You may already be ignoring the cold temperatures outside and fantasising of warm weather, sunshine, and flowers. When that time actually comes, the idea of buying a new car seems more appealing. As the weather improves being out on the road is more pleasant, and that sends many people on the hunt for a new car. Considering this dream is months away, however, you have some time to prepare. So, if you are looking to pick up a fresh set of wheels in the new year, make sure that insurance is one of the key things you consider as you shop.
How the Car Affects the Rates
Most people don’t realize just how vastly different one car can be from another when it comes to insurance. This can be a costly mistake. There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to budgeting for and shopping for your new car. Auto insurance quotes should be one of them.
As a general rule, the more expensive the car the more you can expect to pay for coverage; after all, the insurance company is providing you with protection for a more valuable vehicle. But there is more to the rating system than just the dollar value. Some cars are more expensive to repair due to accessibility of parts, while some cars may simply be a higher risk for the insurance company to take on.
Factors that Affect Premiums
Aside from the actual value of the vehicle, there are a few other factors about the car you’re considering buying that can make a big difference when it comes to insurance.
Some types of vehicles are more expensive to insure in general. Among them are SUVs and sports cars. Insurance companies use a wide variety of statistics and information to determine their rates. The statistics bear out the fact that claims tend to be more expensive and, in some cases, more frequent on these types of vehicles.
Cars that are more commonly stolen may also cost more money to insure than others that are less often targeted by thieves. If a car is more likely to be stolen, then that increases the risk to the insurance company of having to pay out on a comprehensive claim for that vehicle.
Who Is Driving the Car?
When you are shopping around for a new car it’s important to take into consideration who will be the main driver of that car. Cars that will be driven by a younger and less experienced driver many be more expensive to insure; thus, it makes sense to look for a car that has lower rates to begin with when shopping for such a driver. A teenage driver and an expensive, powerful sports car are a bad combination when it comes to insurance rates. So, no matter how much your teen might want that car, it could cost you more than you want to pay for insurance.
Get Quotes Before You Buy
The best way to avoid an expensive insurance bill that you weren’t prepared for is to get car insurance quotes before you buy a new car. When you are comparing models, request quotes on all of the ones on your list before you make a final choice. This will allow you to make an informed decision on your purchase that includes not just all the important things about the car itself, but how much you can expect to pay for insurance on that car.
Be sure to give the insurance company all the information about who will be driving the car and how it will be used when you get a quote. If you change the driver or commuting status later on, you will likely see an increase in the rate over what was quoted. Accurate information allows the insurance company to give you a realistic quote.
Buying a new car is a good opportunity to compare insurance quotes. So, take this time to shop around. At Rates.ca you can compare quotes from over 30 providers instantly.
