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mimi888 · May 10, 2009, 10:34 PM

Hi, I will be moving to the US. I will be purchasing a new car.
I have never purchased or owned a car before. Please outline for me the steps in purchasing the car. How to get it insured? Can I pay with a credit card (I have a student line of credit with a 30k limit on it)

I am Canadian with a Canadian drivers license. Do I need to retake the drivers test to obtain a license in the US.

Clough · May 10, 2009, 10:41 PM

Hi, mimi888!

I really don't like directing someone to another site. However, here is enough information on the following site to not warrant my copying and pasting anything here.

10 Steps to Buying a New Car

Thanks!

Clough · May 10, 2009, 10:44 PM

A couple more things. You might need to take both a written and actual driving test. A driver's license place would be the place where they would determine what you need to do concerning that.

To get insurance, you would simply see an insurance salesman who carries coverages for automobiles. Once you've purchase the vehicle, it would be a good idea to wait to drive it until you have at least liability coverage on it.

Thanks!

mimi888 · May 10, 2009, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by Clough

A couple more things. You might need to take both a written and actual driving test. A driver's license place would be the place where they would determine what you need to do concerning that.

To get insurance, you would simply see an insurance salesman who carries coverages for automobiles. Once you've purchase the vehicle, it would be a good idea to wait to drive it until you have at least liability coverage on it.

Thanks!

Do I need to shop around for insurance/bargain?

Clough · May 10, 2009, 11:01 PM

Yes, shopping around for insurance is a good idea in order to find the agent with the best and most coverage for the lowest price.

Thanks!

mimi888 · May 10, 2009, 11:18 PM

If I were looking at a Toyota Yaris or Chev Aveo what can I expect to pay in insurance. How would I know that I am getting charged fairly? Do you have any recommendations for car insurance companies in the US?

Wondergirl · May 10, 2009, 11:28 PM

Originally Posted by mimi888

If I were looking at a Toyota Yaris or Chev Aveo what can i expect to pay in insurance. How would I know that I am getting charged fairly? Do you have any recommendations for car insurance companies in the US?

It depends on your driving record, number of past accidents, age of the car you purchase, engine power, safety features. Get estimates from large, well-known insurers such as Geico, State Farm, MetLife, etc.

Clough · May 10, 2009, 11:30 PM

I'm not sure what you would be paying in insurance because that would be determined by a number of factors. I just have liability on my vehicles.

When I did get my late model Toyota Camry a number of years ago, my insurance agent insisted that I sign something about not getting full coverage because it was a late model car. But, I could only afford liability insurance.

State Farm is an excellent insurance company. They rank among the best in the nation.

Thanks!

Clough · May 10, 2009, 11:32 PM

Of course, Wondergirl and I were writing our posts at about the same time.

I've heard some negative things about Geico, though.

Thanks!

Wondergirl · May 10, 2009, 11:44 PM

Originally Posted by Clough

Of course, Wondergirl and I were writing our posts at about the same time.

I've heard some negative things about Geico, though.

I suggested Geico just as another well-known name to check into. Your local public library has something called Best's Insurance ratings books for auto insurance (also for life and property-casualty). Check those and read up on a company's history and financial information in Best's and in other reference books.

I too have State Farm for auto and homeowner's insurance and swear by them. I used to work for them and know they are a good company, solid and caring.

mimi888 · May 10, 2009, 11:51 PM

Wow, I just got a ball park quote I think I used (allstate) and got a quote of 4k for 6months!

Ive never been in an accident, single f (27), probably have excellent credit history...

Does 4000/6 months sound right?

Clough · May 10, 2009, 11:55 PM

$4,000 for six months sounds incredibly high! I'm assuming that was for full coverage. Since I've not had full coverage in many years, I'm not really sure though...

A good deal as to how much insurance costs, does depend on the age and gender of the person applying for it.

Thanks!

mimi888 · May 10, 2009, 11:58 PM

Oh OK, I'm glad it sounds high to you. I want bare minimum coverage/cheapest possible. Could you give me a ball park of how much this could be for 1 year?

Clough · May 11, 2009, 12:22 AM

For my liability coverage for two, older vehicles, for a year it's around $1,000. That's with Victoria Fire & Casualty. I go through an agent who has many carriers. I'm also 52 years old.

Like I said previously though, he made me sign something when my car was not very old and I only wanted liability.

Thanks!

mimi888 · May 11, 2009, 12:54 AM

Thank you very much for yourhelp

Clough · May 11, 2009, 01:02 AM

You're very welcome, mimi888! My auto insurance guys, (they're brothers) try to find me the best deals.

It does pay to shop around...

Thanks!