Used Car Buying
 

I could have sworn I saw a thread about this at one point. I can't seem to find it, so here are my questions. This is my first car, so be gentle.

I'll be buying from a dealer. Do I need to get insurance before I start doing test drives?

In Virginia, and previously New York, I was always covered on my parents' State Farm policy. Now that I've permanently (hopefully) moved out and am living far away, I need to get my own policy. I assume, the dealer won't sell me a car if I don't have insurance. What's the usual way of getting insurance when getting a new car, when you don't already have coverage?

Fun fact: My current top pick in the area's used car market is a 2007 Kia Rondo.

This is an interesting question. I think the dealer's insurance will cover damage to the car they own, but probably wouldn't cover your personal liability if you crippled someone in an accident. Most states require that you have liability insurance to drive, but I don't think an insurance agent would be willing to give you car insurance without knowing what kind of car you would be buying. The rates are based in part on the car you buy.

I'm sure the dealer would be more than happy to sell you anything. I seriously doubt you need insurance for the dealer to sell you the car.

The bottom line is that I don't actually know the answer. A call to a local insurance agent would tell you.

In AZ the dealership insurance covers everything. They want people test driving vehicles and only require insurance to drive a purchased vehicle off the lot.

the dealer's garage policy covers the car as long as a salesman is with you
call geico first and get a quote, then call from the showroom and finalize it

My question is that, if I need insurance to drive the car off the lot, how do I get it when all of the quote things ask you about the cars you own? I'm assuming I can just call up an insurance company when I am ready to buy and they'll sell me a policy and provide proof of insurance by fax or something.

I keep trying to call agents in my area but none of them will answer their damn phones.

I must be making this harder than it is.

That's exactly what I wanted to know. Thanks.

Alternatively, call a dealership that you might be interested in buying the car from. Let them know you are looking at buying a car, but currently do not own one, and thus do not have insurance either. Might they be able to recommend a few? Many insurance agents schmooze with salesmen to get clients in exactly your situation. ;) A busy agent is more likely to answer a call from a buddies number first, before an unknown one.

PS geico suxors. dble ;)

Jim nailed it on the head. We actually had a company out here for awhile that had an ATM-like kiosk in the showroom to buy shortterm policies to cover the first 30-60 days while you shop for better insurance on the new car.

Was it expensive?

And from the quotes I just got they are 1.33 times more expensive than State Farm and 2.33 times as expensive as Progressive.

Yes. The reps for the company would even tell you that upfront. They only marketed themselves as a bandaid until you got your regular insurance set up. The only ones who kept it long term would be the ones unable or unwilling to be insured elsewhere.

Interesting. SF was by far the most expensive quote we got. Geico was the best, and the one we eventually picked. They paid for me to fix a chip in my windscreen with no hassle (or deductible) at all. Hope I'm not in for a rude surprise later! :eyebrow:

I'll make an assumption here that you do NOT currently have insurance. If that is correct, go with progressive for 6 months and then call Geico again. You'll be amazed - pleasantly.

Been there done that. Oh, and good luck with the car.

Me too - been really happy with them for over 5 years now - and yes I have had claims.

their customer service is second to none. I deal with them daily.

Ended up with a Black 2007 Kia Rondo with 26,000 miles. I really like it so far. Does okay in the snow without snow tires.