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HomeCar Insurance ResourcesHow Does Buying A New Car Affect Insurance?

When you buy a new car, it can have a significant impact on your car insurance policy. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Type of vehicle: The type of vehicle you buy can have an impact on your insurance premium. For example, high-performance or luxury cars tend to have higher insurance rates than more modest vehicles.
  2. Safety features: The safety features of your new car can also affect your insurance premium. For example, vehicles with advanced safety features, such as airbags and anti-lock brakes, may have lower insurance rates.
  3. Coverage level: You may need to adjust your coverage level to match the value of your new car. For example, if you purchase a more expensive vehicle, you may need to increase your liability coverage to protect your assets in the event of an accident.
  4. Insurance rate: The insurance company may take into account factors such as the make, model, and year of the car when determining your insurance rate.
  5. Discounts: Some insurance companies offer discounts for purchasing a new car. Be sure to ask your insurance agent about any discounts that may be available to you.

It’s important to keep in mind that each insurance company has its own underwriting criteria, so your insurance premium may vary depending on the company you choose. If you’re in the process of buying a new car, it’s a good idea to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best coverage and rate for your needs.

How the cost of car insurance might change after buying a new car in Canada

Here’s an example of how the cost of car insurance might change after buying a new car in Canada:

Assumptions:

  • The driver is a 35-year-old married male with a clean driving record and no previous insurance claims.
  • The driver currently owns a 2010 Honda Civic and is looking to buy a new car.
  • The new cars being considered are a 2022 Toyota Corolla and a 2022 Honda Accord.
  • The driver lives in a major city in each of the following provinces: Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.
  • The insurance policy includes liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible.

Ontario:

  • Current car: 2010 Honda Civic
  • Current insurance cost: $1,500 per year or $125 per month
  • New car: 2022 Toyota Corolla
  • New insurance cost: $1,750 per year or $145.83 per month (17% increase)
  • New car: 2022 Honda Accord
  • New insurance cost: $2,000 per year or $166.67 per month (33% increase)

Alberta:

  • Current car: 2010 Honda Civic
  • Current insurance cost: $1,200 per year or $100 per month
  • New car: 2022 Toyota Corolla
  • New insurance cost: $1,400 per year or $116.67 per month (17% increase)
  • New car: 2022 Honda Accord
  • New insurance cost: $1,600 per year or $133.33 per month (33% increase)

Quebec:

  • Current car: 2010 Honda Civic
  • Current insurance cost: $800 per year or $66.67 per month
  • New car: 2022 Toyota Corolla
  • New insurance cost: $950 per year or $79.17 per month (18.75% increase)
  • New car: 2022 Honda Accord
  • New insurance cost: $1,100 per year or $91.67 per month (37.5% increase)

Nova Scotia:

  • Current car: 2010 Honda Civic
  • Current insurance cost: $1,000 per year or $83.33 per month
  • New car: 2022 Toyota Corolla
  • New insurance cost: $1,150 per year or $95.83 per month (15% increase)
  • New car: 2022 Honda Accord
  • New insurance cost: $1,300 per year or $108.33 per month (30% increase)

Note: These are example rates and are based on a number of assumptions. Actual rates may vary depending on a variety of factors, including driving record, location, insurance provider, and type of car. It’s always a good idea to compare rates from multiple providers to find the best coverage and price for your needs.

New Car Vs Used Car Insurance Rates

brand new car

The cost of insuring a new car versus a used car in Ontario can vary based on several factors. Here are some things to consider:

  1. Depreciation: New cars typically depreciate faster than used cars, so insuring a new car can be more expensive.
  2. Value: The value of a new car is generally higher than that of a used car, so insuring a new car may cost more.
  3. Safety features: New cars often come with advanced safety features, such as airbags and anti-lock brakes, which can result in lower insurance rates.
  4. Maintenance costs: New cars generally require less maintenance and repair than used cars, which can result in lower insurance rates.
  5. Claims history: If the used car you’re considering has a history of accidents or claims, it can impact your insurance premium.
  6. Age: Older used cars may have a higher insurance premium due to their age and potential maintenance issues.

Pros and cons of buying a new car

Buying a new car can be a significant financial decision, and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase. Here are some of the key factors to consider:

Pros:

  1. Reliability: New cars are typically more reliable than used cars and are less likely to break down or require repairs.
  2. Warranty: New cars typically come with a warranty that covers most repairs and maintenance for a certain period of time, usually for the first three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
  3. Technology: New cars often come with advanced technology features, such as infotainment systems, navigation, and driver assistance features, which can make driving more enjoyable and convenient.
  4. Safety: New cars are often equipped with advanced safety features, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control, which can help protect you and your passengers in the event of an accident.

Cons:

  1. Cost: New cars are generally more expensive than used cars, and you may need to finance a large portion of the purchase price.
  2. Depreciation: New cars typically depreciate in value quickly, especially in the first few years after purchase.
  3. Insurance costs: Insuring a new car can be more expensive than insuring a used car, especially if the new car is a luxury or high-performance vehicle.
  4. Financing: Financing a new car often requires a down payment and a high monthly payment, which can be a burden on your budget.
  5. Upkeep: New cars may require more maintenance and upkeep, such as regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other services, which can add to the overall cost of ownership.

Ultimately, whether buying a new car is a good idea depends on your personal financial situation, driving needs, and preferences. It’s important to do your research, compare costs, and make an informed decision that works best for you.

