The vehicle records worth keeping

A car's paperwork proves who owns it, shows how it was maintained, and backs up a warranty claim. Keep one folder for each vehicle, paper or digital.

Ownership

• The certificate of titleKeep the original in a bank's safe deposit box, with other key originals such as a property deed.
• The purchase and loan papersKeep the bill of sale, the financing agreement and, once the loan is paid, the payoff letter.
• The Buyers Guide, for a car bought used from a dealerIt shows whether the car was sold as is or with a warranty. Keep it with the purchase papers.

Service and repairs

• Every maintenance receiptKeep records of oil changes, tire rotations, belt replacements, new brake pads and inspections.
• Receipts for work you did yourselfService records and receipts show you've maintained the vehicle. For your own work, keep the parts receipts with the date and mileage written on them.
• Repair estimates and invoicesKeep them with the receipts for the same visit. File everything in date order, with the mileage written on each, so the car's history reads from start to finish.

Warranty and service contracts

• The manufacturer's warranty bookletIt lists what's covered and for how long. To confirm what's still covered and when it ends, call a dealership with the car's VIN.
• Any service contractA service contract might require you to follow all the manufacturer's recommendations for routine maintenance, such as oil changes. Keep the contract, and the written confirmation that it's in effect, with the receipts that show you did.

History and recalls

• A vehicle history reportA history report may list accidents and flood damage, but it typically won't list mechanical problems. It isn't a substitute for an independent inspection.
• A note of each recall checkCheck the car for open safety recalls by its VIN, and write the date of each check in the folder.

Where the folder goes

A home safe suits replaceable things you may need right away, such as a passport. It isn't as secure as a bank's safe deposit box, though, because a burglar can more easily get into a house and open a safe. No box or home safe is completely protected from fire, flood or theft, so seal papers in resealable plastic bags. The receipts and reports can go in a cloud folder, with a photo of each one taken the day you get it.

Buying a used car, from inspection to history report covers the same papers from the buyer's side.