How to Get Cheap Car Insurance for Visiting Scholars

 

Are you a visiting scholar who wants to drive a car in your host country? If so, you might be wondering how to get cheap car insurance that meets your needs and budget.

A visiting scholar is an academic who visits a host university to teach, lecture, or perform research in their area of expertise. Visiting scholars can enrich their professional and personal development, as well as contribute to the academic community and international collaboration.

However, getting car insurance as a visiting scholar can be challenging and costly. You might face different driving laws, insurance requirements, and currency exchange rates in your host country. You might also have a limited driving history or credit score in your host country, which can affect your car insurance rates.

Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks that can help you get cheap car insurance for visiting scholars. In this article, we will share with you five of them. By following these tips, you can save money on your car insurance premiums, stay legal on the road, and enjoy peace of mind while driving.

Tip 1: Compare car insurance quotes from different insurers and look for discounts

One of the best ways to get cheap car insurance for visiting scholars is to compare car insurance quotes from different insurers and look for discounts. Car insurance rates can vary widely depending on the insurer, the coverage, and the driver. By comparing quotes, you can find the best deal and the most suitable coverage for your situation.

There are many online tools and websites that can help you compare car insurance quotes easily and quickly. For example, you can use NerdWallet’s car insurance calculator to estimate your cost based on your personal information and preferences. You can also use GoCompare’s car insurance comparison service to get quotes from over 100 insurers in minutes.

When comparing quotes, don’t forget to look for discounts that you might be eligible for. Many insurers offer discounts for visiting scholars who have low mileage, good driving records, academic achievements, or memberships in certain organizations. You can also get discounts if you bundle your car insurance with other policies or insure multiple cars with one policy.

Tip 2: Choose a cheaper car to insure and limit your mileage

Another way to get cheap car insurance for visiting scholars is to choose a cheaper car to insure and limit your mileage. The type, make, model, and age of your car can affect your car insurance rates significantly. Generally speaking, cheaper cars are cheaper to insure because they cost less to repair or replace in case of an accident.

Therefore, as a visiting scholar, you might want to opt for a cheaper car to insure rather than a flashy or expensive one. Some factors to consider when choosing a car are safety, reliability, fuel efficiency, and depreciation. Some examples of cheap cars to insure are Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Fiesta, or Hyundai Elantra.

Limiting your mileage can also help you lower your car insurance premiums. The less you drive, the lower your risk of getting into accidents or making claims. Many insurers offer low-mileage discounts for drivers who drive less than a certain number of miles per year.

To limit your mileage, you can use alternative modes of transportation such as public transit, carpooling, or biking. You can also plan your trips ahead of time and avoid unnecessary driving.

Tip 3: Improve your car security and park in a safe place

Improving your car security and parking in a safe place can also help you get cheap car insurance for visiting scholars. By doing so, you can deter thieves and vandals from targeting your car and lower your risk of theft or damage claims.

There are many car security devices or features that can help you improve your car security and get cheaper car insurance. For example, you can install alarms, immobilizers, tracking systems, or steering locks on your car. These devices can make it harder for thieves to break into or steal your car.

Parking in a safe place can also reduce your risk of theft or damage and lower your car insurance premiums. A safe parking spot is one that is secure, well-lit, and monitored by cameras or guards. For example, you can park your car in a garage, driveway, or parking lot rather than on the street.

Tip 4: Increase your voluntary excess and deductible

Increasing your voluntary excess and deductible can also help you get cheap car insurance for visiting scholars. A voluntary excess is the amount of money that you agree to pay out of pocket before the insurer pays the rest of the claim. A deductible is similar but applies only to certain types of coverage such as collision or comprehensive.

By increasing your voluntary excess and deductible, you can lower your car insurance premiums by reducing the amount that the insurer has to pay in case of a claim. For example, if you increase your voluntary excess from $200 to $500, you might save $100 on your annual premium.

However, before you increase your voluntary excess and deductible, you should be aware of the potential drawbacks. If you make a claim, you will have to pay more out of pocket, which might be difficult if you don’t have enough savings. You should also make sure that the amount of money you save on your premium is worth the amount of money you risk paying in case of a claim.

Tip 5: Consider the type of cover you need and only pay for what you need

The last tip to get cheap car insurance for visiting scholars is to consider the type of cover you need and only pay for what you need. There are different types of car insurance cover available in most countries, such as third party only, third party fire and theft, or comprehensive cover.

Third party only cover is the minimum level of cover required by law in most countries. It covers the damage or injury that you cause to other people or their property, but not your own car or yourself.

Third party fire and theft cover is similar to third party only cover, but it also covers your car if it is stolen or damaged by fire.

Comprehensive cover is the highest level of cover available. It covers everything that third party fire and theft cover does, plus the damage or injury that you cause to your own car or yourself.

Choosing the right type of cover can help you get cheap car insurance for visiting scholars by paying only for what you need. For example, if you have an older car that is not worth much, a third party only cover might be enough for you. However, if you have a newer or more valuable car, a comprehensive cover might be more suitable for you.

To choose the right type of cover, you should consider factors such as the value of your car, the level of protection that you want, and the legal requirements in your host country. You should also compare the prices and benefits of different types of cover before making a decision.

Conclusion

Getting cheap car insurance for visiting scholars can be challenging but not impossible. By following the tips that we have shared with you in this article, you can save money on your car insurance premiums, stay legal on the road, and enjoy peace of mind while driving.

If you are a visiting scholar who wants to get cheap car insurance, don’t wait any longer. Start comparing car insurance quotes from different insurers and look for discounts. Choose a cheaper car to insure and limit your mileage. Improve your car security and park in a safe place. Increase your voluntary excess and deductible. Consider the type of cover that you need and only pay for what you need.

By doing so, you can get cheap car insurance for visiting scholars and make the most of your academic experience in your host country.