How to Put a New Car on Your Insurance Policy

People think its a time-consuming task to put their car on their auto insurance policy. It is not as hard as you would think, as long as you have everything you need in front of you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) Pen or pencil Paper Lease or lien holder Information

1. Retrieve your VIN number and have it in front of you. You can generally get this from your paperwork from where you bought the car. You can also get it on the inside panel of the driver's side door or on the dashboard on the driver's side.

2. Determine what kind of liability coverage you need. If your vehicle is a leased vehicle or has a lien holder, you will want to verify with the company what kind of liability coverage it requires. It usually wants you to have higher than the minimum state requirements. It also might want you to have a lower deductible on your collision and comprehension coverage, so make sure you verify that as well.

3. Telephone your auto insurance company during its business hours. Some insurance companies allow you to add your vehicle online at its website. It is always best to get someone on the phone to do it with so you can make sure you are adding the correct coverage, and if you have any questions, she can answer them for you.

4. Advise the insurance company that you are adding a new vehicle onto your policy. Generally, they are going to ask you for the VIN number and the make and model of the vehicle.

5. Advise your insurance company of any added features, such as anti-theft devices, airbags, anti-lock brakes, window etchings and any additional discounts your insurance company might offer. Also ask your insurance company if there is any other discounts you might be eligible for.

6. Give your insurance company your lease or lien holder mailing address. Also, give the required coverages your lease or lien holder needs you to carry on your vehicle. You need to have this pertinent information, so every time your auto insurance renews, your insurance company will automatically mail conformation of coverage to your lease or lien holder.

7. Ask your insurance company to fax you a copy of proof of insurance. Most of the time, you can drive the vehicle until you receive your cards, but you are always going to want to verify that with your insurance company.

Tips & Warnings

• Each state has different guidelines for proof of insurance. You are always going to want to verify this with your insurance company before you get in your car to drive.