Before you sign for a new car, get insurance quotes for that exact vehicle. Your current premium may not carry over: the price depends on the car, the driver, where it is kept, how it is used, and the coverage you choose. Compare quotes on the same assumptions, then check that the coverage meets any lender or lease requirements.
Get quotes for the exact car before committing
The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) advises: “Before you buy a new or used vehicle, check into insurance costs.” Triple-I’s consumer guidance is a useful reminder to make insurance part of the buying decision, not a cost to investigate only after you have signed.
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Ask insurers for quotes using the specific vehicle you are considering, rather than relying on the price for your current car or a broad estimate for a model category. There is no single premium that can predict what an individual buyer will pay. If you are comparing multiple cars, request a quote for each and keep the other assumptions consistent.
Compare quotes on matching assumptions
A quote comparison is meaningful only when the details match. Give each insurer the same information about the driver and the vehicle, and compare the same coverage choices.
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- Driver and address: Use the same drivers and the address where the car will be kept.
- Vehicle and use: Identify the exact car and give consistent annual mileage and use details.
- Coverage: Compare the same liability limits and the same choices for collision and comprehensive coverage.
- Deductibles: Match the deductible for each coverage where possible; a lower premium can come with more out-of-pocket cost after a covered claim.
- Effective date: Ask for the same policy start date so the quotes reflect the same timing.
Do not judge the options on premium alone. A lower price may reflect lower limits, different coverages, or a higher deductible. Compare what the policy protects and what you would have to pay yourself before deciding.
Why one new car can cost more to insure than another
Vehicle characteristics are only part of the rating. Triple-I identifies vehicle price, repair costs, theft likelihood, engine size, and safety record as factors insurers may consider. Safety features may qualify for discounts with some insurers, but availability and eligibility vary by company.
Your location, parking, age and driving experience, driving record, coverage selections, and deductible can also affect a quote. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) lists additional rating factors, including marital status, claims history, credit history, prior insurance, vehicle type and use, and mileage. State laws influence which factors insurers may use. See the Triple-I explanation of auto insurance pricing and the NAIC’s overview of auto insurance.
Because several factors interact, a single attribute—such as a car’s price, engine size, or safety equipment—cannot predict your individual premium. For each car on your shortlist, compare the actual quote, policy limits, deductible exposure, and any lender or lease conditions. Vehicle-specific repair, theft, and safety characteristics can help explain a difference between quotes, but the quote itself is what shows how an insurer prices your situation.
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Almost all states require insurance when a vehicle is purchased or leased, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which recommends shopping around. A lender or lessor may also set coverage requirements in the financing or lease agreement. Confirm those terms before you choose a policy, including any required coverage or limits.
If required insurance is missing or lapses, a lender may obtain force-placed insurance. The CFPB explains that this coverage protects the lender and vehicle, not the borrower. The lender may also pass on the cost of Vendor’s Single Interest (VSI) coverage. If either charge appears, ask what it covers and whether it can be waived or canceled after you obtain appropriate insurance. Read the CFPB’s guidance on insurance options when financing a car, last reviewed March 8, 2024.
Decide whether GAP coverage fits your loan or lease
Guaranteed asset protection (GAP) is an optional add-on that may cover some or all of the difference between a vehicle’s cash value and the remaining loan or lease balance if the car is stolen or totaled. That difference matters when the balance owed is greater than the vehicle’s value; GAP is not a substitute for the auto insurance policy itself.
GAP terms vary by contract, so do not assume every product covers the same amount or circumstances. Before buying, check the contract’s eligibility rules, price, exclusions, limits, and cancellation terms. Consider it in light of the possible shortfall on your own loan or lease rather than treating it as a requirement for every buyer.
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A pre-signing insurance checklist
- Identify the exact car. Get quotes for each vehicle you are considering, not just for your current car.
- Keep quote details consistent. Use the same drivers, garaging address, mileage and use, limits, deductibles, and effective date.
- Compare coverage as well as price. Review liability limits, collision and comprehensive coverage, and the amount you would owe through deductibles.
- Read the financing or lease terms. Confirm required insurance and ask about any lender-placed insurance or VSI charge.
- Evaluate GAP only against a possible shortfall. Review the actual contract terms before deciding whether the optional coverage is useful for you.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
