Driving license in hand and car ready for use? The next step is to buy car insurance. Instead of choosing the cheapest contract, analyze and compare different criteria: location, services, excess, guarantees, price… This way you will be covered according to your real needs.
Text: DR
Photo: makibestphoto©/AdobeStock
Definition of needs
Take a full assessment to find the cover that best suits your needs. This involves studying criteria such as your driver profile, the type of vehicle (used or new) and the budget.
Driver profile
The profile is a decisive factor in choosing the appropriate formula. This gives the insurance company the opportunity to define the size of the contribution. If you are a young driver, consider third party insurance. Regardless of your profile, you will inevitably find an interesting contract at MAIF.
Vehicle type
The type of vehicle also matters when choosing car insurance. It is recommended to take out a comprehensive policy for every owner of a new car. Also do the same if you have not yet finished repaying your car under the LOA. Comprehensive insurance gives you the opportunity to get good compensation in the event of a disaster. The third party formula is ideal if you have a collector car, of low value or with high mileage. LOA = Lease with option to buy.
Use of car
Ask yourself questions about your intended use of the vehicle.
- Traveled distance: do you regularly travel by car or not?
- The type of travel undertaken: The needs are not the same whether you do only professional or personal travel.
- Parking method: It is more risky to park the vehicle on the pavement than in a secure residence or garage.
- Location: The risk of accidents and theft attempts is greater in large cities.
Choice of guarantees
Three car insurance schemes are offered on the market:
- Third-party car insurance: it corresponds to the mandatory minimum coverage with the driver’s civil liability. This is covered in the event of damage caused to a third party during an accident.
- Intermediate car insurance: this formula is presented as an extension of the previous one. It includes civil liability and optional guarantees (breakdown assistance, fire, theft, broken glass, etc.).
- All-risk car insurance: it is recommended for any owner of a new or expensive vehicle. The driver is covered for multiple material or bodily injuries, regardless of whether or not he is responsible.
Depending on the plan chosen, you can take out additional guarantees. Although the latter are optional, they allow you to be better protected.
- Natural disaster guarantee.
- Car breakdown guarantee.
- Theft and fire guarantee.
- Glass breakage guarantee.
- Warranty for vehicle contents.
- 0 km assistance guarantee.
- Replacement value guarantee.
