Being a first-time driver is an exciting experience—but it’s also a huge responsibility. You must always be alert and cautious, and you must make sure to keep your vehicle, your passengers, and others on the road safe.
Of course, accidents can happen, no matter how careful you are. The best way to stay protected is by having car insurance. A policy will save you from having to pay exorbitant fees in case something unfortunate happens when you’re behind the wheel.
How to Get Car Insurance as a First-Time Driver?
Getting car insurance for first time drivers is simple–you simply get in touch with a car insurance provider, provide your details, discuss the coverages that you need, and sign the papers. Then, you’ll have to pay a premium each month (or at whatever frequency you’ve agreed on with your agent) to receive your benefits. Before you do that, though, it’s a good idea to shop around for options. Get quotes from multiple companies and see which one makes the most sense based on your budget and needs.
If you don’t own your vehicle, (such as if you’re just driving a parent’s car or are sharing a vehicle with another), you may not have to take out a separate insurance policy and will just have to update the existing plan attached to the vehicle to add you as one of its users.
What Do I Need to Get Car Insurance?
When applying for car insurance, the provider will require some details about yourself, your vehicle (including how you’ll use it), and your driving history. You can ask an agent what you need before meeting so that you can have everything ready.
It’s important to note that as a new driver, your car insurance quote may be a little higher for the same coverage offered to a more seasoned driver. Because you don’t have a lot of driving experience, insurance companies are taking a risk to cover you, so they normally compensate for this with higher premiums. But don’t worry, these should decrease over time!
What Should My Car Insurance Cover?
Car insurance is mandated under Canadian law, and two basic types are required on any policy: liability insurance and accidental damages insurance.
Liability insurance covers losses that you may cause to other vehicles, such as in the case of an accident that leads to injury or death–this includes medical or legal payments to others, but typically doesn’t cover the cost of repairs. Accidental damages insurance protects you from paying for your own medical expenses or loss of income if you get into a car accident.
Other optional coverage is good to have in addition to the basics, such as collision insurance or personal effects coverage. You can also take out a comprehensive car insurance plan to cover all your bases.
In Conclusion
Every first-time driver must get car insurance for their vehicle as a way to protect themselves and others from damages. Don’t forget to prioritise this step before getting behind the wheel!
