Complete Guide to Insurance When Buying Through TrueCar
TrueCar Insurance Guide
Learn how to coordinate your TrueCar purchase with smart insurance shopping. Save money on both your vehicle and insurance coverage.
How TrueCar Works
TrueCar helps you find fair prices on new and used cars. Here's how to integrate insurance planning into your TrueCar experience.
Research Vehicle Prices
TrueCar shows average paid prices in your area
Get Price Certificate
Receive guaranteed pricing from certified dealers
Contact Dealers
TrueCar connects you with participating dealers
Finalize Purchase
Complete the deal at the dealership
Pro Tip: Add Insurance Research
Between steps 1 and 2, get insurance quotes for the vehicles you're considering. This helps you understand the true monthly cost before committing to a specific model.
Insurance Steps for TrueCar Buyers
Follow this timeline to ensure you have the right coverage at the best price.
Before You Shop
Get insurance quotes for models you're considering
- Research insurance costs by make and model
- Factor insurance into your monthly budget
- Check safety ratings affect on premiums
- Consider total cost of ownership
During Shopping
Know your insurance requirements
- Understand lender coverage requirements
- Get VIN-specific quotes when possible
- Compare new vs used insurance costs
- Ask about vehicle-specific discounts
Before Purchase
Finalize your insurance details
- Get final quote with exact VIN
- Set coverage start date
- Provide proof to lender
- Cancel old policy if trading in
After Purchase
Optimize your coverage
- Review coverage levels annually
- Update address if you move
- Report any modifications
- Track mileage for potential discounts
What Affects Your Insurance Costs
Understanding these factors helps you choose a vehicle that's affordable to insure.
Vehicle Type
Sports cars and luxury vehicles cost more to insure
Tip: Choose practical models with good safety ratings
Safety Features
Advanced safety tech can lower premiums
Tip: Look for vehicles with collision avoidance systems
Theft Risk
High-theft models have higher premiums
Tip: Check theft statistics before buying
Repair Costs
Expensive parts mean higher insurance
Tip: Research repair costs for models you like
New vs Used
New cars cost more to insure but may have discounts
Tip: Compare total costs, not just purchase price
Your Location
Urban areas typically have higher rates
Tip: Get location-specific quotes before buying
Money-Saving Tips for TrueCar Buyers
TrueCar Savings
- Use price certificates for negotiation leverage
- Compare multiple dealer offers
- Factor in dealer fees and add-ons
- Consider certified pre-owned options
Insurance Savings
- Bundle auto with home/renters insurance
- Choose higher deductibles if affordable
- Ask about safety feature discounts
- Maintain good credit for better rates
Financing Savings
- Get pre-approved before shopping
- Compare dealer financing to your bank
- Negotiate price separately from financing
- Avoid extended warranties at signing
Long-term Savings
- Choose reliable models with low insurance
- Consider total cost including maintenance
- Buy used to avoid depreciation
- Time purchases for model year-end deals
Don't Forget Insurance in Your Budget!
Many TrueCar shoppers focus on the purchase price but forget about insurance costs. Get a quote now to avoid surprises and ensure your dream car fits your budget.
TrueCar & Insurance Questions
Should I get insurance quotes before using TrueCar?
Yes! Getting insurance quotes early helps you understand the total cost of ownership. Some vehicles that seem affordable to buy can be expensive to insure. Factor insurance costs into your budget from the start.
Does TrueCar offer insurance?
TrueCar focuses on car buying, not insurance. You'll need to arrange insurance separately. We recommend getting quotes from multiple insurers to find the best coverage and rates for your new vehicle.
When should I purchase insurance for my TrueCar purchase?
You'll need insurance before driving off the lot. Get quotes as soon as you know which vehicle you're buying. You can often set the policy to start on your pickup date. Have proof of insurance ready for the dealer.
Can insurance costs vary significantly between similar vehicles?
Absolutely. Even similar vehicles can have different insurance costs based on safety ratings, theft rates, and repair costs. For example, one SUV might cost $200/month to insure while a similar model costs $150/month.