Used Car Ownership Made Easy: Insurance, Registration, Maintenance Guide [KOREA]

Buying a used car can be a smart financial choice — but only if you proceed carefully.
Without proper checks, you risk facing hidden damages, costly repairs, or even legal issues.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you must know before and after buying a used car,
including insurance, license plate change, online registration, and essential maintenance.

Let's dive in!

Part 1. What You Must Check Before Buying a Used Car

1. Set Your Budget and Requirements

• Don't just consider the vehicle price.
  Factor in taxes, registration fees, insurance, and potential maintenance costs.
• Decide on the car model, year, and maximum mileage based on your intended use (commuting, family, leisure, etc.).

2. Choose a Reliable Seller

• Certified used car dealers (e.g., K-Car, Hyundai Certified) or reputable dealers recommended by trusted sources.
• Private sales are cheaper but involve higher risks.

3. Perform Thorough Vehicle Checks

Accident/Flood History	Check official records (Car History, Insurance Database)
Exterior & Engine Bay	Look for repaint marks, welding signs, oil leaks
Underbody	Inspect for rust or flood damage
Test Drive	Check steering alignment, brake response, engine noise

4. Confirm Legal Documentation

• Request the official Vehicle Inspection Report (Mandatory by law in Korea).
• Check the vehicle registration certificate and seller's ID for ownership match.
• Verify if the vehicle has any liens (outstanding loans).

5. Real Case Examples

• Cases of hidden flood-damaged cars leading to full refunds + compensation (Supreme Court ruling, 2021).
• Scams manipulating accident records — always double-check the vehicle number.
• Cars seized after purchasing without checking financial liens — lien check is critical.

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Part 2. What to Do Immediately After Buying a Used Car

1. Car Insurance: Must Be Done Immediately

• Driving without insurance = illegal (up to 1 year imprisonment or 5 million KRW fine in Korea).
• Options:
  • Transfer your existing insurance to the new car (if applicable).
  • Get a new insurance policy (compare companies like Samsung Fire, DB Insurance, etc.).
  • Use temporary insurance if needed for short-term.

Checklist for Insurance:

• Vehicle info (VIN, plate number)
• Choose coverage (comprehensive, third-party, uninsured motorist)
• Check discount options (black box discount, mileage-based discount)

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2. License Plate Change: When and How

• Required if you purchase a car from a different region.
• Must be completed within 15 days to avoid fines (up to 500,000 KRW).

License Plate Change Procedure:

• Visit your local Vehicle Registration Office.
• Bring: Vehicle registration certificate, ID, and other necessary documents.
• Pay fees (around 50,000 KRW total for new plates + registration fee).
• Install the new plate (you can install it yourself or request service on-site).

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Part 3. Advanced: Online Vehicle Registration (Government24)

Skip the lines and register your used car online via Government24:

Steps:

1. Access Government24 website.
2. Search for "Vehicle Transfer Registration."
3. Log in with a public certificate (authentication key).
4. Fill out the application form.
5. Upload necessary documents (registration certificate, sales contract, etc.).
6. Pay taxes and registration fees online.
7. Receive an electronic confirmation.

Tip:
Online registration may not be available for certain vehicles (e.g., company-owned cars, vehicles with existing liens).

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Part 4. How to Change Your License Plate Yourself

Tools Needed:

• Screwdriver or electric drill
• Official number plate bolts (usually provided)
• Spanner/wrench (if bolts are rusty)
• Gloves

Steps:

1. Remove old plates carefully.
2. Align new plates properly.
3. Tighten bolts securely — but avoid over-tightening (risk of cracking).

Cautions:

• Incorrect installation (crooked or loose) can result in fines.
• Use only official bolts provided by the registration office.

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Part 5. Must-Check Consumables After Buying a Used Car

Even if the car looks fine, internal wear might be serious.
Check and replace the following immediately:

Engine oil & filter	Replace immediately
Brake fluid	Replace if discolored
Brake pads & discs	Check thickness and condition
Tires	Check tread depth and cracks
Coolant	Replace if old
Battery	Check charge and lifespan
Air filter & Cabin filter	Replace if dirty
Lights	Check brightness and operation

Optional Checks:

• Transmission fluid (ATF)
• Differential oil (for 4WD cars)
• Spark plugs
• Suspension bushings

 

Thank you so much for reading my post!

I truly hope the information here makes your life a little easier, whether you're in Korea or anywhere around the world!