Compare Car Insurance
Looking to buy a new car? The last thing on your mind is probably the cost of the monthly insurance; all you are thinking about now is getting the wheels of your dreams. You may remember to check what the monthly installments on the car is going to be and that may fit into your budget, but once the insurance is added you will be looking at a different picture.
Why consider insurance before you buy the car?
The premiums, excess costs, and exclusions in your car insurance policy clauses depend on various factors such as the car itself, what you use it for, where you house it, and your personal car ownership and insurance claims history. Before you buy a vehicle, you need to compare your insurance options because it may influence your decision on what car you purchase.
Comparative car insurance web sites
The best way to do this is to visit a comparative car insurance web site where you can get a number of car insurance quotes online at the click of a mouse button. To find a web site simply type ‘comparative car insurance quotes’ into the search field of your favourite search engine. Select a web site and then follow the online instructions. You can also visit car insurance web sites directly and request a quote. An insurance consultant will contact you requesting your details and create a personalised quote to suit your needs.
Factors that car insurers take into consideration
To compare insurance policies effectively, you need to get at least three quotes for each vehicle you are considering buying. The following are the two main factors car insurance companies take into consideration when giving you a quote – the insured vehicle and your personal information.
The insured vehicle
1· The more expensive your car, the higher your premium.
2· Imported, modified, high performance and sports models are going to cost you more in insurance. The spare parts will have to be imported and if the car is build for speed….well, the accident risk is automatically higher.
3· Find out what the depreciation is on the car you are interested in. The value of some cars reduces much faster than others.
4· Car theft syndicates have their favourite make and models and if it’s your favourite too, you are going to pay for it in terms of higher insurance premiums. Ask the insurer if the car you are interested in falls into this unlucky category.
5· What level of insurance you take out, e.g., comprehensive, limited liability or 3rd party only. Remember that you can request to pay a higher excess which will lower your monthly premiums.
6· What accessories you want to insure, e.g. an expensive sound system and mag wheels will cost you extra.
7· What security features your car has, e.g., tracking device, an immobilizer, gear lock or alarm system. Your insurance company will also want to know where your car is parked overnight.
Your personal information
1· Your age and gender will influence your premiums. Women generally pay lower premiums. Young drivers are charged higher premiums.
2· Where you live. Some suburbs are known statistically to have higher car theft rates and are accordingly rated as high risk areas.
3· What you use your car for—is it mainly for business or private use.
4· Claims history. This is one of the first questions asked by insurance consultants. If you have a bad track record, such as making car insurance claims often, the insurance companies are going to view you as a high risk. If they offer you insurance it will be at a much higher premium.
So, rather consider the insurance before you buy a car, when you know the full financial implications you may have to change your mind and look at other cars. Luckily you are spoilt for choice when it comes to variety in the car market. Take your time, buying a car is no joke.