How to insure my first car

When you’re getting your own car one of the biggest expenses that you’ll need to take into account is car insurance, but with so many adverts and options out there, it can be a bit of a minefield. Keep reading for the main things you need to know about getting insured.

1. It will be expensive. Insurance companies decide on premiums based on how high the risk of an accident is, and how much they would have to pay out in the event of an accident. Statistics show that there’s a higher likelihood of having an accident within the first two years after passing your test and if you are under twenty-five – falling into one or both of these categories will make your insurance more expensive, but there are some ways to reduce the cost below.
2. Get several quotes. There are now several different price comparison sites that you can use to help you choose the most appropriate and competitively priced insurance, so it’s definitely worth tapping the details of what you are looking for into GoCompare, ComparetheMarket and Confused.com as you’ll be able to compare the prices of different policy types and insurance companies. Don’t forget to check out the companies that aren’t on the comparison sites though, by calling them directly, as they may be able to offer something even more competitive, especially if you tell them what you’ve been quoted elsewhere.
3. Choose your vehicle carefully. As mentioned above, insurance companies base their premiums on perceived risk and on the cost of repairs. Higher power vehicles are more likely to be involved in an accident, and higher value cars will cost more to repair or replace. Different makes and models of car have therefore been allocated an insurance group on a scale from 1 – 50. A small 1 litre Citroen will be in a very low insurance group (cheaper to insure), while a 4.4L Range Rover TDV8 is in Group 50. For insurance purposes as well as economy it’s best to choose a low power inexpensive car at this stage, and to avoid any modifications such as tinted windows, spoilers and lowered suspension which may also increase your insurance premium. Before you buy your car, check online to find out which insurance group it is in.
4. Type of insurance. There are three basic categories of car insurance: Third party; third party, fire and theft; and fully comprehensive. Third party is the cheapest type of insurance, and will pay out to cover damage to other people’s property and for injuries to them in the event of an accident, you would still need to pay for repairs to your own vehicle. Third party, fire and theft is the most common type of insurance, covering you as for third party, but also for any damage to your own vehicle in the event of fire or theft. Fully comprehensive is the most expensive, and also covers you for accidental damage to your own vehicle.
5. Check the details. However similar an insurance policy may look on the surface, there are extras that you may wish to ensure are covered, or may not require. Once you’ve shortlisted some policies, read the small-print. These details may include: whether or not a courtesy car is provided while your car is being repaired after an accident; whether windscreen or legal expenses cover is included, or break-down recovery; how much excess you have to pay when making a claim; and quite importantly, whether you are actually covered for work-related travel.
6. Can you reduce the premiums still further? It’s worth picking up the phone to arrange your car insurance rather than doing it all on-line, despite the tortuous time waiting “on hold” because you can often negotiate a reduction on premiums based on little details that might be overlooked on an on-line form. Possible reasons for reductions may be: that you’ve attended a Pass Plus course; that your vehicle is stored in a locked garage or compound at home or at work; that you have fitted an immobiliser, car tracking device or steering-wheel lock; if you negotiate a (practical) low mileage limit; if you are paying in full at the beginning rather than monthly.

Once you’ve done your research and chosen a policy that seems to suit you, call the company and arrange your insurance, which will usually take effect immediately (check this when you phone). You will be sent the insurance certificate, and all the details of the policy, which you should read carefully to make sure you have the cover you need and all the details of you and the vehicle are correct. You can cancel the policy within fourteen days if there are any problems. When the insurance policy is due to expire, the insurance company will usually contact you with a quote to continue for the following year. It is well worth getting on those price-comparison sites again at this point, as many insurance companies inflate their prices for that second year, hoping that you will just stay with them without checking! Remember that although insurance is one of the highest costs for a motorist, particularly in those first few years, it is illegal to drive without it, and you could be prosecuted and your car impounded if you try to avoid it.

To find out more about learning to drive in Glasgow contact TX Driver Training now on 0141 764 1213.