payment for fees and taxes
  • The bill of sale 

Once you gather those documents, usually, your last step is to fill out a registration form. Transportation agencies like Barry Risk Management, Inc. can provide this form and any other paperwork that you need to fill out. And if your state has unique requirements for registration, Barry Risk Management, Inc. can explain those and help you navigate them so that you successfully register your vehicle with your state.  

For help on registering your vehicle or getting a car title, contact a representative with Barry Risk Management, Inc!

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What Happens When You Don’t Renew Vehicle Registration?

what happens when you don't renew vehicle registration?

For every action, there’s a reaction. If you regularly drink water, you’ll stay hydrated. If you work out consistently, you’ll get in shape. And if you get enough sleep, you’ll wake up refreshed.

These basic truths are obvious. Knowing that there’s a reaction for every action is to be expected, and that’s why it should come as no surprise to learn this: if you don’t renew your vehicle registration, you’ll face penalties.  

Usually, it’s easy to remember to do the necessary things in life, like taking care of your health and wellness. But when it comes to the not-so-every-day-things, like renewing your vehicle registration, it’s a little tougher to remember to write that item on your to-do list. 

However, what happens when you don’t renew your vehicle registration? What are the specific consequences that you may face? Well, the straightforward answer is that it depends on the state you live in. Nevertheless, there are a few general penalties that you might notice no matter where you live.

The consequences of not renewing vehicle registration

Your vehicle registration must be renewed every year or every few years—the exact amount of time will vary depending on the state you call home. 

However, if you don’t know when it’s time to renew your registration, and therefore, forget to do it, you may face two things: a ticket and a fine. 

With expired vehicle registration, you open up the door for a police officer to pull you over and ticket you for a lapse in car registration. In addition, you may have to pay a fee to the state because of your mistake.

These consequences may not sound like a big deal at first. But after so many tickets and fines, you’ll start to notice how much money you could save by just renewing your registration instead of paying the penalties. 

You also may think it’s worth updating your registration if you have to face more consequences on top of all the fees. Not renewing your vehicle registration could lead to more expensive car insurance rates. And in the worst-case scenario, failing to renew your registration could mean losing your car. 

It’s not uncommon to see a vehicle get impounded because the owner forgot—or blatantly avoided—to renew their registration. In this scenario, you can’t get your vehicle back until you update your registration and pay all of your fines. Sometimes, that fine even includes the impound and towing fees. 

While these penalties may sound extreme, there is good news. Sometimes, states will offer a grace period for you to renew your vehicle registration. For example, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Colorado provide a one-month grace period after your registration expires, whereas Texas only offers a five day grace period.

It’s important to check with your state to see if a grace period is available. Hopefully, you’ll have a little wiggle room to renew your registration. But if you live in a major city, like New York City, for example, you may find that a grace period does not exist. 

Can you have expired registration during a pandemic? 

Remembering to renew your car registration during “normal” times is already difficult. Today, it’s easy to always have something going on, so registration renewal may be the last thing on your mind. And this sentiment is even more true during a pandemic. 

Because of COVID-19, many states have offered some leeway when it comes to renewing your vehicle registration. Keeping citizens healthy and safe during a pandemic is of utmost priority for many state officials. So, most local leaders don’t enforce penalties if your registration expired in 2020. 

However, does this freedom mean that it’s okay to have expired registration? The answer is simple: no. Even though most states are trying to be flexible when it comes to enforcing penalties, they do have an extended deadline for you to renew your car registration. 

For example, in New York, Governor Cuomo issued an executive order towards the end of March that extended the expiration date of vehicle registration and inspections. These registrations had to be valid as of March 27, 2020.

As time went on, Cuomo extended the order multiple times until it finally expired on November 3, 2020. However, to give people enough time to renew their registration, he signed an order that prevented police from giving tickets to drivers that had expired vehicle registration. 

Unfortunately, though, this order has expired. As of December 1, 2020, police officers can ticket you if you don’t have up-to-date registration in New York. So, even though there’s a pandemic, you still need to renew your documents. With extensions and executive orders expiring, you will start to face consequences for driving with outdated registration.

