Why Sports Cars Cost More To Insure
There is a lot of confusion among Americans about how auto insurance works. Do you have to pay for an entire car as long as you drive it? What happens if I wreck my car but don't need to replace it? How does the cost of the car factor into the cost of insurance? These are all very important questions that must be answered before anyone can truly begin to understand what they're buying and why. Here are some answers to common questions about auto insurance and cars.
#1: No, you don't have to buy a car just because you drive it.
The major difference between auto insurance and other forms of insurance is that car insurance is tied to a specific vehicle. If you have drive a certain amount of miles on your car, your insurer will pay for the damage you cause to others and their property. However, if you change or get rid of the car, the coverage will be null and void. There is no requirement that you keep driving on that specific vehicle or pay for it forever.
#2: You always have to pay for some amount of coverage.
Just like any other kind of insurance company, an auto insurer always has a right to ask customers to pay some amount for protection against their own personal negligence or foolishness. There are not many other kinds of insurance where you would be able to claim full coverage for damage you caused without paying anything. Of course, there are ways in which you can try to get out of paying more, but it is important to realize that mandatory minimums exist for a reason. While this is nowhere near as frustrating as some forms of car insurance, it is worth noting that a certain degree of accountability exists even in auto insurance.
#3: You don't need collision coverage unless you have collision damage.
It is important to recognize that the cost of car insurance is not a reflection of the value of the coverage you're buying. For example, if you have collision damage on your vehicle, there is a cost to repair it, and that cost can be covered by collision insurance. However, there is no need for collision coverage as long as the car has never been in an accident. Even this rule has its exceptions. If your car is a classic or antique with low market value but high sentimental value, you may want to buy replacement-cost coverage to protect it against theft or damage without necessarily paying for full coverage up front.
#4: Every sport has its own insurance.
Sports cars are just going to be more expensive to insure than standard cars because they cost more, but they aren't necessarily any more dangerous. The truth is that all types of vehicles can be dangerous if driven irresponsibly or handled by a teenage driver or an elderly driver with poor reflexes. For that reason, all cars must meet safety standards before they can be sold on American roads. The types of vehicles and the way they have been designed will affect your ability to enjoy them without getting hurt, so this is another way that insurance costs can vary from car to car.
#5: Your driving record affects your premium.
Every state has its own system for keeping track of drivers who have been in several accidents, speeding tickets, and other driving infractions. Even if you've never been in an accident or received a ticket, if you have a poor driving record because of reckless behavior, it is very likely that your insurance premiums will reflect this. It can be difficult to get a good rate on car insurance without a spotless driving record.
#6: You can always shop around.
You don't have to just settle for the first policy you get from an auto insurance company unless you are satisfied with the coverage and the price. Insurance companies will compete with each other to offer lower prices, better coverage, and more perks. The only reason you need to accept the first one you get is if it meets your needs.
#7: You can save money with some small sacrifices.
You don't have to buy unlimited protection from your insurer if you are confident that you will never destroy your car beyond repair or lose it in an accident or theft. In fact, some states even allow drivers to cancel their collision insurance after they've had their vehicle for a few years or paid off their loan. Once again, this rule only applies if you're certain that your car is not likely to be damaged out of necessity or accidentally destroyed in a crash.
You can save money if you drive a safe and responsible car, but remember that insurance companies will still charge more for your coverage if you have been involved in an accident. If you have been in a number of accidents, it may be worthwhile to look for a policy with higher limits or additional coverage.
#8: Auto insurance is not something to be taken lightly.
Making sure that your car has the right amount of coverage can be tough because most policies only give you the option between "full" and "less than full" coverage. The choice is not always obvious, however, and it can take time to figure out what exactly a policy covers and how much it costs. Be as thorough as possible in your research before making a decision. It may take a little bit of time, but you will be glad you did it in the end.
#9: Insurance is not something to be taken lightly.
It can be very tempting for people to take out as little coverage as possible on their cars because they don't need a lot of protection or they can't afford to pay anything besides their mandatory minimums. This is an extremely risky approach that can leave you vulnerable to thieves, accidents, and injury if disaster strikes. If you're willing to do without the best insurance policies, you would probably be better off borrowing and driving a cheaper car.
#10: No one can prevent bad luck or recklessness unless they are your parents.
Even if you follow all the rules, play it safe, and drive safely, bad things will happen all the time. If you get in a crash at just the wrong moment or try to avoid an accident that can't be avoided in a particular situation, it is still possible for your car to get damaged or destroyed without any fault of yours. It is just as possible for someone else's actions to cause damage beyond repair on your vehicle or even cause injury if they are reckless.
Conclusion
If you've been following all the rules and making sure your auto insurance is up to date, there is not much you can do if disaster strikes. It's better to be safe than sorry. If you have any doubts about the extent of your coverage or about how a particular decision will impact your premiums, it is always better to ask for advice from an independent agent before committing to anything. You can learn a lot from these mistakes without having to pay for them with your pocketbook.
It's also important to keep in mind that car insurance is not the only form of protection that drivers need on the road. For example, liability insurance won't protect other people from damage caused by your actions.