The essential step prior to taking out car insurance is comparing the offers and in particular the quotes provided by the insurers. How much does car insurance cost? How to effectively compare quotes? Answers and advice.
A few reminders about car insurance
In France, any owner of a land motor vehicle must imperatively be covered at least by civil liability insurance in order to be able to travel on public roads. Driving an uninsured vehicle is an offense punishable by a fine of 3750 euros and, depending on the circumstances, a suspension of the driving license for up to 3 years as well as immobilization and/or confiscation of the vehicle with which the offense was committed.
Auto insurance represents real protection for the driver. Indeed, its main objective is to cover material damage and/or bodily injury that the vehicle could cause to others. Depending on the formula chosen, the contract can also cover material damage suffered by the vehicle, bodily injury suffered by the insured following a traffic accident. It should be noted that not all contracts offer equivalent coverage. To benefit from optimal protection, it is recommended that you choose your car insurance carefully.
The different types of car insurance
Three main types of car insurance contracts are offered on the market:
Third-party car insurance
This formula constitutes the minimum level of protection required in France. It provides for coverage of all damage caused by the insured's vehicle to third parties. On the other hand, the driver of the vehicle responsible for the accident and the vehicle itself are not covered for the damage suffered.
Enhanced third-party auto insurance
This type of insurance includes third-party insurance guarantees supplemented by specific clauses which are determined when the contract is signed. They offer extended protection against the risk of theft, fire, glass breakage and natural disasters.
All-risk car insurance
All-risk auto insurance is the most comprehensive coverage. It guarantees the owner the best protection against the risks incurred by his vehicle, including in the event of an at-fault accident. This contract provides, for example, for the reimbursement of damage linked to vandalism, which is excluded from other insurance formulas.
The choice of the type of car insurance contract depends essentially on your profile, your needs, the characteristics of the vehicle to be insured as well as your budget.
What factors affect the price of car insurance?
Several factors affect the price of car insurance:
Vehicle-specific criteria
The first criteria taken into account in setting the price of car insurance are the car and its characteristics. More specifically, the insurer will want to know: the make, model or series, engine, engine power, value and nature of the vehicle.
Driver profile and history
The driver's profile is the essential element on which the insurance company will base itself to determine the amount of the premium. It includes: the motorist's age, sex and socio-professional category. The insurer will also take into account the date of obtaining his driver's license and his driving history. To do this, he will consult the information statement which lists the claims and liabilities of the insured over the past 5 years.
The geographical area
The place of residence and use of the vehicle can impact the price of auto insurance. Indeed, drivers living in large cities generally pay a higher premium due to the greater risk of accident and/or theft.
The guarantees chosen
The amount of the premium may vary depending on the guarantees and options taken out. Logically, the more there are, the higher the price.
Why Get Auto Insurance Quotes?
The request for an auto insurance quote is strongly recommended before signing the contract. This action makes it possible to take stock of its needs but also to play the competition.
To save time when subscribing, do not hesitate to use a free online comparator without obligation by filling out a quick form. This tool sorts the offers for you and saves you having to go to a branch. Several tens of offers are confronted allowing to realize consequent savings. Another solution may be to use a broker specializing in auto insurance.
How does the auto insurance quote work?
The auto insurance quote is made in two steps:
1 – Car insurance simulation
You must first make an auto insurance simulation online by simply filling in the characteristics of your car and some information on your profile (bonus-malus coefficient, history in terms of claims, etc.). This will allow you to obtain an estimate of your car insurance rate in less than 2 minutes and then compare the price, guarantees, main options and deductibles of the formulas offered.
2 – Obtaining a tailor-made car insurance quote
Once the insurance simulation has been carried out, simply continue the journey to receive a tailor-made quote by entering the type of journey made, the number of kilometers traveled during the year, the possible addition of a secondary driver. The estimate obtained will help you find a contract adapted to your needs, to select the options and guarantees which interest you as well as a mode of payment corresponding to your expectations.
If you are satisfied with the auto insurance quote, you can purchase your insurance online in just a few clicks. Is your car already covered by another insurer? Know that the termination of your contract is now facilitated thanks to the Hamon law. Indeed, this provides that it is the new insurer who must take charge of the termination and be responsible for the permanence of the guarantee during this period.