How much does it cost to renew vehicle registration? 

how much do you have to pay to renew vehicle registration

If you don’t want to face penalties for having expired registration, you need to get this taken care of sooner rather than later. However, to do that, there’s something you need to consider: the costs. 

Renewing your vehicle registration will cost money, and the renewal fees will differ depending on the state you live in. Some states are unique and require you to pay a fee based on the type of license plate that you have. 

For example, in Chicago, a standard renewal sticker costs $151. If you have a personalized plate, that cost increases slightly to $158. And if you have a vanity plate, the price for renewal goes up to $164. 

Other states look at a list of factors to determine how much you have to pay to renew your registration. In New Jersey, for instance, the cost is based on your vehicle’s model and weight. 

If you have a model from 1970 or older and it weighs under 2,700 lbs, you’ll have to pay $35 for registration renewal. If that model weighs between 2,700 lbs – 3,800 lbs, you’ll have to pay around $44. 

Every state is different, so it’s important to check the costs to ensure you know what you need to pay. Don’t listen to a friend or relative that lives in another state and doesn’t know your state’s laws. 

How to renew your vehicle registration

When it’s time to renew your registration, where do you go? You have two options: the DMV or a transportation agency. 

The first option is the most common one, although it does require you to wrestle with the endless hassles at the DMV. Taking this route, especially during a pandemic, means you’ll have to make an appointment for months out and wait in a long line for someone to assist you. However, it could also mean that you go on your state’s DMV website to renew your registration. But even then, the process is not so simple. 

If you want to avoid this unnecessary headache, option two is the best route to take. Transportation agencies like Barry Risk Management, Inc. can renew your registration quickly and easily—and it can all happen online. 

With over 30 years of experience in the DMV industry, Barry Risk Management, Inc. has the skill set and ability to handle your registration renewal so that you don’t get penalized. It doesn’t matter where you live. The representatives at Barry Risk Management, Inc. will ensure your registration complies with your state’s specific laws. 

For help renewing your registration, contact an agent at Barry Risk Management, Inc. today!

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Why You Shouldn’t Register a Vehicle Online Through the DMV

how to register a vehicle online

While the pandemic continues to impact the way you typically do life, organizations are still doing their best to provide relief amid the chaos. Many companies are taking steps to help people adjust to the unique environment that everyone now lives in.

Businesses like Facebook and Twitter are letting employees permanently work from home. Major corporations like PepsiCo are providing extra pay to front line workers who produce, transport, or deliver products. And some financial companies are covering 30 uses of emergency daycare for employees who suddenly find themselves without childcare.   

But what about the companies that most of you don’t work for? What are those organizations doing? One example you can look at is the Department of Motor Vehicles. 

The pandemic has unfortunately highlighted the DMV’s inefficiencies instead of bringing out its better side. With longer lines, unavailability, poor communication, and frequent delays, the DMV has become one of the worst organizations to deal with during the pandemic. 

However, in an effort to meet consumers’ needs, the New York DMV is testing a program in the remaining months of 2020. The new effort is supposed to provide efficiency to relieve long wait times. But will it actually work during this unique time in your life? 

The DMV’s new online services

The New York DMV is pushing more of its services online to accommodate the growing number of people who need the organization’s help. 

The department recently announced that it’s jumpstarting a pilot program that will provide an online learner’s permit test for cars and motorcycles and allow people in several locations to register a vehicle online. 

Most likely, the permit test will be a successful element in this pilot program. This exam already happens on a computer at the DMV, so setting it up online for people to take at home shouldn’t cause many complications. 

Plus, the rules around it are pretty simple. Test takers just have to answer 50 questions, which should take about 45 to 60 minutes to complete. And if anyone is 16 or 17 years old, they’ll need a parent or guardian to supervise them while they take the exam. 

For those who pass, they’ll receive an email on how to complete the process in-person at the DMV. For those who fail, there will be opportunities to retake the test.

Ultimately, the online learner’s permit exam isn’t something you should be too concerned about tackling. Taking the test sounds straightforward and easy. However, what doesn’t sound that simple is registering a vehicle online through the DMV. 

This service will be available in counties with state-run DMV offices. Those counties include New York, Bronx, Kings, Richmond, Queens, Rockland, Nassau, Onondaga, Suffolk, Albany, and Westchester. 

