Car Insurance Tips That Young Drivers Should Follow
If you are between the ages of 17 and 25, it is important that you get some good tips for buying car insurance. It can be very expensive for younger drivers, which is all the more reason to arm yourself with knowledge. These tips will help you get a reasonably-priced policy that still matches your needs. There is a certain process that everyone has to go through when getting car insurance, but it’s particularly crucial for young people.
Deciding on the Right Level of Cover
The first thing you will need to do is to decide how much cover you need with your car insurance policy. Younger drivers who have a very old car that isn’t worth much might want to consider going with a third party option. If you are driving a more valuable vehicle, it is prudent to get a higher level of cover. It all depends on the vehicle you have as well as how often you are on the road. Those who drive a lot are more likely to need a higher level of cover than those who just drive once in a while.
Get Breakdown Cover
Every young person should have breakdown cover with their insurance policy. Regardless of whether they’re getting cover for a car or motorcycle. Most insurance companies offer breakdown cover, and it will be very useful if your car ever breaks down on the road. You can get a mechanic sent out to fix the problem or tow your car to a local garage if necessary. There are all sorts of features that come with this cover, including the ability to get a car hire if your vehicle is in the garage for repairs.
How to Lower Your Risk
Younger drivers are generally seen as a bigger risk by insurance companies, which is why they typically pay more than older drivers. It is important that you know how to minimize your risk so you can get the cheapest policy possible.
Some of the best ways to reduce your risk as a driver include:
- Get a safe car: If you are looking for a new car, make sure that you get one with plenty of safety features. The safer your car is, the less you are going to pay for insurance.
- Reduce your driving: The less frequently you drive, the easier it will be to save money on insurance. A lower mileage typically means a lower premium. Take public transport whenever possible.
- Add a second driver: If you want to save money on your car insurance policy, consider adding a second low-risk driver. Having your parent on your policy can do wonders for saving you money each year or month.
Monthly Payments
A lot of younger drivers are tempted to make monthly payments on their car insurance instead of doing a lump sum for the entire year. This can be a bad idea if the insurance provider charges interest. In this case, you will actually end up paying a lot more in the long term.
Go Online
One of the best things that any young driver can do when getting car insurance is to go online and shop around. This will make it easy to compare policies and quotes. The more time you spend doing this, the easier it will be to save money on the cover you need. Remember to look at the various features that each provider offers as well as cover levels. The internet is the best resource you have for getting this sort of information.
Read the Policy
Before you agree to a certain car insurance policy, it is imperative that you take the time to read through it carefully. This will ensure that you know exactly what it says. The fine print is incredibly important, because it tells you everything you need to know. You don’t want to buy a certain policy without knowing exactly what is included. Don’t agree to a certain policy because you feel pressured. Take all the time you need to do this before making a final decision.
Pay As You Drive Policies
Pay as your drive car insurance policies are very popular with younger drivers for a number of reasons. This type of policy requires a “smartbox” to be installed in your vehicle that will record all of your driving activity in terms of braking and acceleration. You will be charged based on how much you actually drive the vehicle. This can be a very good option for those who don’t drive a lot. Your mileage will be taken into consideration when deciding how much to charge you for your insurance. A regular policy could be cheaper, so make sure that you weigh your options before deciding.
Finding the Best Provider
The huge number of car insurance companies that are out there can make deciding on one in particular a bit overwhelming. Spend some time researching your options so you can make the best overall decision. You should make sure that your insurer is legitimate so you don’t end up getting scammed.