Automotive: General
Car Insurance - Where to Start!
No matter where you live, if you drive a car you will need to have car insurance. Its mostly illegal to drive without being properly insured, getting the best policy and deal to suite your needs is vital to ensure you are correctly covered and not paying more than you should be.
Car Insurance is based on a two main factors:
The Car
Lets look at the car first, some of us are happy to have any car that will get us from A to B reliably and in reasonable comfort. Some us like to have fast or highly modified vehicles that are fun to drive and also tell everybody about us – a form of expression if you like.
It’s the latter category that is likely to have higher insurance premiums. As a general rule, the higher the value of car the higher the insurance. The more performance, the higher the insurance. The more modified, the higher the insurance. Its worth checking what level the car insurance is going to be before you buy a car and this way you wont find yourself in a awkward situation where you have spent your hard earned money on the car of your dreams, but cant afford the insurance!
The Driver
Now lets have a look at the driver. This is mostly based on past experience. If you are a new / young driver you are going to have to pay larger insurance rates. If you have a bad track record and previous claims then again you are likely to be penalised for this with a higher premium. You should also consider other drivers you may want insured on your car and their history. It will all affect the final cost you have to pay each year!
Deciding On What Car Insurance You Need
There are hundred of different insurers out there, offering many different policies. You should start by thinking what you need your policy to cover – do you want it to cover damage to your car or just somebody else’s (third party), do you need an agreed value for your car or a courtesy car whilst yours is being repaired? Do you only drive a small amount so a limited mileage policy would be suitable? Is your car a classic and can it be insured as such?
Once you have asked yourselves these questions call up a few companies and get a few quotes. Don’t be scared to say what quotes you already have as they may be prepared to go lower. Take note of what advantages each policy brings you, some offer breakdown cover or a discount in your first year, see what’s best for you. A lot of research can be done online and some firms offer online discounts which can save you more. Always ensure your insurance company is properly registered, its worth asking friends and family who they use and would recommend.
Although insurance may seem expensive, being properly covered is vital. Don’t risk not having it and remember you will be breaking the law.
Car Insurance - Where to Start!
No matter where you live, if you drive a car you will need to have car insurance. Its mostly illegal to drive without being properly insured, getting the best policy and deal to suite your needs is vital to ensure you are correctly covered and not paying more than you should be.
Car Insurance is based on a two main factors:
1. The Car
2. The Driver
2. The Driver
The Car
Lets look at the car first, some of us are happy to have any car that will get us from A to B reliably and in reasonable comfort. Some us like to have fast or highly modified vehicles that are fun to drive and also tell everybody about us – a form of expression if you like.
It’s the latter category that is likely to have higher insurance premiums. As a general rule, the higher the value of car the higher the insurance. The more performance, the higher the insurance. The more modified, the higher the insurance. Its worth checking what level the car insurance is going to be before you buy a car and this way you wont find yourself in a awkward situation where you have spent your hard earned money on the car of your dreams, but cant afford the insurance!
The Driver
Now lets have a look at the driver. This is mostly based on past experience. If you are a new / young driver you are going to have to pay larger insurance rates. If you have a bad track record and previous claims then again you are likely to be penalised for this with a higher premium. You should also consider other drivers you may want insured on your car and their history. It will all affect the final cost you have to pay each year!
Deciding On What Car Insurance You Need
There are hundred of different insurers out there, offering many different policies. You should start by thinking what you need your policy to cover – do you want it to cover damage to your car or just somebody else’s (third party), do you need an agreed value for your car or a courtesy car whilst yours is being repaired? Do you only drive a small amount so a limited mileage policy would be suitable? Is your car a classic and can it be insured as such?
Once you have asked yourselves these questions call up a few companies and get a few quotes. Don’t be scared to say what quotes you already have as they may be prepared to go lower. Take note of what advantages each policy brings you, some offer breakdown cover or a discount in your first year, see what’s best for you. A lot of research can be done online and some firms offer online discounts which can save you more. Always ensure your insurance company is properly registered, its worth asking friends and family who they use and would recommend.
Although insurance may seem expensive, being properly covered is vital. Don’t risk not having it and remember you will be breaking the law.
James is the publisher of carinsuranceltd.com which is dedicated to provide simple advice on finding the best car insurance policies.