Buying your first or next car? Prepare well

Are you looking for your first or next car? Then it is not surprising that you can no longer see the forest for the trees with so many brands, models, types, price ranges and fuel types. Will it be new or used, purchase or private lease, private individual or garage? Then there is the budget, where you have to look carefully at the effect your car choice has on the insurance premium.

New or used?

The used market was a bit overstrained, but prices are now cooling down somewhat. The advantage of a used car is the fast delivery time. A young copy is in many ways just as good and safe as a brand new one. An older person carries more risks and may not be as reliable, which can have a major effect on your actions. A new car is now quite expensive, but offers more security in terms of warranty and maintenance. The insurance premium for a new one is of course higher, because it is partly determined by the year of construction. But with both a new and second-hand car you can make choices to keep your premium low. This is how you choose Interpolis car insurance for example, whether or not you expand coverage. The best choice depends on your situation and wishes.

What are the fixed and variable costs?

Don’t just look at the purchase price, but also try to get an idea of ​​the fixed and variable costs. This starts with motor vehicle tax and insurance, the rates of which can be determined in advance. The original list price partly determines the insurance rate, but there is also a year of construction discount. You can make a good estimate of fuel consumption in advance.

Special insurance for electric car

The electric car (EV) may be on the rise, but around 75 percent of new cars sold in 2022 will have a petrol engine, increasingly as a hybrid. The economical and clean petrol car is the most obvious choice and usually the best in terms of residual value. The more economical, the better. An EV is quite expensive to purchase, but is (for the time being) exempt from motor vehicle tax, maintenance costs are low and charging can sometimes be cheaper than refueling. At Interpolis you will find car insurance that is tailored to the electric car. For example, the damage experts are specialized in electrical engineering and the charging cable as an accessory is insured as standard.

SUV: heavier, so more tax and insurance

You have probably noticed that the SUV is very popular in all shapes and sizes. This type accounted for almost half of new sales in 2022. The sturdy appearance and higher seat appeal to many people. However, it is not always the more spacious car, for that you still have to go to the station wagon or the MPV. Don’t forget that an SUV is often heavier, which has an effect on the MRB rate, fuel consumption and the insurance premium.

Don’t go for the lowest price

If you know which brand and type it should be and you are actively looking, do not be tempted by the provider with the lowest price. If it seems too good to be true, then it usually is. Cheap has its reason. First take a good look at the approximate average asking price and make an initial selection based on that. Also, leave some room in your budget for repairs. In the case of minor damage, it may be better to have it repaired at your own expense, so that the insurance premium does not fall back on the no claim discount.

Which insurance do you choose?

Whether it is your first or next car, in the Netherlands everyone who owns a car is legally obliged to take out at least third party liability insurance. With Third Party Car Insurance you insure damage that you cause to others with your car. For cars older than 10 years, third-party car insurance is the most popular choice.

You also have WA+ Limited Casco car insurance. In addition to coverage for damage to others, this also provides coverage for fire, theft, collision with an animal and window damage. And it is often chosen for cars from 6 to 10 years old.

Finally, you have WA+ Full Casco. This most complete coverage also insures damage to your own vehicle (due to your own fault). This is usually chosen for newer cars up to 6 years old.

Not only is there a car that suits you exactly, Interpolis also has car insurance that meets your specific wishes and requirements. Read more here.