Whether you're buying your very first new car or your fifth, it's important to remember that along with the price of the car, the taxes, and the fees associated with registration, you also have to consider the cost of car insurance. With sports cars and performance vehicles especially, the cost of insurance can be prohibitively expensive.
So, how do you get the cheapest auto insurance rates, even on a car with a powerful engine and tons of optional upgrades? The easiest answer is to go online. In fact, a study done in the United Kingdom last year suggests that people can save up to 25% more by buying their auto insurance over the internet, than by going to a physical office.
While savings are one reason to do your insurance shopping online, there are others. By using a web-savvy insurance company to get a quote on insurance rates, and complete your insurance purchase, you're avoiding high-pressure sales tactics, and empowering yourself to make the decisions about exactly what kind of coverage you need. Sure, most insurers offer 24-hour customer service should you need to have a live person answer a question, but if you find yourself needing to explore the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage at three in the morning, or wanting a rate quote in the middle of the afternoon on a Sunday, you can do that with a couple of clicks of your mouse.
Even better, in today's hyper-connected world, going online to find your auto insurance often means that you can do so right from the car dealer's office, with almost any smartphone. Most modern insurers offer mobile apps for iPhones, Windows phones, and Android phones, so whatever flavor of cellular access you have, you can handle insurance needs on the spot.
Of course, saving money still comes into play. While the car dealership will probably offer you in-house insurance, it's likely to be a lot more expensive than anything you find online. Then, too, many insurers offer discounts for online purchases, and enhance those discounts if you agree to make payments via EFT (electronic funds transfer) and accept statements via email.
Shopping for cars is fun and exciting. Shopping for insurance is considerably less so. Embrace the technology available to you, and shop for insurance online. You'll save time and money.
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