Posted by Car Insurance Costs: Leasing vs. Financing – Choosing between leasing and financing a car requires different factors to consider, one of which is the cost of insurance. Choosing any of these two options can affect the amount you pay for your auto insurance premiums.
This article aims to find out if car insurance is cheaper for financed or leased cars, what type of insurance is suitable for each option, what factors affect the price or cost of a car insurance policy, and how you can save on insurance. If you want to understand the nuances behind this, keep reading this guide.
Is Car Insurance Cheaper if you Lease or Finance?
Generally, auto insurance is cheaper if you finance a car, unlike when you lease it. This is because leasing companies have higher insurance coverage requirements. The primary aim of these leasing companies is to safeguard their investments and make higher liability limits mandatory. In addition, they stand firm on comprehensive and collision insurance. Unlike when financiers need comprehensive collision insurance, you can get lower liability limits based on the minimum state requirements.
How Much Does Insurance Cost If You Lease or Finance Your Car?
The fixed cost of insurance when you finance or lease your car depends on several elements, like your driving history, the model and make of your car and your insurance company. However, leasing companies have higher insurance costs because of the rigid coverage requirements. For instance, a lessee might need to pay 10–20% more on their insurance premium than a borrower with plans to finance their vehicle purchase. This is because of additional protection like gap insurance and higher coverage limits.
What Types of Car Insurance Do You Need for a Leased or Financed Car?
Leased Car
Here is the type of insurance that a leased car or a borrower who wants to lease their vehicle should have:
- Liability coverage.
- Collision coverage.
- Comprehensive coverage.
- Gap insurance.
Financed Car
Here is the type of insurance that a financed car can purchase to get appropriate coverage:
- Collision coverage.
- Gap insurance.
- Comprehensive coverage.
- Liability coverage.
Car Insurance Costs: Leasing vs. Financing
When it comes to leasing or financing, a lot of car owners or drivers have a hard time deciding. So, here are some factors that we will be using to compare:
- Premium Costs: Since leasing companies impose higher coverage requirements, This makes leasing a car causes your premium to increase as well.
- Risk Factors: Insurance companies also consider the whole risk exposure during the underwriting process. What’s more, leased vehicles pose a higher risk to leasing companies as well.
- Gap Insurance: Financing and leasing both need gap insurance. This insurance type covers the difference between what your insurance provider pays out if your vehicle is totaled and what you still owe on your loan or lease.
Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates
Various factors affect and determine your car insurance rates, and here is a list of these elements:
- Mileage.
- Location.
- Credit score.
- Vehicle safety features.
- Age.
- Gender.
- Vehicle type.
- Driving history.
- Vehicle model.
- Coverage levels.
- Deductibles.
Hence, insurance companies or providers consider all of these factors before they give car owners an estimate of their premiums.
How to Save on Auto Insurance
No doubt, there are certain things that we cannot possibly control when it comes to car insurance; however, there are still a few steps you can take to save a couple of bucks. Here are some of the best things to save on car insurance:
- Look and shop around.
- Choose a suitable coverage.
- Bundle your quotes.
- Improve your credit score.
- Look for discounts.
- Drive safely.
- Invest in cars with safety features.
By implementing these steps, you will be able to get a car insurance policy at a cheap price and save more on your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does financing a car affect my credit score in a way that impacts insurance rates?
Financing a car does impact your credit score, and since some insurers use credit scores to determine rates, it can indirectly affect your insurance costs.
Can I reduce coverage on a leased car to lower my insurance costs?
Reducing coverage below the minimum required by your leasing agreement is not typically possible without violating the lease terms.
Can I switch insurance providers if I find a cheaper rate while leasing a car?
Yes, you can switch providers as long as the new policy meets the coverage requirements specified by your leasing company.
Is Gap Insurance mandatory for financed cars?
While not always mandatory, gap insurance is highly recommended for financed cars, especially if the down payment is low or the loan term is long.