Check Rates before You Buy

Buying a new vehicle can be exciting. It can also be complicated. If you purchase your car at a dealership, the salesman will try to show you different vehicles with different styles and price ranges. If you do your homework ahead of time, you might have a good idea of what you are looking for when you go car shopping. You might examine price, safety features, style, and whether the car is the right size for your needs. While you're trying to decide on the perfect car, don't forget to factor in the cost of auto insurance. Some vehicles cost more to insure, and you may want to call your insurance company ahead of time to find out what the rates would be. Knowing what causes a car to cost more to insure can help you decide on which vehicle will be most affordable to own.

The Car's Value

A car that is worth more will cost you more in comprehensive and collision insurance. Higher-value cars are more likely to be stolen, and they will probably cost more to repair as well. Unless you're paying cash for the car and only want liability insurance, choosing a less expensive car will probably give you a lower insurance premium.

The Car's Power

You might think that a sports car looks cooler on the road than a minivan, but it probably comes with a higher insurance premium. In an accident, you may end up with more damage to your vehicle. An SUV or truck probably won't cost as much to repair if it gets into an accident, but you'll make up for that with a higher liability cost, as they are likely to cause more damage when they are involved in an accident.

Theft Costs You

Car thieves like to steal some cars more than others. In some cases, it's because their parts are more in demand. In other cases, they might be highly coveted in foreign countries. If you live in an area where cars are stolen more often, you can expect to see your car premiums increase as well.

It Doesn't Hurt to Check

The cheapest vehicle on the lot may not be the cheapest vehicle to insure. If the cost of car ownership is a concern to you, it doesn't hurt to check with your insurance company on how much your chosen vehicle will cost to insure, before you buy. Once you sign a purchase contract with the dealership, it is too late. Make sure you know the costs of ownership, including insurance, before you sign on the dotted line.