Is it mandatory to purchase insurance at a 4S store?
2 Answers
Insurance does not have to be purchased at a 4S store. A 4S store is merely a service provider and has no authority to force car owners to buy vehicle insurance. If coercion occurs, consumers can report it to the relevant authorities. Legal provisions: According to the "Automobile Sales Management Measures": Dealers must not restrict consumers to specific providers of auto parts, accessories, financial services, insurance, rescue services, or after-sales services; nor can they force consumers to purchase insurance or require them to use vehicle registration services. Multiple purchasing channels: Car insurance can be purchased through various channels, not just 4S stores. Consumers can buy car insurance through both online and offline channels, as long as the channels are legitimate and qualified.
You don't necessarily have to buy insurance from a 4S dealership. Speaking from my own experience, when I bought a car before, they directly pushed insurance on me, and I signed the policy for convenience. Later, I found that outside insurance companies like Ping An or PICC offered 15% lower quotes online with discounts. Choosing your own insurance can save you a lot of money, especially if you compare prices separately for compulsory traffic insurance and commercial insurance. While 4S dealerships offer the convenience of one-stop service and possibly faster claims processing, they often mark up prices or bundle sales. I recommend new car owners first check quotes on online platforms and then compare them with those from 4S dealerships. Also, don't be lazy when renewing your insurance each year—reassess your options and don't get locked in by the dealership. The initiative is in your hands.
