Reader question:
I’m looking for a used car and I want to get cheap rates on car insurance when I get it. How do I go about this?
Larry
Great question.
A used car is probably going to get you cheaper rates on car insurance to begin with, and not only that, but you’ll need less extensive coverage than you would with a newer car, so there’s some good news. But there are several things that you should keep in mind while shopping for a used car if you want to get a good deal on your car insurance premium.
Theft history. It doesn’t matter how old the thing is, if it’s stolen very often then you’re going to get charged sky-high prices for insuring it. The car insurance company takes a risk by insuring cars that are especially vulnerable to theft, and if you get such a car, you might be able to get a discount for adding an anti-theft system, but that probably won’t make much of a difference. To check the theft history of your model, call up the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Cost. Get a used car that’s cheap. Getting an expensive used car will have just the same effect on you as getting an expensive new car.
History. A car insurance company will look at a car’s behavior in general, but sometimes they also go by their own experience within their company of that car. If a certain car has a lot of claims within a company, that company will charge you higher rates. Get some quotes before you buy your car.
Imports. It’s hard to fix them and the parts cost a lot, so imports are more likely to get you charged higher car insurance premiums.
Big engines. You may like the way it revs, but your car insurance company doesn’t.
Off road vehicles. It’s more expensive to get insurance on cars with four wheel drive because going off road can cause a lot of damage.
Destructors. If the wheels of your car alone could crush a Toyota, then you’re going to be paying more.
Cheers,
Fashun Guadarrama.