Buying a car can be a significant investment, and for many people, the biggest challenge is either how to get cheap car with no insurance deposit or how to reduce the upfront cost of an insurance deposit. Insurance deposits can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the car and the driver’s history.
What Is No Deposit Car Insurance?
To clear the air, there is no such thing as “car insurance with no deposit” or low down payment car insurance. Inspite of how often the terms are used as advertising tools, they are misleading.
Based on the name, it’s easy to think that no-deposit car insurance is insurance coverage provided by an insurer without any money exchanging hands.
This description of cheap car insurance with no deposit is wrong. When you hear the phrase “no-deposit car insurance,” it actually refers to a policy that allows you to make a monthly payment as opposed to paying in one lump sum. There is no “deposit” because the first monthly premium takes care of your first month of the insurance plan.
Options for Low Down Payment Car Insurance
While some may advertise cheap auto insurance with no money down, what they mean is that you don’t have to come up with anything other than your first-month insurance premium. Every car insurance company requires you to pay something upfront to begin a car insurance policy.
Premiums can be paid off in one of four ways: monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. If you’re hoping to pay the lowest possible amount upfront, your best bet is to opt for a monthly installment plan.
How Can You Get Very Cheap Car Insurance with No Down Payment?
It works this way:
- Contact a car insurance company for an insurance quote.
- Then the insurance provider looks at things like your age, sex, credit score, and driving history. Based on their findings, they quote you the rate for an annual premium.
- You then compare auto insurance quotes for as many insurers as you like and focus on the car insurance provider that offers the cheapest auto insurance.
- Once you’ve homed in on one auto insurance company, you inquire about ways to land the most affordable car insurance rate.
- Since you do not want to make a large lump-sum payment, you make sure the company with the lowest auto insurance quote also offers a monthly payment plan.
- You discover how much that monthly payment will be and double-check to make sure it fits your monthly budget.
- If you want more than minimum coverage, you ask about how much more it will cost to add on extras.
- Once you find the level of coverage you’re comfortable with and can afford, you make an initial payment. Remember, this payment supplies your first month of auto insurance coverage.
- You sign up to have payments taken directly from a credit card, debit card, or bank account, so you never have to stress about missing an insurance premium payment.
- As your financial situation evolves, you may find that you can afford a greater level of car insurance coverage. You are at liberty to make upgrades to your policy as you are able.
Ways to Get Cheap Car Insurance
Now that we’ve explained that the best way to avoid a large upfront payment is to rate shop and opt for monthly payments, you’ll want to know some of the tricks for keeping your auto insurance rate low.
Carry Liability-Only Car Insurance
If you drive a car that’s not worth much, you can save a great deal of cash by carrying liability-only car insurance. That implies that if you cause an accident, your insurance company will cover the cost of repairing or replacing the other driver’s vehicle.
Buy a Car That’s Cheap to Insure
According to a recent study, nine out of 10 of the cheapest cars to insure are SUVs, due primarily to the safety features built into these cars. Make sure any car you purchase is on the “cheap to insure” list.
Avoid Theft-Magnets
The Ford F-Series truck has been the best-selling automobile in the U.S. for more than 40 years. It is also the most stolen car. Before purchasing a new car, check online to see how often that particular vehicle gets hijacked. Avoiding theft-magnets is one of the simplest ways to snag a cheap insurance policy.
Steer Away from High-Priced Cars
You may have dreamed of driving a Mercedes when you were a youngster, but the more expensive a vehicle is, the more expensive it is to protect. You don’t have to give up on the dream, but perhaps you can delay it until you can swing the higher cost of insurance.
Don’t Be Tempted by A Muscle Car
Unless you’re driving a Ford Mustang GT (one of the most inexpensive sports cars to insure due to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety ratings), muscle cars tend to arrive with high insurance rates. That’s because car insurance companies fret that people who own powerful vehicles tend to drive them recklessly and get into more accidents than the average car owner.
Ask About Discounts
When you desire a car insurance quote, find out what kind of discounts the company offers. There may be insurance discounts tied to your driving record, profession, or whether you plan to bundle your auto insurance policy with other kinds of insurance coverage, like homeowners.
Although there is no such thing as very cheap car insurance with no deposit, you still have alternatives. The trick is to shop around for an insurer that offers the coverage you need with a monthly premium cost you can cover.
Improve Your Credit Score
Your credit score plays a vital role in determining your insurance premium. This is because drivers with good credit scores are often seen as less risky and can get lower insurance figures.
Consider a Short-Term Lease
Leasing a car can be a good prospect for people who do not want to commit to a long-term purchase. Short-term leases are often less costly than long-term leases and require a lower insurance deposit. Regardless, it is important to read the lease agreement carefully and understand the terms and conditions.
Buy a Used Car
Buying a used car is often less pricey than buying a new car and requires a lower insurance deposit. Used cars can be found at a fraction of the cost of a new car and can be a good choice for people on a tight budget. It is important to do your research and choose a used car that is in a good state and has a reliable history.
How to Sign up For No-Deposit Car Insurance
If you wish to pay your car insurance in monthly installments and find a no-deposit or low-deposit policy, start by getting free car insurance quotes and comparing costs from numerous companies.
1. Set Your Budget
Calculate how much you can afford to pay for car insurance per month. From there, you can estimate your costs and decide between minimum coverage and full coverage.
2. Compare Quotes
Get online quotes from the cheapest companies you can locate. Fill out info about yourself, your car, and your driving history for precise estimates. Once you’ve gotten quotes, compare your first-month, monthly and total costs to discover the best deal.
3. Set up Payments to Start Your Policy
Most companies will allow you to pay your car insurance bill by electronic funds transfer (EFT), credit card, debit card, or check. Watch out for any extra fees based on the payment type you choose.
Once you’ve received your quote, you can generally purchase your car insurance instantly. Most insurance companies offer instant car insurance with no deposit, meaning you can obtain coverage the same day as soon as your payment is processed.
Key Note
Getting a cheap car with no insurance deposit may seem challenging, but it is possible with the right strategies. It is important to consider factors such as insurance rates, credit score, and car type when shopping for a car.
Choosing a higher deductible, shopping around for insurance, and opting for a short-term lease or car-sharing service can also help you save money. By doing your research and exploring your options, you can get a cheap car without having to pay a large insurance deposit upfront.
