Choosing car insurance: 6 tips!
Choosing a car insurance is not always easy. There are so many different insurers and there are sometimes big differences in coverage, premiums and policy conditions. What should you pay attention to? We give you 6 tips for choosing the right car insurance!
Tip 1: Choose the right coverage
Of course, this is easier said than done. Choosing the right type of cover for your car insurance can sometimes be overwhelming. You are obliged to have a WA car insurance. With WA insurance, you are insured for damage you cause to others. Damage to your own car is not insured. Therefore, third-party insurance is often chosen for cars that are 10 years old or older.
You can also opt for the more extensive WA + limited casco coverage. This also covers damage caused by fire, hail, storm, lightning, explosion, window breakage, theft, attempted theft and damage caused by a collision with stray animals. A WA + limited hull policy will cost you a little more per month, but then you will be insured for a lot more. The WA limited hull is often chosen for cars from 6 to 10 years old.
Finally, there is the all-risk car insurance. This is the most extensive form of cover. With an all-risk car insurance you are not only insured for all mentioned damages, but also for damages to your own car caused by your own fault. For new cars, up to about 6 years old, an all-risk insurance is usually chosen.
Always look at the age of your car when choosing a cover, but don't be blinded by it. Even older cars can sometimes be better insured extensively. With the right coverage, you ensure that you are properly insured in every situation. Car repair costs can mount up, not to mention personal injury. It is therefore good to be well insured, so that you can avoid huge costs.
Tip 2: See if there are additional insurances that are important for you
With a car insurance you can choose to take out additional insurances. You can take out legal expenses insurance, accident insurance, passenger indemnity insurance or breakdown cover with your car insurance. Always check that you do not accidentally take out a double insurance. Do you already have a separate breakdown insurance? Then you do not need to insure breakdown assistance again with your car insurance. Take only an additional coverage on your car insurance when it really has added value for you.
Tip 3: New car? Take out a new car insurance
The new-for-old value arrangement ensures that the insurer gives you an amount which is high enough to buy the same car new, in case your car is declared total loss or stolen. Many insurers have a new value scheme of 1 year, but some have a 3 year scheme. After this period, the insurer assumes the current market value of the car, as a result of which you will receive a lot less compensation.
Tip 4: Take a good look at the excess
The excess is the part you pay yourself in case of damage to the car. Most insurers work with a standard excess. Suppose you have an excess of €150. If the damage is €2500,- the insurer will pay you €2350,-. Insurers use different amounts and some insurers don't even use an excess at all. Always check the amount your car insurer applies before you take out the insurance.
Tip 5: Do not forget to insure car accessories
Special wheels, leather upholstery or a tow bar. When you take out a car insurance you want your car accessories to be insured as well. Standard accessories, such as air conditioning or a skylight are standard. These are accessories that have been built in at the factory. Extra accessories are accessories that you added yourself later. These can be co-insured separately. Always report extra accessories to the insurer, so you know for sure that they are included in the insurance.
Tip 6: Cheap car insurance? Don't save on quality!
When choosing car insurance, you might want to save on costs. Logical, a car is often expensive enough. Of course you can choose the cheapest coverage. That may be fine for now, but the moment you have an accident you will be disappointed that you are not better insured. Therefore, always compare different car insurances with each other. You may find the same coverage at a lower price with another insurer. By comparing car insurances you will find the best coverage at the lowest price.
Bonus tip: Check your car's cover in the meantime
Have you taken out a good car insurance policy? Check the coverage regularly in between. Nowadays, cars last longer than they used to. According to the Bovag-Rai Mobility Foundation, the average age at which a car is scrapped is now 18 years. That is why it is sometimes wise to take out extended car insurance for longer. Premiums and policy conditions of a car insurance may change every year. Your personal situation can also change every year. Therefore, we advise you to check every year if your car insurance still suits you.
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