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Buying a new car is an exciting moment, but sorting out your new car insurance is just as important if you want to drive home legally and protect your money. Insuring a new car properly gives you peace of mind that you’re covered in the event of an accident, theft or damage.
When arranging a car insurance policy, it’s vital to compare different insurers to get the best price. Many drivers rush this step but a quick check can save you hundreds each year. With the right motor insurance in place, you can feel confident that your new vehicle is protected, no matter what happens on the road.
Your car insurance options will depend on the vehicle you own, your driving history and the level of cover you choose. Whether you need comprehensive cover or third-party only, always read your policy documents carefully so you understand exactly what is included.
Having the correct motor insurance is not just a legal requirement; it is also a smart way to protect your car, your property and your finances. When switching car insurance or taking out a brand new policy, remember that the details you provide must be accurate to ensure your cover is valid.
If you’ve just bought a new car but already have an existing policy, you may be able to transfer your car insurance to your new vehicle. Always check with your insurer whether this is possible and if there are any fees involved. Sometimes, you may find that it is better value to arrange a brand new policy instead of transferring, especially if the exact model or insurance group changes.
When doing a car insurance transfer, have your car’s registration number to hand so the insurer can update your documents. You might also need to provide extra details about your old car and the new vehicle to make sure your cover is correct.
It’s important to understand the costs involved in arranging a car insurance policy for a new vehicle. Many factors affect the price you’ll pay, including the insurance group, your driving record, where you park overnight, and whether you add any named drivers.
Some insurers may offer breakdown cover or legal protection as part of your motor insurance package, so check if this is included. Always compare the total cost — not just the monthly payments — to make sure you get the best value.
One of the first things to consider when buying an insurance policy for your new car is what kind of payout you can expect from your insurer in the event of a write off or theft.
Often, insurers will pay out a sum equal to the value of your car at the time of the incident. Due to the large-scale depreciation that unfortunately occurs with motor vehicles, this will more likely than not be quite a lot less than what you paid in the first place. This is particularly true if your car was bought brand new.
Guaranteed Asset Protection (Gap) insurance covers the difference between the proposed pay out and the original value of your car, leaving your mind and wallet at ease.
When arranging motor insurance for your new vehicle, always double-check that your policy covers you to drive legally. It’s your responsibility to ensure you have the legal minimum level of cover before taking your new car home from the dealer.
Some drivers choose temporary insurance as a short-term fix until they find a more suitable annual policy. A temporary insurance policy can cover you for just a few minutes or up to 28 days, giving you the flexibility you need.
The price of the car insurance policy you are offered will depend, at least in part, on the kind of car you buy.
There are 50 different insurance groups into which every car built to UK specifications will fall, with those in the highest group costing the most to cover, and those in the lowest group costing the least.
For example, a Peugeot 106 will cost significantly less to cover than a Lamborghini Gallardo, which falls into group 50. It’s not just supercars in the top group, though; here you'll also find high end 4X4s like Range Rovers.
Having a car that is classed in a high insurance group does not necessarily mean that you’ll have to pay through the nose for cover though, just as insuring a small Vauxhall Corsa will not always be cheap. There are always other factors to consider when buying insurance for your new car.
Keeping your new car secure will help lower your premiums. Simple steps like parking in a locked garage or using steering wheel locks can reduce the risk of theft and lower your insurance costs
This is because in doing so, you're reducing the risk of theft according to which the insurance company works out the price of its policies. Insurers reward drivers who reduce risk, so take this into account when arranging your new car insurance.
Insuring your car is a legal necessity, but if you’re having trouble finding the right annual policy right away, you might want to take out a temporary insurance policy for your new car to make sure you’re covered while you search for something more permanent.
With a short term insurance policy you’ll be able to legally drive your new car for a period of 1-28 days. Temporary insurance policies cost more on a day-by-day basis than an annual policy would, but can be exactly what you need if you just need cover for a short while.
The best way to get the cheapest car insurance policy for your new car is to compare quotes online using a comparison service. Simply enter your requirements into the simple form, and we'll pull up a list of the best quotes available on the market so you can start saving and start driving right away.
*51% of consumers could save £518.14 on their Car Insurance. The saving was calculated by comparing the cheapest price found with the average of the next four cheapest prices quoted by insurance providers on Seopa Ltd’s insurance comparison website. This is based on representative cost savings from June 2025 data. The savings you could achieve are dependent on your individual circumstances and how you selected your current insurance supplier.