How to choose the right car insurance for the first time?

Auto insurance is compulsory for all vehicles, but when you have just gotten your license it will be difficult for you to choose between different types of insurance. You must insure your first car, and choosing insurance is difficult for young drivers who are paid more to insure their car because of their status. So how do you choose auto insurance?

🚗 Auto insurance, what are the possibilities?

First of all, you need to know the various formulas offered by insurance companies:

● The third party car insurance (or liability insurance is the minimum mandatory formula in France. This insurance, the cheapest option, covers property damage and personal injury caused to a third party in the context of a responsible accident. However, costs caused by damage to the driver or his transport means, are not covered);

● The insurance of third parties plus (this contract is between the basic insurance from third parties and the all-risk formula. This insurance covers, depending on the insurers, damage to the vehicle of the insured);

● The comprehensive auto insurance (or accident / multi-risk insurance, all-risk insurance is most important to protect vehicles. In the event of an accident, it will fully cover the cost of repairs, even if the driver is responsible.);

● Auto insurance per kilometer (it can be one third, one third more or all the risks, it is limited to kilometers, but has a lower price than traditional insurance. This offer is adapted for drivers who cover several kilometers.)!

Thus, there are many formulas. Guides on understanding the differences between contracts are available on the Selectra auto insurance website.

🔎 What is a young driver?

Now you need to understand how special the young driver's status is and why it means a higher cost of insurance.

Firstly, this status has nothing to do with the driver's age. This effectively means that the driver is a beginner. This applies to drivers with a driving license of less than 3 years, that is, the validity of the driving license with a trial period.

In addition, auto insurance companies are adding other categories to these new drivers. Indeed, young drivers are considered to be anyone who has not been insured in the past three years.

Thus, motorists who have never been insured or motorists who have passed the Code and a driver's license after the latter is canceled are considered young drivers.

Thus, according to the Insurance Code in article A.335-9-1, young drivers are considered inexperienced, which justifies the high cost of insurance. According to insurance companies, the risk of accidents or injury increases if the driver has no driving experience.

The young driver's supplement is half each year before finally disappearing completely after the third year. Thus, the additional premium could be 100% in the first year, 50% in the second year, and finally 25% in the third year, before disappearing after the probationary period. In addition, younger drivers who follow escort driving are considered more experienced drivers. Its duration is reduced to 2 years and is 50% in the first year and 25% in the second.

💡 Why is insurance more expensive for a young driver and how to fix it?

Thus, a driver with young driver status must pay additional premiums to compensate for the higher risk of loss. This surplus can be as high as 100% of the auto insurance price.

However, to fix this large amount, there are tips for both insurance and car:

● search for auto insurance: The choice of insurance is very important and must be done in advance to find the one that best suits the needs of the driver and the vehicle to be insured, as the price varies depending on the driver, but also on the car to be insured;

● The purchase of a car: as stated above, the amount of insurance depends on the age of the vehicle, its options, power, etc. Therefore, it is important to choose a vehicle according to these criteria. In addition, with a used car, it is not always recommended to issue a comprehensive insurance policy, insurance against third parties may be enough;

● accompanied driving is reduced by 50% of the applied premium;

● The registration as a co-driver to avoid buying a car and insurance costs. Sometimes it is preferable to register only as a co-driver under the contract, which excludes additional rights for young people without increasing the price of insurance.

● Reduce mechanic fees by comparing different services offered.

Thus, being a young driver creates additional insurance costs, but now you know how to save money.