Deal Jacket

A 'deal jacket' is the collection of all documents and paperwork related to a single vehicle sale (or lease) transaction, traditionally kept in a physical folder. It typically includes the sales contract, finance/lease agreement, buyer's order, credit application, copies of driver’s license and insurance, trade-in papers (like ownership and lien release if applicable), odometer disclosure, any required government forms (like safety standards certificate in Ontario for used cars, or NVIS/New Vehicle Information Statement for new cars), bill of sale, privacy consent forms, and so on. The deal jacket serves as the official record of the transaction, which dealerships must retain for several years (e.g., Ontario requires at least 6 years). In modern times, some dealers have electronic deal jackets (scanned versions in a document management system), but many still use the physical folders during the process then scan later. Completing the deal jacket is a critical step: before delivery, the business office will double check it's fully signed and every needed document is present (to avoid issues in an audit or missing lender paperwork). Post-sale, accounting will use it to post the deal into the books, and if any issue arises (like a customer question or legal dispute), the deal jacket is the reference. It’s also what an OMVIC inspector or other regulator would review to ensure all laws were followed in the sale (e.g., proper disclosure forms signed). In essence, the deal jacket is the comprehensive file for each sale, and a well-organized one reflects a dealership's diligence and professionalism. The process around it includes checklisting documents, obtaining all signatures, and storing it securely.