When it comes to car insurance, you don’t want to sacrifice coverage for price, but you also want to make sure you’re getting the best rates available. Your car insurance rates are determined by a variety of factors, one of the most significant being the type of car you drive. If you’re shopping for a new car, now is a great time to look for ways to save on your auto insurance. You may get more affordable rates for your new vehicle if you keep the following factors in mind.
Car Shopping Tips to Lower Your Car Insurance Premium
Your new vehicle should be a good fit for both your needs and lifestyle. Consider factors like the road conditions in the area where you drive, as well as routes for commuting and travel. You can also keep climate in mind—will your car need to be driven on snow and ice throughout the year, or do you live in a more temperate area? Below are other important factors that can not only help you decide what type of car to buy, but that can also affect your car insurance rates.
Safety
The safer your vehicle, the more discount opportunities you’ll have for your auto insurance. Many car insurance carriers offer discounted rates if your car has certain safety features, such as anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, motion sensors, lane assist technology and GPS tracking devices. When shopping for a new vehicle, look for cars that have these features to save on your policy.
Engine Size
Typically, accident rates are higher among cars that have bigger, stronger engines and therefore can achieve higher speeds. When car shopping, keep engine size in mind, as buying a car with a bigger engine may increase your premiums due to the way insurance companies perceive your accident risk.
Older Cars
Collision and comprehensive coverage are two common and popular policy types that pay for different types of damage to your vehicle. However, if you purchase an older car, these coverage types may not be as important. Older cars are typically lower in value than newer models, so if you purchase a car that is worth less than your deductible and your annual premiums combined, it may make more sense financially to drop collision and comprehensive coverage to save money on your policy.
Who’s Driving the Car
More experienced drivers will usually pay lower premiums than younger, less experienced drivers. If you are insuring a teen driver on your new vehicle, you may end up with higher premiums. However, some carriers will offer discounts for teens who maintain good driving habits, like completing a safe driving course, so there are still opportunities to save on your policy.
SelectQuote Can Help You Find the Lowest Car Insurance Premiums
Finding affordable car insurance that meets your needs may seem daunting, but SelectQuote is here to help. We have over 35 years of experience helping customers like you find quality coverage at the right price. We’ll search a variety of trusted carriers in just minutes, comparing plans on your behalf so you can find the right policy to keep you safe on the road.