Eventually, the service will expand to other areas throughout the state — the department is working with DMV offices in other counties who need this option. But the expansion will likely depend on how successful online vehicle registration is in the counties that are already participating. 

How to register a vehicle online through the DMV

register a vehicle online

For those of you who want to register a vehicle online through the New York DMV, you might assume that it’ll be simple. The DMV definitely makes it sound that way. 

All you supposedly have to do is provide basic information about yourself and your vehicle. Then, you have to provide any required documents by uploading them or sending a picture. 

Once you submit the application to register a vehicle, you’ll get an email or call from the DMV about the registration fee you need to pay. After your payment goes through, you’ll receive your license plates, temporary inspection stickers, and registration stickers in the mail. You’ll even get the original paperwork of your vehicle registration for your records. 

It all sounds easy peasy. This process is the quick online method that the DMV has set up to register cars, vans, motorcycles, trailers, trucks, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles. 

However, if you know anything about the DMV, it’s that it is notoriously difficult. This is the department’s first time providing vehicle registration online. And while it’s a notable effort, it’s doomed to fail. 

Why the DMV’s online service won’t work 

The pandemic is forcing many businesses to shift their operations online and use digital tools to maintain—or even increase—efficiency. Most companies can handle this demand because their leaders stepped into the digital era by adopting advanced technology long before the pandemic started. 

But the DMV never took this step. Instead of innovating before COVID-19, the DMV continued to rely on slow, paper-driven processes. The department never invested in technology and software to serve customers online. And while the DMV is doing it now, it takes time for a business to implement new technology successfully.

Learning curves, errors, and bugs inevitably pop up when a company shifts to a more tech-savvy approach. Employees have to learn new processes; customer service reps need to know the answers to new questions; and web developers have to continually work through issues that initially come up. 

However, the more significant problem is that the effort it takes to effectively implement technology on the backend will show up on the frontend. If you go on the DMV’s website to register a vehicle during its pilot program, you’ll likely run into technological issues.

Pages may load slowly or not load at all. The website may crash when too many people are on. Or, the application that you try to submit may never go through. 

While these hiccups are understandable in the initial rollout, these inconveniences are hard to tolerate when these problems could’ve been avoided had the DMV implemented technology before the pandemic. If that would’ve happened, there would’ve been enough time to train employees and perfect the technology, guaranteeing you a seamless experience. 

A better option to help you register a vehicle online

If working through the DMV’s learning curves sounds like a pain, then you have another option — and thankfully, it’s another online option.  

Barry Risk Management, Inc. provides the opportunity to register a vehicle online. However, the best part is that the company has been offering this online service long enough to perfect the process. 

There are no hiccups, mistakes, errors, or technological issues. With Barry Risk Management, Inc., you can register a vehicle without being guinea pigs in a pilot program. 

Barry Risk Management, Inc.s’ online option is tried and true. All you have to do is get in touch with a representative, and that agent will help you register a vehicle in no time. 

If you need to register a vehicle online, choose Barry Risk Management, Inc. by contacting a representative today! 

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How to Renew Vehicle Registration

What’s something we all have the same amount of and don’t like to give away irresponsibly? Time. 

Whether we like it or not, we all have 365 days in a year and 24 hours in a day. And each of us has a responsibility to figure out the best way to utilize the time that we have.

Most of us spend it with family and friends, but many of us also dedicate time to work, traveling, pursuing passions, and just simply relaxing. These are all acceptable ways to spend our time—some of us probably even do it without complaining. 

But one thing that most of us do complain about is spending time at the DMV. Despite some of our best efforts to avoid it, the DMV is the one place we all have to go to, and it’s frustrating. 

We have to wait in long lines, stand in crowded waiting rooms, and deal with tiresome processes. And sometimes, on an unfortunate day, we have to tolerate uninformed employees. 

Going to the DMV is arguably one of the worst places where we can spend our precious, limited time. But the DMV can seem like the only place to complete essential tasks like renewing our vehicle registration. 

When our registration expires, we have no choice but to renew it. However, we do have a choice about how we renew it, and thankfully, that doesn’t have to involve the DMV.

What is vehicle registration? 

Before we explain how to renew vehicle registration, we have to understand what this type of registration is. Whenever we purchase a motor vehicle, we must connect that vehicle to us. Otherwise, there’s no real proof that we’re the owners of it. 

