Import Car Insurance Premiums – How You Can Save

by Andy Darwinson on November 28, 2009

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.

Every driver needs car insurance; it is a legal requirement in most states. Even where it isn’t mandatory it is still vitally important that you protect yourself by carrying car insurance, whether your car is an import or a domestically made vehicle. One way you could save on your car insurance is to carry only what is required by law – while this isn’t necessarily recommended, it can save you some money if you’re in a pinch.

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. Look into owner’s club membership. These clubs often have insurance discounts available for members. The club negotiates as a group for a lower rate, much as a group health insurance plan does.

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.

Imported cars are very appealing, even with the slightly higher insurance premiums that you have to pay when you choose one of these vehicles. You may enjoy their high fuel efficiency, their look and their performance on the road – but remember, you almost certainly do not have to pay as much to insure your car as you are currently.

The easiest way to get the best car insurance quotes for your high performance car insurance is to visit Cheap-Motor-Car-Insurance.com

Popularity: unranked [?]

Previous post:

Next post: