Choosing the Right Ride: Best Vehicles for Notary Signing Agents

Choosing a vehicle for a professional notary entrepreneur involves considering several factors to ensure the vehicle meets both personal and business needs efficiently. Here are key considerations to guide your choice:

Reliability and Maintenance Costs

Choose a Reliable Brand: Opt for brands known for their reliability, such as Toyota, Honda, or Subaru.
Check Maintenance Costs: Look into the average maintenance costs and frequency of repairs for the models you’re considering.

Fuel Efficiency

Mileage Matters: Since notaries often travel to various locations, a vehicle with good fuel efficiency can save money on fuel costs.
Consider Hybrids or Electric Vehicles: These can be more cost-effective in the long run despite a potentially higher upfront cost.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Comfortable Seats: Look for vehicles with comfortable, supportive seats, especially if you spend long hours driving.
User-Friendly Controls: Ensure that the controls are intuitive and easy to reach and operate.

Cargo Space

Trunk Size: Adequate trunk space is necessary for carrying notary supplies, briefcases, and documents.
Interior Flexibility: Vehicles with foldable seats or configurable interiors can offer more versatility.

Safety Features

Advanced Safety Features: Choose a vehicle equipped with modern safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.
High Safety Ratings: Check the vehicle’s safety ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Technology and Connectivity

Navigation System: Built-in GPS can be a significant advantage for navigating to clients’ locations.
Bluetooth and Smartphone Integration: Ensure the vehicle supports Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto for hands-free communication and easy access to apps.

Cost Considerations

Budget: Establish a clear budget, including the vehicle’s purchase price, insurance, taxes, and registration fees.
Total Cost of Ownership: Consider the vehicle’s depreciation, insurance costs, fuel, maintenance, and repairs over time.

Professional Appearance

Image: Select a vehicle that conveys a professional image to your clients. A clean, well-maintained car in a neutral color can enhance your professional appearance.
Cleanliness: Ensure the vehicle can be easily kept clean, both inside and out.

Insurance

Business Use Coverage: Ensure your insurance policy covers business use, which might be required for your work as a notary.

Resale Value

Depreciation Rates: Look into models that retain their value well, as this can be beneficial when you decide to sell or trade in the vehicle.

Recommended Vehicle Types

Sedans: Reliable and fuel-efficient models like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.
Compact SUVs: Offer more cargo space without sacrificing fuel efficiency, such as the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.
Hybrid/Electric Vehicles: Toyota Prius or Tesla Model 3 for lower running costs and environmental benefits.

Specific Models to Consider

Toyota Camry: Known for reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
Honda CR-V: Offers a good balance of space, comfort, and efficiency.
Subaru Outback: Excellent safety features and reliability, with ample cargo space.
Toyota Prius: Great for fuel efficiency and low running costs.
Tesla Model 3: Offers cutting-edge technology, excellent range, and low running costs for an electric vehicle.

By considering these factors, you can choose a vehicle that enhances your efficiency and professionalism as a notary entrepreneur while fitting within your budget and lifestyle.

Daniel C. Lewis resides in Carmel, IN. He was named in 2010 Notary of the Year by the National Notary Association. He was also named in the same year an Honorary Secretary of State by the Indiana Secretary of State. Daniel is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Lewis Notary & Training Services Inc. Daniel is an entrepreneur, writer, video editor, and Keynote Speaker.