This concept applies across every U.S. state. Regardless of the city we live in, we have to register our motor vehicles. It’s a simple law of the land. And if we fail to follow it, we’ll face penalty fees and have our motor vehicle sent to an impoundment or tow lot. 

When should you register a vehicle? 

what states requires vehicle registration?

There are a couple of different scenarios in which states require vehicle registration.

The first one is straightforward. As soon as we buy a car, we have to register it. If any of us buy a motor vehicle through a dealership, we can usually rely on that dealership to register the vehicle and even provide the title. 

However, if we decide to go through a private dealer, we have to handle the registration on our own. And unfortunately, this process requires a trip to the DMV. 

But what if we haven’t bought a new car and have simply moved to a different state? In this situation, we still have to get vehicle registration. The only exceptions are for active military and full-time students. 

If any of us fall into this category, we can skip the registration process once we move to a new state. However, for the rest of us, vehicle registration is mandatory. 

How do you register a motor vehicle? 

If we’re in a situation where we have to handle our registration, the DMV will require us to go through a list of steps. We can complete those steps in person, online, or by mail. However, some states might require in-person registration if it’s our first time registering the motor vehicle. 

Either way, the route we choose will likely require us to provide some documents along the way. More often than not, we’ll need to give the DMV the following information: 

  • The vehicle registration application 
  • Driver’s license 
  • Car title
  • Proof of the sales tax payment 
  • Proof of insurance
  • Proof that the vehicle passed a safety inspection 
  • Proof that the vehicle passed a smog test 

Of course, some of these documents might be unnecessary, depending on the state that each of us lives in. So, it’s essential to check the DMV’s website for the correct information.  

How much does it cost to register a vehicle?

Like most DMV services, it does cost money to register a vehicle. But the registration fees differ across states, and the way states calculate the final cost varies as well. 

For example, some state DMVs keep things simple and require a flat registration fee for every motor vehicle. However, other states prefer to look at a few factors to determine the appropriate cost. Some DMVs consider the vehicle’s age, fuel efficiency, weight, horsepower, and current value, as well as the number of motor vehicles that we already have registered underneath our name. 

New York, for instance, is one of those states that consider a set of factors. Instead of charging a flat fee, the DMVs in New York determine the registration costs by assessing a motor vehicle’s weight. The DMVs in Connecticut are the same way. They charge $80, but ultimately, the final price varies according to the vehicle. 

It’s important to go on a state’s DMV website to understand the costs of registering a vehicle. But once we know that information, we can typically pay the fee using a credit card, debit card, check, or money order.

How to renew vehicle registration through the DMV

how to renew vehicle registration at the DMV

After we’ve done the unavoidable and registered our vehicle through the DMV, time will pass by, and we’ll eventually have to renew our registration. 

Each state’s DMV site will explain the specific steps for renewing registration in person, online, and by mail. However, generally, the steps only differ if we decide to do it online or by mail. 

For example, if we opt for online renewal, we might have to provide some of the following documents: 

  • License plate number 
  • Vehicle identification number 
  • Driver’s license number
  • Current vehicle registration card
  • Car insurance 

However, if we decide to do it by mail, we may have to verify our vehicle and personal information on the renewal form. Then, we’ll have to provide the renewal fee and the other necessary paperwork by mail. 

Both options seem easy and straightforward. But if any of us has experience with the DMV, we know that nothing with this organization is ever straightforward. The DMV is always a headache, which is why we all hate spending time at it. 

The good news, though, is that we don’t have to spend time at the DMV to renew our vehicle registration. There’s a much simpler option that we can choose. 

How to quickly renew vehicle registration

If we don’t want to waste our time going through the DMV, we can quickly renew our registration online with Barry Risk Management, Inc. 

With knowledgeable representatives that are eager to help, Barry Risk Management, Inc. has the capacity to speed up the renewal process and get the job done quickly and easily.

There are no long lines, confusing paperwork, or trips to the nearest Post Office. The agents at Barry Risk Management, Inc. help complete everything. And they do it all online. There’s no need to ever leave the house.

For time-saving tools to renew your vehicle registration, contact a representative with Barry Risk Management, Inc. today!