Comparing Car Insurance For The First Time

By Anna Chrisholm

A first time driver needs to invest in auto insurance. This is a necessary component of responsible driving and is actually part of the driving laws in the UK. UK drivers are required to have auto insurance, a security or a large deposit of at least 500,000 pounds. This is a security against accidents that might result in injuries and damage to other vehicles. As a new driver who is comparing insurance for the first time, having some idea of what to look for is the best way to find deals and good service.

First Time Insurances:

As a new driver, many large companies will not offer good deals on insurance prices because of the potential risk. Young drivers have a higher incidence of accidents, so they are considered risky when compared to experienced drivers. Many of the large UK companies who advertise on TV or radio are not likely to offer a reasonable insurance quote.

Fortunately, some UK insurance companies cater young men and women who are looking for first time insurance. This type of company tries to offer reasonable rates for young drivers and it one of the first places to look when comparing insurance options.

Needed Information:

Before obtaining any quotes, new drivers must have information set aside to provide the insurance companies. All drivers must provide a vehicle VIN number, which is often found on the vehicle paperwork, the make and model of the car, the year the car was made and permission to look at a driving record.

Before looking for insurance, taking the time to look over a driving record for mistakes is another important factor because some mistakes might occur that result in high charges. If mistakes are found, have them corrected and then look for insurance.

Comparison Websites:

A valuable resource to help find those first time insurance companies is through comparison websites. Online websites that compare different insurances help identify which companies are offering deals for young drivers and which are designed for more experienced drivers.

The websites will give basic quotes. The quotes are not always the best offer the company will make because it might not always include promotional deals, special discounts or similar low cost deals that individuals might be eligible to obtain.

Though the quotes might not be the best deals available, it gives an idea of which companies are providing first time driver insurance to the local area. This provides a place to start the comparison shopping.

Determining the Insurance Needs:

Armed with the knowledge of which companies cater to young drivers in the area, the next part of comparison shopping is determine the insurance needs. Basic liability is the least coverage possible and only provides money to those who are injured or have damaged property as a result of an accident caused by the driver of the vehicle. For some young drivers, liability is the only necessary insurance.

Expensive vehicles might require more insurance. Full coverage, vandalism, theft and other potential damage or property loss is possible to add to the basic liability. In general, the more coverage options added to the plan, the higher the cost of insurance will rise. Most cars will not need the highest level of insurance, though anyone concerned about damage to the vehicle in an accident might consider a full coverage option.

Comparing Prices:

Only after the needs are determined it is possible to obtain accurate quotes from the companies. Go to the individual company websites or call the company phone number. Provide the information about the car, such as the make, model and year, and the information about the type of coverage preferred. Always explain the type of coverage needs, such as having insurance with theft protection, rather than just saying “full coverage” to avoid quotes that do not necessarily include every insurance concern.

Ask about discounts. Some companies might offer special promotions or discounts for areas of life showing responsibility, such as good grades in school, so finding out the offers will help save on the insurance cost.

Repeat the process with the next company until a few quotes are available. The quotes will give either a monthly cost or a six month cost, depending on the company.

Deductible Cost:

Before determining if a company is suitable, find out the deductible cost as well. This is part of the comparison shopping. The quote is the basic monthly fee for the insurance, but the deductible is the amount paid out of pocket if an accident occurs.

The insurance deductible will often vary by company. Some companies might have a percentage deductible, such as 15 percent, while others have a set fee like 250 pounds. In many cases, a higher deductible amount will result in a lower insurance premium cost, so if the company is offering a higher deductible, it might be worth finding a new quote for that higher deductible cost. Deductibles are only paid if an accident occurs, so a responsible driver might be able to work with a higher cost deductible for a lower insurance rate.

New drivers can obtain reasonable rates on auto insurance. It just takes a little time to find the best deals and offers.