Do Dealerships Offer Insurance | Buy Car Insurance at the Dealership

Do dealerships offer insurance? Automobile dealers have provided insurance to customers for many years due to a partnership with an insurance company. While purchasing car insurance directly from the dealer saves time, there are some disadvantages. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of buying auto insurance from a car dealership.

State laws vary. But in most cases, you cannot drive a car off the dealership lot unless you have proof of car insurance. For example, suppose you have another vehicle already covered by a policy. 

Your provider will usually cover the new car automatically for up to four days after your purchase. All this depends on the policy. 

You can buy temporary car insurance or shop around for new car insurance if your insurance provider does not allow coverage on a new car before you list it on your policy. If you do not yet have an auto insurance policy, you can also compare new car insurance rates to find the best rates.

If you’re looking for assistance with purchasing a temporary insurance policy, ask your car dealership for help. 

Most temporary car insurance policies last up to 28 days, but you can get coverage for as little as one day if you apply early enough. When purchasing a new car, ensure that you are buying enough coverage to allow you to upgrade to a full insurance policy later.

Purchasing Automobile Insurance from the Dealership

Do Dealerships Offer Insurance

You need a full coverage auto insurance policy if you’re borrowing money to purchase a vehicle. If you are not financing your vehicle, you still need insurance coverage by law in all states. This makes it a necessary purchase if you want to drive your car legally.

To be able to drive your brand new or nearly new vehicle off the dealer’s lot, you must first show proof of auto insurance to the dealership.

According to a recent Dealer policy survey, 83 percent of people say they prefer to complete all aspects of the car-buying process at the dealership. All this includes purchasing an automobile insurance policy. We all like a one-stop shopping experience, and it is certainly more convenient!

If you’d prefer to purchase both your insurance and vehicle simultaneously, that is certainly an option. Insurance agents are frequently at car dealerships to assist car buyers who do not currently have auto insurance.

Also, those that want to change their current insurance provider with their insurance needs. Many dealerships have formed partnerships with insurance companies in their local communities.

When you purchase insurance from a dealership, you may be eligible for lower rates and better deals in some cases. In some cases, finance managers will offer to waive your premiums for a year or combine coverage with other products.

What Might You Be Able to Purchase at the Dealership?

When you purchase auto insurance from the dealership, you should expect to spend a little more time there. Dealers cannot sell insurance directly to customers, so you must meet with an insurance agent or the finance manager in the dealership’s finance and insurance (F&I) department to obtain coverage.

It’s pretty standard practice to purchase a vehicle from a dealership and then visit the finance and insurance department so that the finance manager can offer you additional products and services. Dealer add-on menus have items such as:

  • Auto insurance options are available through their affiliates.
  • Warranty extensions are available.
  • GAP insurance is a type of insurance that protects you in a financial emergency.
  • Devices that deter theft
  • Protection of one’s appearance
  • Etching of the vehicle identification number (VIN).

You are under no obligation to purchase any of these products, and you are under no obligation to buy any of them. On the other hand, GAP insurance is almost always a good idea if you buy a new car or lease a new vehicle in nearly every situation.

Is it necessary to show proof of insurance at car dealerships?

Do Dealerships Offer Insurance

Getting your car insurance coverage in order before driving off the lot is essential. For one thing, car dealerships typically require you to show proof of insurance when purchasing a new or used car. 

The dealership may require proof of insurance, which your insurance company can provide via fax or email. You may also be able to show your insurance card. You will need an explanation of insurance if you’re financing your new car with a car loan from a bank or another financial institution in addition to your down payment.

Your lender must require specific insurance coverage, such as collision and comprehensive. Considering they are only partial owners of your vehicle until you pay off your loan. So, they want to ensure that their investment is safe at all costs.

Even if you purchase a car from a dealership and do not yet have auto insurance, you can always leave the vehicle there while buying auto insurance, have proof of insurance faxed to you, and then pick up the car and drive away. You can even do this all on the same day.

Is it necessary to have insurance when purchasing a car from a private seller?

If you’re purchasing a used car through a private transaction, the seller may not require you to provide proof of insurance before you take possession of the vehicle and title. However, it would be best if you still had insurance because driving a car without insurance is against the law in almost every state. 

You may also need to provide proof of insurance when registering your vehicle. Furthermore, if you have an accident while returning home from your purchase, you will hold just as financially liable as if you have had the vehicle for years.

Automobile Dealerships Are Covered by Insurance

Do Dealerships Offer Insurance

It takes a lot of effort to run an automobile dealership. Along with that, there is the possibility that natural disasters or vandals will cause damage to a dealership’s stock of vehicles. Dealerships must have the appropriate insurance policies to protect against potential losses. Among the policies that we have:

Insurance for Commercial Real Estate

Having this type of insurance is a must for all businesses. This is especially important in the case of car dealerships because cars are always outside. This makes them exposed to a variety of property damage situations. 

In the case of commercial damages, the coverage extends to wear to belongings you have. You can also use it to replace stolen property. Also, you can cover the costs of restoring property after it has been stolen.

General Liability’s Insurance (GLI) 

It is something you need and provides a wide range of protection for dealership owners, including coverage (personal and business injury), also, coverage for deceptive advertising, libel, slander, and copyright infringement.

Insurance for Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation insurance covers employees who suffer injuries or become ill. This one pays for their medical bills and wages related to work. 

It may also protect against sues from employees because of injuries while working. Because of the potentially hazardous around, working with vehicles is a necessary and frequently required precaution.

General Liability Insurance for Garage Keepers

Covers damages to a customer’s car while it is at the dealership so, it is part of the Garage Keeper’s insurance coverage. 

Conclusion

So, the appropriate insurance policy or policies should cover everything from the building to the cars on the lot as well as other vital aspects of their operations. 

Even if they have all of the necessary coverage in place, Car dealerships may still encounter difficulties with their insurance providers if the insurer does not honor a valid claim.

To be able to drive your brand new or nearly new vehicle off the dealer’s lot, you must first show proof of auto insurance to the dealership.

If you’d prefer to purchase both your insurance and vehicle simultaneously, that is certainly an option. Many dealerships have formed partnerships with insurance companies in their local communities.

When you purchase insurance from a dealership, you may be eligible for lower rates and better deals in some cases. In some cases, finance managers will offer to waive your premiums for a year or combine coverage with other products.

Adam
Adam

Adam Grabois is an expert in all aspects of Insurance and Property with 20 years of experience. He is a licensed broker of all lines including property, casualty, life, and health. As a licensed adjuster, he is well-versed in all aspects of insurance, and he owns All Needs Insurance agency in Florida.

He attended Tufts University where he earned his undergraduate degree, followed by a Master's degree from Columbia University.

Adam shares his breadth of experience by helping many businesses and individuals manage risk and protect themselves financially. He now shares this with the audience of the "Pro Insurance Info" website.

Articles: 281
error: Content is protected !!