So you’ve decided to buy a new car, and are still working out what you want and what you can afford. While this is an exciting time, it can also be daunting and difficult. Once you’ve decided on a new vehicle and are ready to purchase it, you will also need to allow time to look for and secure auto insurance. It is mandatory to have coverage when you get a new vehicle, and it’s well worth hunting for the right policy now rather than rushing through it on the dealer’s car lot. But before you choose your policy, here are a few things you should look out for.
Car insurance types
Before securing auto insurance, you must understand the different types of policies on offer and the cover offered by them. Depending on your car usage (private or commercial), you can buy commercial car insurance or personal auto insurance.
The two main types of car insurance include:
- Liability – This is the most basic insurance cover that every driver needs. It covers the loss or damage incurred on the third-party in case of an accident. Keep in mind that this will not help to recover any loss or damage to your own vehicle in an accident.
- Comprehensive car insurance – This is an all-inclusive policy that provides complete cover in case of an accident, loss, or damage to you as well as to the third-party. While third-party insurance is essential, you should consider the best possible comprehensive cover that secures your car completely against accidental damages, theft, or loss.
Check policy terms
Inclusions entail what the policy covers, while exclusions are what the policy doesn’t. One mistake that motorists often make is that they read through the coverage offered in the policy, but forget to understand what the policy does not cover. Doing so can leave you in a difficult position if an accident happens. Make sure to understand both inclusions as well as exclusions. You may just find that you need more coverage than you originally thought.
Add riders if necessary
Once you have chosen your policy, you may feel the need to extend the policy cover. You can do this with riders. Riders are add-on covers that can be added to an existing policy to provide the motorist with more coverage. Common riders include:
- Roadside assistance – If you have an accident or your car breaks down in the middle of the road, you can rely on roadside assistance. From towing you to the nearest garage to fuel refilling and lost key recovery, this rider can be incredibly helpful when the worst happens.
- Rental reimbursement – When your car is being repaired after an accident, you may be without a vehicle for several days or weeks. You would have to carpool, take public transport, or even rent a car in the absence of your own. Having rental reimbursement in your policy means you can rent a vehicle and have help coping with these costs.
Searching for the right auto insurance should not be difficult. Work with the professional agents to ensure that you obtain the right coverage for your needs. For affordable car insurance that will protect you and your vehicle, contact the team at Gee-Schussler Insurance Agency. We serve Orland Park and surrounding cities in Illinois.
