Whether it’s new or used, a car represents an important purchase. Before buying a car and car insurance to go with it, don’t hesitate to get the information you need from insurers on the models that interest you. All vehicles are different, and some cost significantly more to insure than others. Our sections on new car insurance and used car insurance can help you learn more.
If You Buy a Used Vehicle
If you’re looking to buy a used car and get car insurance, some basic preventive measures will go a long way to helping get a good, reliable vehicle. Generally, buying a used car from a reputable dealer will help you avoid certain problems, but you should be extra careful when purchasing from an individual.
Watch out for stolen vehicles!
Every year, many Canadians find themselves having bought a stolen car without knowing it. To avoid this happening to you, consider these simple steps:
- Verify that the manufacturer’s sticker is present on the driver’s side door. Thieves usually remove this sticker so that the vehicle cannot be traced;
- Beware if the seller offers to spare you paying sales tax, or if they insist on being paid in cash. These are other ways that thieves try to cover their tracks;
- Beware of offers that seem too good to be true. Thieves are in a hurry to move the merchandise they have stolen and will offer it to you at a bargain price.
Get informed about the vendor and the vehicle’s history
Knowing the full history of a vehicle is an excellent way to avoid buying a stolen or rebuilt car. A rebuilt vehicle can compromise your safety, as well as that of your passengers and others on the road. It’s an important point to consider when looking to buy a used car and car insurance.
- Request a vehicle history report from a reputable company that provides this information, such as CarProof. in Quebec you can get a report on the SAAQ’s website;
- Make sure you can obtain the vehicle’s registration;
- Search the vehicle on the website of the Canadian Police Information Centre, to verify that it is not stolen;
- If you are buying from an individual in Quebec, you can visit the website of the RDPRM to verify if the person selling you the car is its rightful owner;
- If you are buying from a merchant in Quebec, you can contact the SAAQ to verify that they are duly licenced;
- In Ontario, a vendor selling you a car must provide you with a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP);
- Motorists in B.C. can order an ICBC vehicle history report for the car they’re interested in buying;
- In Alberta, Vehicle Information Reports (VIR) are available for vehicles registered in that province.
Buying a good-quality car can reduce your car insurance costs and save you a lot of hassle. For other useful tips, take a look at our car insurance tips to further reduce your premiums.