Did you know you can’t purchase a vehicle from our buy here, pay here car dealerships without proof of insurance? However, with so many car insurance options out there, it's hard to know where to begin. Not to mention, insurance jargon can be a little confusing.
Don’t worry, because our used car dealers in Kansas City at Auto Bank are here with the facts to help you get your ride insured, and you on the road. Here’s a quick guide on how you can start shopping for car insurance, so you can choose the coverage that’s best for your used car.
The best way to get started on searching for car insurance is by learning what kind of coverage is available. Knowing important car insurance terms can help you secure a great deal on your premium. Here’s a quick glossary of insurance terms you can reference while you’re shopping for car insurance:
Personal injury protection (PIP)
This type of coverage goes toward paying your medical expenses regardless of who is at fault in a car accident. Not every state requires this coverage.
Collision coverage
The cost of repairing your vehicle when you’re involved in a collision with another vehicle or fixed object.
Comprehensive coverage
This coverage protects your vehicle against any damage on your car that may occur from something other than a car accident. For instance, weather, falling objects, or collisions with an animal.
Gap coverage
This covers the difference between a loan amount on your used car and its value after depreciation.
Medical payments
With medical payments, the medical expenses are covered for everyone in your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault.
Roadside assistance
If your vehicle breaks down, roadside assistance covers the cost of towing or fixing a flat.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
This coverage protects you if you’re injured by a motorist who is uninsured or doesn’t carry enough insurance by covering your medical expenses.
People who own or operate a vehicle in Missouri or Kansas must have coverage for injuries that you cause to another for at least $50,000 per person, $25,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This is also known as minimum liability coverage.
When you’re shopping online for car insurance, it's easy to go with the first national company that appears in your search results. Our used car dealers in Kansas City think it’s worth digging a little deeper for a better deal on your insurance. Look at our buy here, pay here car dealership’s top tips for finding car insurance:
Use Comparison Tools
When you’re looking for car insurance, the best way to save money is to shop around for competitive rates. It’s important that you look at rates from national and local insurance companies, because you never know where you’ll find the best deal.
Learn What Affects Your Premium
Most people think it’s just your driving record that determines the cost of your insurance rate. However, it’s actually based on the risk companies are taking by insuring you. They calculate this risk by using personal information and things like:
Rethink the Coverage You Need
Here in Kansas City, we depend on our cars to get us everywhere. That’s why you should consider getting a better policy than limited liability coverage. For example, collision coverage can protect you when you’ve been in a single-car accident and comprehensive coverage protects you if your vehicle is stolen or damaged because of natural disasters. Both coverages are optional, unless you lease or finance your car.
Did you know that most vehicle insurance companies offer a variety of discounts to their policyholders? Many insurers even offer discounts based on group memberships and car features. Here are some discounts you may be eligible for with your insurance policy:
Never Choose Car Insurance Based on Price Alone
Everyone wants a good deal on car insurance, but it’s important to choose coverage from a company that has a reputation for giving great customer service and following through with insurance claims. If you go with the cheapest insurance possible, you might not get the coverage or service you expected.
Though it seems intimidating, it’s actually really easy to set up insurance when you find a vehicle on one of our buy here, pay here car dealerships. Sometimes, all you need to do is enter your information into a form online. Just make sure you have this information handy when you’re getting ready to sign up:
Basic Information
Have your address, name, birthday, and driver’s license number available.
Vehicle Information
This includes your VIN (vehicle identification number), manufacture year, make, model, safety features, and mileage on the odometer.
Previous Policy
Some insurance companies may want to see proof of past coverage. Have that information available, just in case you need it.
Our used car dealers in Kansas City are here to help! If you have questions about purchasing a vehicle from one of our used car dealerships, never hesitate to ask our team.
Does it feel like you’ve been to dozens of used car lots near you, only to find a terrible selection? Stop wasting your time at other dealerships and come to Auto Bank of Kansas City! Not only do we have an extensive selection of used cars, we have the best dealers in the metro.
Let us take the stress out of buying a used car by calling our E. Truman Road location at (816) 241-7880 or our East Front Street used car lot at (816) 231-9300. You can also send us a message online! Make sure you ask our team about our online pre-approval for financing.