Car and car insurance

If you live on campus or close to it, you won't really need a car (look at the Public/campus transportation section). However, Atlanta is a vey car-oriented city and if you want to explore the area or live far from campus, you should consider buying one.

Buying a car

You want to pay attention to the following car features:

• Air conditioning (aka A/C)
• Gas consumption (see Fueleconomy.gov)
• Market value (see the Kelley Blue Book)
• Power steering (aka PS)
• Power windows (aka PW)
• Power locks (aka PL) / keyless entry

Buying a used car is as tricky as anywhere. If you buy from a private person, you can hire a mechanic that you can trust to check out the car you're planning to buy before actually doing it (~$150). It's worth it. Of course, you could always buy a new car ;-)
There is a comprehensive site about buying used cars at Samarins. It is especially important to check the car history via the vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number) and a service like ConsumerGuide's Vehicle History Report. Samarins has many more useful tips in the "How to check a used car prior purchase" section.

You can find ads on

• Atlanta Journal Constitution - Cars
• Craigslist Atlanta - Cars & Trucks
• CarsDirect - Atlanta
• Carmax
• Cars.com
• LiveDeal
• eBay Motors
• Autotrader
• Campus blackboards, such as Student Center
• The WSF mailing list

Insuring a car

Car insurance is mandatory from the first day that you own a car. You could even find yourself in jail if you fail to show one! The following are major American insurers:

• InsureMe, a free insurance referral service
• Esurance
• Geico
• Allstate
• Nationwide
• Progressive

Registering a car

The law allows you to drive without a license tag for 30 days after purchase. However, register as soon as possible. Registration information can be found at the Georgia Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Division. Typically this is what you need to bring:

• Driver's license
• Proof of ownership (vehicle's original valid title, manufacturer's certificate of origin or registration certificate from a non-title state/country)
• A completed application form MV-1
• Receipt and bill of sale of the car indicating that you paid for it
• Proof of insurance
• Emissions inspection
• Proof of residency - e.g. lease, utility bill, closing statement, paycheck stub, etc.
• Tag fee of currently $20
• Title fee of currently $18 (cash/check/money order)