Consider Insurance When You Buy a New Car

By Alex Gregory

Motorists in the UK are putting their finances first according to research by a comparison website. More than three quarters (77 per cent) say the financial climate will influence their purchase of a new car.

Of course it's not just the retail price of a car that motorists should be considering. They should also be paying close attention to the long term costs to help them budget going forward - including vehicle excise duty, fuel consumption and car insurance.

In the case of car insurance, choosing the right type of vehicle is vital to keep premiums down. Generally speaking car buyers should target small, conventional cars with economical engines to satisfy the insurance companies.

This is because larger, high-performance cars tend to be driven at high speeds. They are also involved in a higher proportion of accidents and when those accidents do occur they tend to be more costly for the insurer because the damage to the vehicle is greater and personal injury claims are often necessary.

Look for a vehicle with limited modifications too. Added extras such as alloy wheels and tinted windows can attract attention from thieves, while any modifications to the engine and performance of the car give the insurer the idea that you're planning to drive it at enhanced speeds.

In addition, car buyers should look at the security features of the vehicle they are buying. Does it already include a car alarm, and is it an insurer approved system? Does it have an immobiliser? Is it small enough to fit into your garage to be parked overnight?

Unfortunately, going green will not always equate to car insurance savings. Even though green car drivers tend to be more economical and drive safely, many hybrid and electric cars have unusual parts and are more difficult to repair making them higher to insure.

If you want cheap car insurance for a new vehicle it's important to shop around. Gather car insurance quotes from a comparison website on various vehicles that interest you so you have a clear indication of the price you'll ultimately pay.