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#1 Buying a car
Be sure to get the title at the same time you pay for the car. A title is proof of ownership and if you do not have it, the car is not yours, even if you paid for it.
#2 Buying Auto Insurance
To purchase the auto insurance, you will need to bring the title (or, if it is a brand new car, the purchase agreement) to an insurance agent. Insurance is very expensive in the United States and every driver in Ohio is required to have insurance. If you own a car and do not purchase auto insurance, you are breaking the law and will be punished severely by the police.
There are four kinds of insurance that you can purchase:
A. Liability insurance- Which covers any damages you cause to other cars or persons. (Required by Law)
B. Collision insurance- Which covers the cost of damages you cause to your own vehicle.
C. Theft Insurance- Which pays for damages resulting from your car being stolen, etc.
D. Comprehensive Insurance– Covers both liability and collision insurance.
Think carefully before you purchase car insurance. Where do I purchase car insurance? Any insurance company can sell you car insurance. This link should provide you with a variety of car insurance options.
Insurance companies that sell auto insurance to foreign visitors
#3 Registering your Car
Once you have purchased car insurance, you must register your car with the Ohio Board of Motor Vehicles (BMV). You still cannot drive your car until you have registered it. You may visit any BMV office to register your car once you have purchased your insurance and have your driver’s license.
*When you register the car, you will pay the state sales tax, pay for the license plates & registration and pay for the state inspection of your car to certify that the Vehicle Identification Number matches the number on the title. You must re-register your car every year so be sure to note the date of expiration on the license plate.
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Some international students at UT plan on buying a car and driving.
However, the Office of International Student Services strongly recommends
that you do NOT buy a car unless it is absolutely necessary.
If you do decide to buy a car, be careful!
New and Used Car Dealers in Toledo, Ohio that are close to campus:
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