The Insurance Differences in Leasing vs. Buying a Car

1. Coverage is mandatory for leased cars, but not necessarily for purchased cars.

When you lease a car, you are paying to use a car that is actually owned by a finance company; therefore, it makes sense that it is mandatory to purchase a car insurance policy when signing a lease. When you buy a car, that car becomes your own property, and there is no federal law mandating compulsory car insurance. Instead, the laws for car insurance are mandated on a state-by-state basis. While most states have laws dictating mandatory car insurance, some states’ laws are stricter than others. For example, New Hampshire does not even require its residents to purchase car insurance at all if they can prove that they can afford to pay for damages in an at-fault accident.

2. You can control what you pay for insurance.
While certain types of insurance are mandated, more for leased cars than purchased cars, there are factors you can look for and choices you can make to minimize insurance costs. Vehicle make, model, probability of theft,  and your claims history and driving record can all affect how much you will end up paying for car insurance. If you are looking to reduce insurance costs, do some research before you lease a car and find out what you can do, and what you should look for, in order to pay the lowest amount possible for coverage. This will pay off whether you decide to lease or buy.

3. Most car lease contracts include GAP insurance coverage.
When you lease a car, it is nearly guaranteed that your lease contract will include GAP (Guaranteed Auto Protection) insurance coverage. If you get into a car accident, your auto insurance policy will cover the current market value of the car, not the total amount of money you actually owe the finance company. This amount can be especially large if you put down a very small up-front payment. GAP insurance covers this literal gap between what is covered and what you owe. GAP insurance is a worthwhile investment when leasing a car, but it is not necessary for someone who purchases a car.

4. Most car companies require comprehensive and collision coverage for leased cars.

Both comprehensive and collision insurance are crucial for anyone leasing a car. Collision insurance covers the damage done to your vehicle when you collide with another vehicle or object. Comprehensive insurance covers losses caused by anything from fire to natural disasters to vandalism to theft. Most car companies require both types of insurance for leased cars, while car purchasers are not required to purchase either. Insurance requirements for car owners vary from state to state, but they are not dictated by car companies.

4. Many car companies require original parts for leased-car repairs.

You don’t technically own a car when you lease it. Thus, if you damage it in a collision or accident, you have done damage to property that isn’t yours. Often, car companies that lease cars to drivers require them to replace damaged parts with original parts. Original parts can only be bought from the original manufacturer and can be very expensive. When a car owner damages his car, he has the choice to replace the damaged part with any part of his choice; this can ultimately save him a good deal of money.

If you're looking to lease or buy a car and have questions on Dallas Auto Insurance, giveAmerico Direct Insurance a call at 214-374-9997.