This time of year, it seems all the major car manufacturers create the same commercial. In some fashion, they depict a car being given to a beloved friend or family member as a holiday gift, complete with big red bow and surprised faces. 

The reality is, that giving the gift of a car is an incredibly generous gesture but may be more involved than one realizes. To truly pull off the gift of a new car you need to make sure all the details are covered, and doing so in secret could be tricky but we are happy to help. 

Here’s what you need to know about car insurance when you buy a car as a gift.

The fine print of giving a car

The gift of a car is more than just the car itself with a big red bow. You must consider the other “fine print” details like the title and car insurance. 

Giving a car as a gift will be easier if it is for a spouse or child, things may get more complicated if you are trying to buy for a friend. Buying and receiving a title for a car you are part owner of is a very straightforward process. You can purchase the car and sign all paperwork without your spouse or child ever having to know.

Insurance should be a no-brainer as well. If you are listed as a co-owner of the car and add it to a shared policy, you can sign all necessary documents without involving your spouse, keeping your secret safe.

Both the DMV and car insurance companies likely won’t let you receive a title or purchase a cheap car insurance policy in Springfield, Ohio with at least being part owner. For this reason, if you are buying a car for a friend, the easiest way to do so will likely be to title and insure the car in your name and sign the title over as a gift a few days after the surprise.

Tips for Pulling Off The Big Surprise

If you are choosing to give the gift of a new car this holiday season, you have likely been planning for a while. Here are a few tips to help you pull off the big reveal. 

• Start early. You may run into unexpected problems.
• Consider all expenses including, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and more.
• Dealers are happy to keep the car on the lot until the big day but may not be able to deliver late Christmas Eve. 
• If the dealership requires signatures from your spouse or friend, you could consider wrapping the key in a nice box with a picture of the car and then heading to the dealership later to sign the paperwork. 
• Don’t forget the big red bow!

The Gift of Cheap Car Insurance

However your holiday season looks (we know most celebrations don’t include new cars with big red bows) we hope it is enjoyable for you and your loved ones! With extra travel and slippery road conditions, we are here to support you and your family in all your car insurance needs. The end and beginning of the year are both wonderful times to assess your insurance coverage and take advantage of the cheap car insurance near Springfield, Ohio. Happy Holidays from Link-Hellmuth Insurance!