advice on auto insurance

[Evander]

I've been living overseas for the last 5 years until 2 weeks ago and I'm about to buy a used car (2003 Ford ZX2). When I bought my first car as a teen I just went under my Dad's insurance, and then I lived abroad (w/o owning a car) so I hardly know anything about auto-insurance (now above 25 yrs old).

2 main questions:

1) (with collision insurance) where can I get the best rates?

2) is there such a thing as "interim insurance"? Suppose I get the car tomorrow (quite possible), but I wanted more time to shop around before deciding on an insurance company, such a temporary insurance would be quite useful.

 

[FoBoT]

just call 3-4 places and get a quote, geico, progressive, state farm and all state

or whoever, rates vary, but unless you have something unusual going on, 3-4 quotes will get you something reasonable

 

[compuwiz1]

Time to get online and go insurance shopping. I will warn you, however, do not give a real phone number. After you go for quotes, you will have a bunch of agents calling you. Only give your real phone number, when you actually buy insurance.

I went through this recently, since I had a suspicion that my insurance agency was sticking it to me. I ended up with Progressive, and saved about 24%, per year.

 

[imported_griffis]

Wow you are going to get hammered for not having continous insurance, gl

 

[Lola]

first off... if you shop online, more liekly than not, the price will change once you purchase it.
also, you will (unfortunatly) be charged more since you don't have prior insurance, but it wont be as bad as someone who just let their policy lapse.
Since you had no need for a car, it will not be that bad.

Call around to several places in your area. I always support going into an agents office near your home because that way, they can answer any questions you have and if you chose, can start a policy then for you. They will give you the most accurate answers (moreso than a person in a call center for geico or esurance)

so, shop around, don't lie about your record , and make sure to get all you questions answered before you buy.

Good Luck