Car Insurance for New Drivers If you are a new driver, you may be wondering how to get car insurance. If so, you aren’t alone; in the United States alone, about 4 million new drivers obtain their licenses every year! However, insurance companies don’t always seem to appreciate the fact that you are new to driving, especially if it’s your first time driving on your own. Fortunately, there are ways that you can save money when buying car insurance as a new driver. Here are some suggestions on how to get car insurance as a new driver and how to find cheap car insurance!
Do you know how many years you need to be covered?
If you’re a new driver, you might not know how many years of car insurance coverage you need. The answer depends on your state’s requirements and the type of car you drive. In most states, you’ll need to have at least liability insurance, which covers damage you cause to other people and property. If you finance your car, your lender will also require you to have collision and comprehensive insurance, which covers damage to your own car from accidents, theft, and weather events. You can’t get these coverages with just liability insurance; they’ll be offered as an add-on or package deal with your loan.
What kind of coverages do you need?
Collision and comprehensive are both types of optional coverages that help pay to repair or replace your car if it’s damaged in an accident. If you finance or lease your car, your lender will likely require you to have these coverages. Liability insurance is required in most states and it helps protect you if you’re found at fault for causing an accident that injures someone or damages their property. State laws vary on the amount of liability coverage drivers must carry, but the minimum is typically $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you when the other driver involved in the accident doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your expenses. It covers expenses like medical bills and lost wages.
How much will you pay for your auto policy?
Your premium is based on many factors, including your driving record, the type of car you drive, your age and gender, where you live, and how much coverage you need. In most states, you must have at least liability insurance, which pays for damage you cause in an accident. If you finance your car, your lender will require you to have collision and comprehensive insurance, which covers damage to your car no matter who is at fault. Collision and comprehensive policies typically cost about $150 a year more than liability insurance.
In some cases, your auto insurer may ask for proof that you’ve taken a defensive-driving course before approving a new driver’s policy. Many insurers offer discounts if you maintain good grades or keep good records of completing annual safety inspections on your vehicle.
Tips For Getting The Cheapest Rate
- Compare rates from multiple companies before you buy. 2. Look for discounts that you may qualify for, such as a good student discount. 3. Increase your deductible to lower your premium. 4. Ask about any available usage-based or pay-as-you-go insurance options. 5. Consider buying only the minimum coverage required by your state. The more comprehensive the coverage, the higher the cost. Be sure to carefully read your policy and understand what is covered and what is not. Find out if there are any limits on the amount of money paid out per accident and how long it takes to make a claim. Remember, car insurance protects against injury or property damage caused by an accident, so be sure to compare costs with other types of car insurance (liability, comprehensive) if you’re in need of other types of coverage.
Start comparing rates now!
The best way to find the most affordable car insurance is to compare rates from different companies. You can do this easily by using an online comparison tool. Just enter your zip code and some basic information about yourself and you’ll be on your way to finding the best rates.