Car negotiation tips

Car Insurance: What You Really Need (And What’s a Waste)

May 28, 20254 min read

"Buying a car is like dating. It looks great at first, but give it a few months and you'll start hearing weird noises."

- Chase | Car deal dad joke writer | Not very good at it...


Week 10 – Car Insurance: What You Really Need (And What’s a Waste)

Welcome back Deal Guard nation!

You’ve made it to Week 10, and now that you’re almost ready to drive off the lot, there’s one more thing to lock in: insurance.

Car insurance is one of those things we all need, but most of us don’t fully understand. And dealerships or lenders will try to scare you into buying way more than you need. So today, we’re going to break it all down in plain language.


Tactic #10: Only Pay for the Car Insurance You Actually Need

Why This Matters

The wrong insurance policy can:

  • Cost you way too much

  • Leave you unprotected in a crash

  • Make you pay for coverage you’ll never use

So let’s get smart and build the right policy for YOU—not just what the dealership or lender recommends.


Step-by-Step: Build the Right Car Insurance Plan

Step 1: Know the 3 Big Types of Coverage

Here’s what most policies include:

  1. Liability Insurance (required by law): Covers damage/injury you cause to others.

  2. Collision Coverage: Pays to repair your car if you hit another car or object.

  3. Comprehensive Coverage: Covers things like theft, vandalism, weather, or animals.

If you financed the car, your lender will require collision and comprehensive until the loan is paid off.

Step 2: Know the Optional Add-Ons (and Which to Skip)

Dealers or insurers may try to upsell:

  • Gap Insurance – Good if you’re upside down on a loan.

  • Rental Reimbursement – Worth it if you don’t have a backup car.

  • Roadside Assistance – Only useful if you don’t already have AAA or similar.

  • Glass Protection – Usually not worth the premium.

  • Extended Coverage or Custom Parts – Only if you’ve heavily modified the car.

Ask yourself:

“If this part broke or was damaged, would I pay out of pocket or want insurance to handle it?”

If you’d just pay cash, don’t pay monthly for coverage.

Step 3: Set Your Deductibles Wisely

A deductible is what you pay before insurance kicks in. A higher deductible = lower monthly premium.

Example:

  • $500 deductible = higher monthly payment

  • $1,000 deductible = lower monthly payment

Choose what works for your budget and comfort level. If you can afford $1,000 in a pinch, take the lower premium.

Step 4: Shop Insurance Before You Buy the Car

Insurance rates can vary A LOT by car make/model. So before you buy:

  • Get quotes from 2–3 providers

  • Compare different trims and years

  • Ask about discounts (multi-policy, safe driver, good student, etc.)

Knowing this in advance can save you hundreds per year.


Pro Tip: Don’t Let the Dealer Bundle Insurance for You

Sometimes, they’ll offer to "help" you add insurance as part of your loan paperwork. Bad idea.

Why?

  • They’ll choose the provider—not you

  • You’ll pay more in monthly premiums

  • You’ll likely overpay for coverage you don’t need

Always buy your policy directly through the provider you choose.


What to Avoid

  • Don’t overpay for roadside or glass coverage you won’t use

  • Don’t set a deductible you can’t afford

  • Don’t assume all companies charge the same—shop around

  • Don’t let the dealer or lender dictate your coverage


Deal Guard Concierge Tip: We Help You Compare Rates

Car insurance can be overwhelming. Our concierge service:

  • Helps you compare quotes from top providers

  • Explains what each part of your policy actually means

  • Finds ways to save while staying fully protected

We make sure you’re covered—without overpaying.


How to choose car insurance deal guard

Recap: Car Insurance Smart Checklist

  1. Understand liability, collision, and comprehensive

  2. Only add extras you’ll actually use

  3. Choose a deductible that fits your wallet

  4. Get quotes BEFORE you buy the car

  5. Don’t let a dealer sneak insurance into your loan

Next week we’re diving into private party car deals—how to buy from a person, not a dealership, without getting scammed.

You’re building the skills most buyers never learn. Let’s keep going. 💪

Confused by insurance? Let us help you compare and customize the perfect plan.
With our concierge service, you’ll get the best deal, the right protection, and zero pressure.

Go to GETDEALGUARD.COM TO LEARN MORE

Let us deal with them for you.
Our car buying concierge service confirms every detail and protects your time, money, and sanity.

Our concierge car buying service saves you hours of stress and thousands in bad deals. Your time is valuable—let’s protect it together.

Go to GETDEALGUARD.COM TO LEARN MORE

See you soon,

Chase Jordan

#carbuyingtips #carinsurance101 #cardealconcierge #carnegotiationstrategy #week10

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