Buy a Car That Can Lower Your Auto Insurance
What car you drive is almost as important as your driving record, when it comes to your auto insurance premiums. Insurers are able to determine what kind of claims you are likely to file in the future based on the vehicle you drive. That’s one of the reasons why it’s more expensive to insure a sports car than a minivan. So, before you buy a new set of wheels, take the time to compare auto insurance quotes for various brands and models. Buying the right car may save you hundreds of dollars in insurance costs every year you own your car.
Insurers create risk profiles of the average driver of particular models. For instance, they have found most people who drive minivans or small SUVs typically don’t use them to commute to work or drive around at night. Think of soccer moms chauffeuring kids to school and to games. Since they tend to be to safe, responsible drivers, all minivan drivers benefit from their cautious reputation when it comes to insurance rates. On the other hand, sport car drivers are considered to be more aggressive drivers, so they will have higher rates.
Don’t think you will save money on your insurance premium, if you drive off the lot with an inexpensive compact car. Since they’re cheaper, young, inexperienced drivers tend to buy them. Insurers consider younger drivers a greater risk; so small car drivers may pay higher premiums. Also, smaller cars have smaller frames, so they’re apt to incur more damage in a crash. Know what factors might affect your auto insurance rate. A vehicle’s loss history — how often that model is stolen and how much it costs to repair or replace it after an accident – also contributes to how much you will pay for comprehensive and collision insurance. Here are some characteristics to consider when you’re shopping for a new car and want to keep your premiums affordable:
Car’s Age
The latest model year is the most expensive to insure, because the car is worth more than older ones. So, if you’re not in a hurry, wait a few months until the car you want to buy is no longer the newest model on the lot. Buying last year’s model might lower your auto insurance premiums a few hundred dollars.
Safety Records
Insurance companies want to insure cars with records requiring fewer and less costly claims. Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tests for safer cars and the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s most-stolen list for vehicles thieves target. You may get a discount if your car has antilock brakes, antitheft devices
– alarms and GPS tracking systems, and safety gear — airbags, side airbags and automatic seatbelts. Having these devices may save you 10 percent or more on your premium.
Recalls
Insurers base their rates on their company’s claim records with a particular vehicle. So, if there has been a safety issue or a recall associated with the car you’re interested in buying, compare auto insurance quotes to get the best rate.
Tech Gadgets
High-performance and high-tech vehicles are more expensive to insure. You may save money on gas with a hybrid, but you may wind up paying a higher premium. Hybrids have expensive parts and need to be serviced by specially trained mechanics, so they are more expensive to insure. However, hybrid owners tend to be safe, responsible drivers, so your driving record might offset the car’s additional insurance costs.
Combined Policies
If you already own a vehicle, buying a new one may help you lower your auto insurance rates. Many insurers offer discounts between 10 percent and 20 percent for insuring more than one vehicle on one policy.
Once you have done your research, you are ready to shop around for lower auto insurance rates.
You can call agents in your local area, contact insurance companies directly or use InsuranceQuotes.com to instantly get competitive auto insurance quotes from the nation’s leading insurance providers. Simply fill out a simple online form on InsuranceQuotes.com to find the right insurance coverage at the best possible price. Take the time to protect you and your family today.
