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Are you a new driver? Have you just recently learned how to drive and now you’re looking for insurance for your car? Maybe you’ve driven for a while but always other people’s cars…and now you’re taking the big leap and purchasing your own vehicle. Whatever the case, whatever the reason you are looking to purchase car insurance for the first time, we applaud you!
This may seem like a small step to some, but purchasing auto insurance is a sign that you’re maturing, taking on more responsibility, and looking to safeguard your future–and an important possession. You should be proud of yourself for taking this step (and all the steps that led you to this moment).
As you prepare to purchase car insurance St Catharines for the first time, you probably have some questions. We are here to make everything easier with our list of several handy things to know about buying car insurance for the very first time.
Below are the six tips on how to get car insurance for the first time:
Tip #1: Take the right driving courses
One thing that can scare you about car insurance is how expensive it can be. This can especially be true if you’re a teen or young adult without the greatest job in the world. Money is tight and you don’t want to spend anymore than necessary!
That’s where the right driving courses can come in. Yes, taking defensive driving and other courses that help lower insurance prices will mean you are spending more money upfront. But it’s a way to save money in the long run–so take advantage of additional, approved courses if at all possible.
Tip #2: Don’t settle for any car insurance plan
Another tip on how to get car insurance for the first time is to not settle on one insurance company. In the world of car insurance, not all rates and packages are created equal and you deserve to know that you have options. Since you’re probably a first time driver, your car insurance will almost certainly be higher than what, say, your parents pay.
But there are things you can do to lower those costs. You can also gather different auto insurance quotes and find out which one will give you the best deal. Even once you go with one insurance provider, you still have the option to switch to a different one in the future. Keep an open mind and never totally stop looking for a better insurance package–especially as you get more years of experience under your belt.
Tip #3: Purchase only the insurance you need
Getting at least some car insurance for liabilities is probably a legal requirement in your area. But is that all the insurance you need? Maybe! There are other types of car insurance that can help safeguard you in the event of a lawsuit or that can help out if your car gets into a major accident.
It all depends on what your individual needs are. When you start shopping around at insurance agencies, feel free to ask them a bunch of questions about what type of insurance coverage they would recommend–but always make your own decision in the end.
Tip #4: Take the time to compare quotes
Insurance companies can and should give you a quote on the rates and package they’d offer you. You can also calculate quotes on different websites online–it’s up to you which route you decide to go in order to garner quotes (you could also employ both).
Getting quotes from multiple companies is a great idea because it allows you to see just what kind of value/deals you would be getting at each one. The more information you have, the more peace of mind you can have about making a smart decision that won’t have bad (read: expensive) repercussions down the road.
Tip #5: Think before filing claims
Sometimes filing a claim will end up costing you more money in the long run, even if you get the money you need for repairs and such right away. How? Well, when you file a claim it almost invariably raises your insurance rates–so you’ll end up paying more.
Now, sometimes filing a claim is obviously the best thing to do. But sometimes, you’ll actually end up saving money by paying for the damage out of pocket. Think it through and make the decision that’s best for you!
Tip #6: Drive safely
If you want to keep your insurance rates from skyrocketing, you need to drive safely–within the law always. Of course you should just do this anyway, regardless of what it means for your insurance. Traffic and driving laws are there for a reason.
But having a clean slate in regards to driving safely and responsibly certainly can’t hurt your car insurance rates! So keep a clear head and make sure to drive in the best, most thoughtful way possible.
