Driving an import car? You probably already realized the average car insurance premium rates for import cars are at least 20% higher than standard rates. If you're driving one, you probably can afford it. But with world economy at its current states, it's understandable if you're looking for ways to save on your car insurance rates.
Carrying car insurance is a necessity for any licensed driver and in most states in the US is a requirement. This is true whether you're driving a locally manufactured vehicle or an import car. If you're looking for ways to reduce your unavoidable monthly expenses, looking over these requirements is a good place to begin with. The requirements specify coverage you must carry so you can request for quotes that meet the minimum legal requirements.
In addition, have a look at the following import car-specific strategies to further chop down your import car insurance rates:
1. Mind the make and model of your car. The car itself is a factor that raises your insurance rates. Import cars are more expensive, ergo, higher premium rates. Older models cost more to insure than newer ones, too.
2. Get the benefits of owner's club membership. Joining an owner's club can reduce your import car insurance premiums significantly. If you get insured through club membership, you enjoy the benefits of group discounts similar to group health insurance.
3. Check for cost-saving features and company policies. Even if you obtain insurance through an owner's club, check various plans that offer bigger savings for modifications made on import cars. For example, adding a performance filter to an otherwise unmodified 1.6-litre Honda Civic can actually improve its performance enough to earn you additional savings. This is because more and more insurance companies are going to great lengths to be more specific with their policies on car insurance from other countries.
4. Look after your no-claims discount. This applies to non-imports as well. When you're a good driver, rewards actually translate to dollar values so take care of your NCD when you're offered said discount. If you lose it, you'll lose what could potentially be the equivalent of several years' no-claims discount.
5. Be a security freak. If your car is imported from countries with little to no car crimes, such as Japan, chances are, your car comes with little or no security features as well. Probably because of the fact that it's not readily available (or it used too be), in your local market, cars from other countries are hot stuff to car-nappers. Insurance companies place a high premium on security features on these types of cars. Having alarm or tracking systems and immobilizers installed on an import car can greatly reduce your car insurance premiums.
The popularity of import cars is undeniable. Although insurance might pose a slight setback to your wanting to own one, top-notch performance at incredibly low prices make thousands upon thousands gravitate toward fuel-efficient, overall economical Japanese cars. Plus, the design makes for interesting car buff-magnet.
Looking for a car insurance price quote for your type of car? To get car insurance estimates from highly rated companies, visit Cheap-Motor-Car-Insurance.com.
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