When purchasing a new vehicle, many people don't consider how the new car will impact the price they pay for auto insurance. Certain automobiles are costlier to insure than others, which could alter your decision regarding which car to buy. Here is a guide to the essential considerations to make that may impact your policy.

How Buying a New Car Can Impact Your Auto Insurance

1. Expensive Vehicles Cost More to Insure

If you buy a car that is much more valuable than your current vehicle, it only makes sense that your auto insurance costs will rise. For example, it's notably more expensive to get insurance on the latest model of a car compared to last year's model. Depending on the type of insurance you have, your carrier may increase your rates to cover the value of a total loss after an accident. With that in mind, insurance companies will charge you more for a costly car.

2. Safer Vehicles Are Less Expensive to Insure

Look up the safety records of the cars you are interested in purchasing. Not only is that valuable information you can use to make your decision, but it will also help you avoid buying a dangerous, expensive car.

Additionally, it's possible to lower the cost of your insurance by getting safety features installed after buying your new vehicle, such as a car alarm or anti-lock brakes.

3.  Driving Habits Matter

Auto insurance companies pay close attention to the type of car you drive and what that car says about you. For example, if you own a minivan, you are unlikely to spend your weekends racing for fun on the highway. If you buy a sports car that research says is more prone to get tickets and get into accidents, your insurance company will notice.

Similarly, your insurance company may not favorably view your choice to buy an expensive sports car as a daily driver. You'd save money if you buy a sports car that you don't plan to put many miles on.

If you are shopping for car insurance, turn to the experts at Superior Insurance. Since 2009, they have been serving clients in the Triangle of North Carolina — Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Their knowledgeable agents will shop around with multiple carriers to find the best policy to fit your needs. Call (919) 224-8034 to get a free quote, or visit their website for more information about their services.