How much will my insurance go up with a brand new car

The amount your insurance will go up with a brand new car depends on several factors, such as the make and model of the car, your driving history, and your personal profile. Here are some factors that may influence the cost of insurance for a brand new car:

  1. The cost of the car: A more expensive car will likely result in a higher insurance premium.
  2. The type of car: Sports cars and luxury vehicles tend to have higher insurance rates than more modest cars.
  3. Your driving history: If you have a good driving record, your insurance premium may be lower. However, if you have a history of accidents or traffic violations, your insurance premium may be higher.
  4. Your age and gender: Younger and male drivers are often considered higher-risk and may have higher insurance premiums.
  5. Your location: Insurance rates can vary based on where you live, as some areas may have higher theft and accident rates.

It’s important to keep in mind that these are general factors and that your specific insurance premium will depend on your individual circumstances. It’s always a good idea to shop around and get quotes from different insurance companies to find the best coverage and rates for your situation.

FAQs

buying-a-used-car

Here are some frequently asked questions about buying a new car and how it can affect your car insurance:

  1. How does buying a new car affect my car insurance?
  • Buying a new car can affect your car insurance rates, as the cost of insurance is based on the value of the vehicle, among other factors. Newer, more expensive cars generally have higher insurance rates than older, less expensive cars.
  1. How do I insure a new car?
  • To insure a new car, you will need to contact your insurance provider and provide information about the make, model, and year of the vehicle. You may need to provide the vehicle identification number (VIN) and purchase price as well.
  1. How much does car insurance cost for a new car?
  • The cost of car insurance for a new car can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, the driver’s age and location, and the insurance provider. It’s always a good idea to compare rates from multiple providers to find the best coverage and price for your needs.
  1. Can I transfer my current car insurance to a new car?
  • Yes, you can typically transfer your current car insurance policy to a new car. However, you will need to contact your insurance provider to update your policy and provide information about the new vehicle.
  1. Do I need to buy car insurance before I buy a new car?
  • No, you do not need to buy car insurance before you buy a new car. However, you will need to have insurance in place before you can legally drive the vehicle on public roads.
  1. Do I need to buy collision and comprehensive coverage for a new car?
  • While collision and comprehensive coverage are optional, they are often recommended for new cars. These types of coverage can help protect you financially if your car is damaged or totaled in an accident or other covered event.
  1. How can I save on car insurance for a new car?
  • There are several ways to save on car insurance for a new car, including bundling your car insurance with other policies, raising your deductibles, and taking advantage of discounts such as safe driver discounts, multi-car discounts, and anti-theft device discounts.
  1. Will my car insurance go up if I finance a new car?
  • Your car insurance rates may go up if you finance a new car, as the lender may require you to carry full coverage insurance to protect their investment. However, you may be able to offset the cost by shopping around for the best rates and taking advantage of discounts.
  1. How do I choose the right car insurance coverage for a new car?
  • When choosing car insurance coverage for a new car, it’s important to consider factors such as the make and model of the vehicle, your driving habits, and your budget. It’s a good idea to work with an insurance agent to help you determine the best coverage options for your needs.
  1. Can I negotiate car insurance rates for a new car?
  • While car insurance rates are based on a variety of factors, including the value of the vehicle, your driving history, and your location, you may be able to negotiate rates with your insurance provider. Be sure to shop around for the best rates and take advantage of discounts to lower your costs.
  1. Do I need to get new car insurance if I move to a new province?
  • Yes, if you move to a new province, you will need to get new car insurance that meets the minimum requirements of that province. Be sure to contact your insurance provider to update your policy and get the coverage you need.
  1. How long do I have to get insurance for a new car?
  • In most cases, you will need to get insurance for a new car before you can legally drive it on public roads. Be sure to contact your insurance provider to get coverage as soon as possible after purchasing the vehicle.
  1. Can I drive my new car home without insurance?
  • No, it is illegal to drive a car without insurance in Canada. You will need to have insurance in place before you can legally drive the vehicle.
  1. What factors affect the cost of car insurance for a new car?
  • The cost of car insurance for a new car is influenced by several factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, the age and driving history of the driver, the location of the driver, and the coverage options selected.
  1. How much should I expect to pay for car insurance for a new car?
  • The cost of car insurance for a new car can vary widely depending on a number of factors. It’s a good idea to shop around and get quotes from multiple insurance providers to get an idea of the cost for the specific vehicle you are interested in purchasing.
  1. How do I know if I have enough car insurance coverage for my new car?
  • The amount of car insurance coverage you need will depend on a variety of factors, including the value of the vehicle, your driving habits, and your budget. It’s a good idea to work with an insurance agent to determine the appropriate amount of coverage for your needs.
  1. What types of car insurance coverage should I consider for a new car?
  • When purchasing car insurance for a new car, it’s important to consider liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage. You may also want to consider add-ons such as roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement.
  1. Can I transfer my existing car insurance to a new car that I am leasing?
  • Yes, you can typically transfer your existing car insurance to a new car that you are leasing. However, you may need to update your policy to ensure that you have the appropriate amount of coverage for the new vehicle.
  1. Can I get car insurance coverage for a new car before I take delivery?
  • Yes, you can typically get car insurance coverage for a new car before you take delivery. Be sure to provide your insurance provider with the make, model, and VIN of the vehicle as well as the expected delivery date.

About the Author: Valerie D. Hahn

Valerie is an insurance editor, journalist, and business professional at RateLab. She has more than 15 years of experience in personal financial products. She strives to educate readers and ensure that they are properly protected.

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