Is it mandatory to purchase comprehensive insurance for the first year when buying a new car?
3 Answers
It is not mandatory to purchase comprehensive insurance for the first year when buying a new car. There are no regulations requiring comprehensive insurance; the only compulsory purchase is compulsory traffic insurance and the payment of vehicle and vessel tax. However, other commercial insurances are not mandatory. New car owners may opt for comprehensive insurance in the first year to protect their vehicles, often entrusting 4S shops to handle it. Below is a detailed introduction to commercial vehicle insurances: 1. Vehicle Damage Insurance: Covers losses caused by natural disasters and accidents, recommended for new drivers. 2. Third-Party Liability Insurance: Covers losses due to third-party injuries or deaths caused by the owner, a must-have for protection. 3. No-Deductible Insurance: An add-on that transfers the owner's liability to the insurance company, reducing losses; recommended if both Vehicle Damage and Third-Party Liability insurances are purchased. 4. Theft and Robbery Insurance: Covers damages from vehicle theft or robbery, recommended for owners without garages. 5. Passenger Liability Insurance: Covers losses of drivers and passengers due to accidents, usually charged per seat; recommended for new drivers or family vehicles. 6. Spontaneous Combustion Insurance: Covers losses from fires caused by vehicle electrical or wiring issues, suitable for older vehicles. 7. Glass Breakage Insurance: Covers separate breakage of windshield or window glass; recommended for vehicles frequently in unsafe areas due to high replacement costs. 8. Scratch Damage Insurance: Covers losses from intentional, malicious, or accidental scratches.
When considering buying a new car, I've been pondering about insurance costs. In the first year of a new car, comprehensive insurance is not legally required; only compulsory traffic insurance is mandatory, which ensures compensation for third parties in case of an accident. However, based on personal experience, new cars are prone to minor issues when first on the road. For example, shortly after I bought mine, the rearview mirror was damaged in a rainstorm, and the repair cost over 3,000 yuan. Fortunately, comprehensive insurance, including vehicle damage insurance, covered most of the expense. In the first year, the car's value is high, and the risk of accidents is greater. Repair costs could exceed the insurance premium, and saving on this expense might lead to regret if an accident occurs. It's advisable to compare quotes from different insurance companies, with premiums typically ranging from 2% to 5% of the car's value, varying by brand and region. At least for the first year, opting for comprehensive insurance can provide peace of mind while driving, so don't stress too much about saving a few hundred bucks now, only to face bigger headaches with repairs later.
Last year, I bought a new car and didn’t rush to get comprehensive insurance, initially only opting for compulsory traffic insurance. Within half a year, my parked car got scratched, and I had to pay over two thousand out of pocket—it was heartbreaking. Now I’ve learned my lesson: the first year with a new car has a higher accident probability, especially for new drivers during the adaptation period, who are more prone to mistakes. Comprehensive insurance, including collision coverage, theft insurance, and other practical protections, isn’t mandatory but is practically worth the extra premium to safeguard your car, as my experience shows. Remember to compare quotes from different insurers annually to save on premiums. Consider factors like your city’s security and road conditions—urban areas with heavy traffic and crowds pose higher risks. When buying a car, seek advice from experienced owners rather than relying solely on sales pitches.
