If you are in the market for a new car you have probably looked at the reliability ratings, fuel economy statistics and safety tests. But have you looked at the insurance rates for the car of your dreams? If not you may want to take a step back and consider what that new car will cost to insure. Before you sign on the dotted line it is a good idea to contact your car insurance company for a premium quote. Some cars are surprisingly expensive to insure, while others are surprisingly affordable. The key is to find out how much the premiums on your proposed vehicle will be before you commit to buying.
If you are currently driving an older vehicle it’s likely that you no longer carry full comprehensive and collision coverage on it. When shopping for a new vehicle consider that you will be upgrading to full coverage, which translates into higher premiums by itself. Be sure to factor these higher insurance costs into the equation when determining what kind of car you can afford. Many drivers just look at the monthly payment for the car and forget about the cost of insurance, regular maintenance and other important expenses. By comparing insurance rates on the vehicles you are considering you can avoid those unpleasant surprises and keep your transportation budget in check.
One good strategy is to narrow your choice of vehicles down to three or four by using the typical criteria – reliability ratings, government crash tests, cost of ownership and the like. After narrowing the field, contact your agent to determine how much it will cost to insure each vehicle. You may not be able to get an exact figure without the vehicle’s VIN number, but your agent should be able to at least give you a ballpark figure. You can then use those figures to determine the true cost of ownership for each type of vehicle you are considering. Depending on how the numbers work out the cost of insurance may be enough to tip the scales in favor of one model over another.
Shopping for a new car can be fun and exciting, but it is also serious business. That is why it is so important to consider all of the factors, including the monthly payment, the total cost of the car, the cost of ongoing maintenance and of course the cost of car insurance. By understanding all the factors that go into the price of that car and its operating cost you will be able to make an intelligent and informed decision.