What You Should Know About Auto Insurance and Leasing
Leasing a car is not only an attractive financial offer to the majority of auto-consumers, but also a lifestyle and favorite choice.
Leasing a car has four main benefits.
1. Keeping up with the latest trends. Lots of people want to drive the latest models every two to three years.
2. Leasing offers buying flexibility. It allows you to postpone the buying decision while using the car. At the end of your lease, you can buy the car or simply walk away.
3. Leasing reduces your preliminary cash expense because you do not have to pay the large down payment required for car ownership.
4. Just about every aspect of leasing is negotiable. If you know all the fees involved, you can lower your monthly payments.
When leasing a car, it is easier to choose the same company for your auto insurance. However, you may end up paying too much for your coverage and it is better to look elsewhere for lower rates.
When you lease, the car that you will drive belongs to the leasing company. They want to be sure that their investment is covered in the event the car gets damaged, totaled or stolen.
They usually want to get covered for the difference between what your auto-insurer pays and your unpaid leasing obligations at the time of the accident or damage. This is called GAP, short for Guaranteed Auto Protection, and is typically included in the leasing contract.
If your leasing company is a finance division of an automaker, then your GAP insurance will be offered by the same lease company.
You are under no obligation to accept GAP insurance included as part of your lease agreement. Why pay an insurance premium if you can find the same coverage for a lower price?
Spend some time shopping by comparing quotes from different insurance companies. Demand discounts that you already qualify for and modify your coverage in view of that.
