When purchasing a new vehicle, many drivers are tempted to keep the same old auto insurance coverage limits or do whatever they can to lower their rate.

But finding the best auto insurance, like shopping for a new car, is about much more than the sticker price. So let’s uncover why shopping for insurance and a new ride often go hand in hand – and how a local pro like an Whitbeck Insurance agent can help.

What to Ask an Insurance Agent Before Buying a New Car

When you’re in the market for a new vehicle, one of the smartest things you can do is talk to a local insurance agent before you buy. Why? A local agent can offer insurance tips and potential ways to save on your new purchase. For example:

• What will it cost to insure the different makes and models I’m considering?
• Is there a significant difference in cost of parts or labor for the cars I’m looking at?
• Am I eligible for any new auto insurance discounts?
• Do I need to make any changes to my policy when I buy my new car?
• Are there any coverage gaps I need to be aware of?

Remember: If you’re buying a new car, proof of insurance may be required before driving your new car off the lot. If you’re already a customer, your local agent is just a phone call away to help you provide the right documentation to show the dealer before you take it home. If you’re an existing ERIE customer, you can access your insurance ID card through your ERIE Online Account

Learn more in our related explainer: Is Your New Car Covered Under Your Auto Insurance Policy?

Will buying a new car affect my auto insurance rate?

Chances are when you buy a new car, your monthly auto insurance premiums will change, too.

That’s because your auto insurance rate depends on a number of different factors, including the car you drive. And each insurance company may look at these factors, such as your vehicle’s safety ratings and cost of repairs, differently.

Generally, cars with higher safety ratings and anti-theft devices can help lower your rate. But those features could be more expensive to repair after an accident, too. On the other hand,older cars may be cheaper to fix, but they often aren’t equipped with high-tech safety features to help prevent accidents.

When getting quotes for insurance, keep in mind that your driving history impacts your insurance rate more than what you drive. So regardless of the make and model you choose, being a safe driver can go a long way.

Learn more in our related explainer: What Determines the Price of My Auto Insurance?

What Type of Coverage Do I Need for My New Car?

Your first thought may be to look for the lowest price, but don’t let the excitement of a new car push you toward bare-bones coverage that can leave you vulnerable to dangerous coverage gaps.

Your local ERIE agent can help you find that sweet spot where you can get customized coverage that protects you and respects your budget. If you’re buying a new car, make sure to ask about these options:

• New Auto Security: It’s true: Your new car depreciates the moment you drive it off the lot. But that doesn’t mean your insurance coverage should, too. With the New Auto Security endorsement, if your new car¹ gets totaled, ERIE will pay you the cost to replace it with the newest comparable model year (minus your deductible). And if you’ve had your car longer than two years, ERIE will pay the cost to replace it with a comparable model that is up to two years newer and up to $30,000 fewer miles than the current mileage of your car, minus the deductible.
• ERIE Rate Lock®: Avoid car insurance rate increases with the ERIE Rate Lock® feature. Even if you have a claim, your rates won’t change until you make certain changes to your auto insurance policy, such as adding or removing a vehicle or a driver from your policy or changing your primary residence². (New York customers: Ask about ERIE Rate Protect^SM.)
• ERIE Auto Plus: Enhance your coverage with features such as diminishing deductible³.

A local insurance agent can also explain what kind of coverage you’d need to cover common types of claims, such as windshield chipsor hitting a deer.

Buying a New Car? Get a Quote with ERIE

With the right insurance company, quality coverage starts and ends with your agent. Learn more about our auto insurance coverage.

Every ERIE policy comes with a local agent ready to walk you through the entire process and answer your questions — because you deserve an auto policy that’s personal, fair and affordable.

Contact your local ERIE agent and learn how we can help you protect your new set of wheels and travel with you on the journey ahead.

¹ Vehicle is considered new when less than two years old. The endorsement is sold on a per-vehicle basis, not per policy, and contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions. Coverage is not available in all states. Eligible vehicles must carry both comprehensive and collision coverage and replacement must be made with a comparable model. New vehicle replacement and better vehicle replacement do not apply to leased vehicles. Only repair coverage and auto lease/loan component apply to a leased vehicle. Coverage does not include items such as overdue payments and carry-over balances from previous leases/loans, etc. When payment is made under new vehicle replacement or better vehicle replacement, auto lease/ loan coverage will not apply. Not available in NY or NC.

² ERIE Rate Lock® Rates subject to change if you add or remove a vehicle, add or remove a driver, or change your address or the place you usually park your car. ERIE Rate Lock® does not guarantee continued insurance coverage. Not available in all states. Limited to three years in Virginia. Insured must meet applicable underwriting guidelines. Premium may change if you make a policy change.

³ Diminishing deductible up to a maximum reduction of $500. In New York, comprehensive deductible cannot be reduced to less than $50 and collision deductible cannot be reduced to less than $100. Coverage may vary by state. Not available in all states.