Spiraling insurance rates can make it seem that your car is a money pit.

How much will your new car cost to insure? You may be surprised by how many new car shoppers do not have an answer to that question. Do not be one of those shoppers who get a terrible shock when that first insurance bill arrives! While car shopping, keep these factors in mind.

Overall Price

Always remember that for insurance companies, it comes down to the bottom line. And there is no line further at the bottom than the overall price of your car. The more your car costs, the more your insurance company might potentially have to pay out, and that will be factored into your insurance rate. This does not mean you should cheap out, of course; depending on the insurer, the impact might be minor. But increased risk equals higher prices, every time.

Repairs

The cheaper a car is to repair, the lower your insurance will be as a rule of thumb. It is simple math; if your car goes into the shop and you make a claim, ideally your insurance agency will not be on the hook for too much. That means, practically speaking, that a foreign import or a custom sports car is going to cost more to insure because it will cost more to fix if and when something goes wrong. Cars with good aftermarket parts available will generally cost less to fix, so keep that in mind when shopping.

Quality

Another factor is how often your car will be in the shop. Cars, as a rule, have gotten better over time in the quality department; it is rare these days that a total lemon will roll off the line or that a terrible car will make it to market. That said, even the best automakers have cars that are in the shop more often than others, and insurers know exactly which ones those are, and bill accordingly. Make sure you know that too, before you buy.

Before getting those keys, know what the insurance bill will be.

Intended Use

Another factor is how you are using that car you are buying. For example, if you are buying an expensive car, but putting it under a low mileage policy, your insurance will be cheaper. Policies with mileage limits are generally cheaper as lower miles are connected with reduced accident risk. But if you buy a Ferrari with the intention of taking it to work every day, you will pay for the privilege.

Theft Risk

Another point worth considering is how often your car model is stolen, especially if you are buying a used car. While car theft, overall, has been dropping steadily over the last few years, and improving anti-theft technologies have been stalling thieves before they even get to the parking lot, it is still a potential risk. And the cars most often stolen might not be the vehicles you expect; extremely popular “boring” cars often get taken because they can be quickly disassembled and sold for parts.

Do not forget there are other factors, sometimes hundreds of others, that go into your policy, and your specific needs and state minimum coverage will also play a role. Still, before you buy, make a point of calling your agent and getting a quote on your insurance; your wallet will be happy you did. For more on how to buy cars, get the best research from CarFoundMe.