Any natural or legal person using a land motor vehicle must take out car insurance. Associations are also affected by this obligation. How to find the best car insurance for association? Our advices.
Focus on the car insurance obligation for associations
Many associations need a car to carry out their activity. They can choose to own their vehicle through self-financing, by taking out a conventional car loan subject to interest and repayable in 1 to 7 years, or by resorting to leasing and deciding to buy back the vehicle at the end of contract for its residual value.
Whatever the method of financing chosen, associations are subject to the obligation to take out car insurance covering at least their civil liability. In addition, it is possible to subscribe to optional guarantees for the vehicle (fire, damage from all accidents, theft, glass breakage, etc.) or the driver (legal protection, personal insurance).
Driving without car insurance is an offense punishable by a fine of 3750 euros to which additional penalties may be added (suspension of the driving licence, confiscation of the vehicle, etc.).
What are the guarantees of auto association insurance?
The guarantees included in the auto association insurance depend on the level of cover chosen. In general, insurers offer three types of formulas:
Third-party car insurance
Third-party auto insurance is the minimum required by law. It includes civil liability cover which covers material damage and bodily injury caused to others by the insured's vehicle. In this context, however, damage caused to the driver's vehicle and bodily injury suffered by the latter are not compensated.
If your association has an old and low-value vehicle, this formula may be sufficient.
Third-party plus car insurance
This insurance represents a good compromise between third-party car insurance and all-risk car insurance. In particular, it allows you to benefit from theft, glass breakage and fire guarantees.
Extended third-party auto insurance is suitable for associations that have a recent but no longer quite new vehicle and that use it regularly without traveling long distances.
All-risk car insurance
All-risk car insurance covers damage caused by the insured's vehicle, regardless of who is responsible. This offer includes many guarantees such as civil liability, driver protection, legal protection, glass breakage, vandalism or even 0 km breakdown assistance.
Associations may have an interest in opting for this formula when they have a new vehicle whose resale value is very high. It will also suit those who have a modern car with expensive technological equipment or accessories, and those who use their vehicle intensively.
The choice of car insurance formula depends mainly on the needs and budget of your association.
How much does association car insurance cost?
The price of car insurance varies according to several criteria:
The bonus-malus: also known as the reduction-increase coefficient, the bonus-malus has an impact on the amount of the auto insurance premium. In the presence of a malus, the cost is higher;
The model of the vehicle: in order not to pay too much for your car insurance, it is better to avoid certain models such as sports cars with an engine that is too powerful and more prone to accidents and theft;
The use of the vehicle: the risks of accident differ according to the use of the vehicle (only at weekends or during the week, exceptional use or for making sales rounds, etc.);
The guarantees chosen: the more guarantees taken out, the more the price of car insurance is likely to increase;
The level of deductible: the lower the deductible, the more expensive the insurance;
The type of insurer: prices can vary significantly depending on the insurers.
On average, it takes 530 euros a year to take out third-party car insurance, compared to 715 euros for all-risk car insurance.
Effectively compare car insurance offers
Today, it is possible to make substantial savings by requesting the services of a broker who, thanks to his large network of partners, will find you the most advantageous offer according to your needs. Going through this intermediary does not commit you to anything and can save you precious time because this professional takes all the necessary steps for you.
If you prefer to compare the offers yourself, do not hesitate to use a free and non-binding online comparator by requesting several quotes. To do this, you just need to complete a quick form by providing some information about your association and the vehicle concerned.
Several criteria must be studied when comparing auto insurance offers for association. First, you have to take stock of the guarantees offered and check that they are in line with your needs. Theft, fire, material damage in the event of an at-fault accident... So that you don't forget anything, you can list the guarantees that seem essential to you and compare the compensation offered by insurers. Another element to take into account: the deductible. It represents the amount to be paid to the insurer in the event of a claim. Finally, the general and specific conditions of the contract must be consulted. These recall the rules applied to auto insurance policies, namely: the procedures for reporting claims, payment deadlines, prescriptions,
To maximize the competition, it is recommended to make at least three auto insurance quotes for an association . Whether these are obtained through a broker or an online comparator, it remains essential to read the subscription conditions carefully. Indeed, it would be a shame to subscribe to guarantees that are not really useful to you and weigh on your budget.
