We can probably all agree that cars are one of the most useful inventions mankind has ever come up with. They help us get from one place to another faster than walking would, they make carrying things much easier, and they help us save time.
When travelling, taking the car means you don’t have to worry about the schedules of flights, trains, or busses. You can also explore more secluded places that public transportation doesn’t reach, and you even get to choose how you get there — via the quick route or the scenic route.
Whether you are going to the supermarket to buy ingredients for dinner or moving to a new place, driving a car spares you the trouble of having to carry heavy bags or boxes. And, if you have kids, the car will carry all the toys, snacks, roller skates and bikes that are an absolute must when going to the park.
Deciding to purchase a vehicle means letting go of the stress that comes with many day-to-day activities. And, contrary to popular belief, your vehicle admin will not be a burden — all you have to do is follow the advice in this article.
Set Reminders for Tax and Insurance
You can choose to pay your car tax once a year, once every six months, or every month. Yearly payment is usually cheaper, but you can choose the option that suits your finances best.
When it comes to car insurance, you have to pay this monthly. We recommend getting a quote from several insurance companies to compare prices and benefits every time you need to renew your insurance to make sure you get the best offer on the market.
Not paying your car tax can lead to hefty fines, and driving a vehicle that isn’t insured gives police the right to seize it and even dispose of it. To make sure you don’t end up in any of these unpleasant situations, use Lifefyle to set up reminders for tax and insurance.
Set Reminders for MOTs
In the UK, all cars that are older than 3 years need a yearly test called an MOT. During an MOT, a Nominated Tester will perform dozens of checks on your vehicle, including brakes and fuel system, lights, mirrors, seatbelts, windscreen wipers and exhaust system.
Driving without an MOT can result in a police caution and even massive fines of up to £2,500 — it also invalidates your car insurance. Luckily, by using Lifefyle and creating a space for your car, you can get reminders to book your next MOT.
Get a Full Service Every 25,000 Miles
While this is not mandatory or imposed by law, it is a good idea for two reasons. Firstly, a full service checks your entire car and ensures it is safe to drive. Secondly, if you ever decide to sell your car, a history of full services means it will sell for more money.
Keep Your Documents in the Right Places
Yes, you read that right — places. Why? Because some documents should be kept in a safe place in your home, while others you will need while driving so it makes sense to keep them in the vehicle at all times.
Papers that you should always have at hand while driving are your driver’s license (of course, this can stay in your wallet), a valid insurance certificate, and a valid MOT certificate if your vehicle needs one (more on this below).
Documents that should be kept at home are ownership documents (proof of purchase, leasing contract, or rental agreement), the V5C or log book, the vehicle’s service book, and any receipts from paying the car tax.
A pro tip that will simplify vehicle admin even more is taking photos of all your car’s papers and uploading them to your car’s space in the Lifefyle app. This way, all the papers and all the reminders are always just a couple of taps away. How easy is that? Download Lifefyle today and give it a try!
