Do you remember your first kiss? Your first day of school? Or how about your first pet? The stages in our lifetime are defined by first encounters or first experiences. However, most of these experiences dwell in comparison to our very first car. It’s a right of passage that everyone goes through, and it signifies an early step into adulthood. With the purchase of a new car, one is instantly bestowed with newfound responsibility, both behaviorally and financially. Owning a car isn’t cheap by any means. With it you will experience various expenses that will put a damper on your savings account, including bills, repairs, and insurance. Check out these handy tips for buying and insuring your first car.
When looking for your first car to buy, it’s important to set aside a budget first and foremost. Make sure you do your homework so you don’t find yourself overpaying for a vehicle. Check your finances and decide what is affordable as well as the amount you are willing to pay. A purchase this large needs to be financed for most consumers, so it is very important to properly calculate what your monthly payment would be, not to mention the interest. Take into account that you’ll be spending money on these payments as well as gas, insurance, repairs, and parking, so it would be behoove of you to figure out how much you’ll need to set aside so you’re not initially drowning in debt and loans.
Try to avoid visiting the dealership until you thoroughly research what you need and what you can handle. Use your calculated budget and collect all available information regarding every vehicle that falls within your criteria. There are a number of research tools that are very helpful, including car shows in your area, phone apps, automakers’ magazines, and websites. Ensure that the vehicle you choose has the options you need or you will find yourself with a vehicle that you may initially love, but will grow to hate. Also, you will want to take a test drive to make sure that you’re comfortable operating your vehicle. If you’re looking to get an easygoing experience with a car salesman, try shopping for a car at the end of the month. Salespeople have quotas to meet each month and will be more likely to cut you a deal. When dealing with a salesperson, don’t forget to inquire about any special deals. Incentives and rebates are bona fide money savers typically available on a number of models through the manufacturer’s generosity.
If you finally find a car that you feel is perfectly suited for you, then you’re going to have to shop around for the best rate. If you budgeted your finances properly, you will be able to pay your loan and credit card bills on time, which will help you maintain a solid credit history. Having a good credit score can help you obtain low rates in most cases. As you’re shopping around, don’t forget that there are many other different things you can do to keep your auto insurance premium low. Selecting a car that has anti-theft and other safety features can help reduce your premium, as well as being a safe defensive driver. Don’t forget to tell your agent about any driving safety courses you’ve completed. Doing so can save you upwards of 15% on your car insurance bill.
Ultimately, purchasing a vehicle is not something to take lightly. It is a large investment that has major financial consequences thanks to payments and insurance. If you’re a Texan from Dallas or Fort Worth, Al Boenker Insurance Agency of Texas can make sure all of your insurance needs are met at prices you can afford!
Before setting out to buy and insure your first car, make sure that all of your insurance needs are up-to-date. Give us a call to have an agent review your policy to confirm that your auto insurance has the right amount of coverage for your family and your needs. We can also ensure that you are getting the best rate for your policy. You might even qualify for additional discounts, especially if you have your home insured through us! Remember, at Al Boenker Insurance, we’ve got you covered.