So you’ve just passed your learners test and have successfully attained your probationary or provisional licence (your ‘Ps’). Well first, congratulations are in order!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After you celebrate, however, it\u2019s important to keep in mind that probationary licence holders are actually most at risk of being involved in a motor collision. In fact, in Australia, studies have shown that the most dangerous year<\/a> on the road for any driver is the first year of driving with their probationary licence. This is why so many driving instructors recommend that young drivers wait a few years before buying their first new car vs borrowing a parent’s car or buying a secondhand car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s only natural that young drivers want to invest in their own vehicle rather than borrowing their parent\u2019s car whenever they want to go for a drive. But regardless of what your dream ride may be, there’s nothing wrong with driving a used model for a few years while you build up your confidence on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Driving a secondhand vehicle can also help young drivers better engage with the maintenance responsibilities that accompany owning a car \u2013 without having to sacrifice the higher resale value of a brand-new vehicle in order to learn these vital life lessons.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n To provide more context, today we\u2019ll be outlining all the due diligence that younger drivers must do before they even consider buying their first brand-new car. Stick with us as we outline all the core responsibilities and top methods for buying your first brand-new car sensibly and securely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s wise to remember that every time you’re out on the road, you are effectively at risk of experiencing a motor collision. That’s why it\u2019s imperative to have the right type of car insurance well before you leave the garage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For newer vehicles, it\u2019s highly recommended that you secure a comprehensive car insurance<\/a> policy, as these policies are designed to cover damage to your vehicle in the event of a collision \u2013 not just damage to third-party vehicles and property. Brand new cars typically have higher repair costs, thanks to their more technical components and perhaps even the higher cost of spare parts. If you are involved in a collision, the last thing you need is to be out of pocket for these higher repair expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Naturally, the additional value of comprehensive car insurance over third-party car insurance doesn\u2019t come without an additional cost. Comprehensive policies can cost upwards of $1000-$2000 annually. Contrastingly, third-party insurance is more likely to cost under $1000, albeit with a higher policy excess that must be paid in the event that you do make a claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re a safe and sensible driver, however, you can reduce your risks of ever having to make a claim on your insurance policy. If the thought of having to make a claim and pay your excess is a bit confronting, however, then you\u2019re better off buying a secondhand vehicle that can be adequately covered with a simple third-party insurance policy. We strongly recommend that young drivers compare these policy types<\/a> as well as the policies available to them whenever they consider buying their own vehicle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Buying a new car isn\u2019t as simple as selecting a model and finding one at a reasonable sale price. Diligent car owners also consider factors like fuel efficiency, parts availability, and known operational faults of that car model or its manufacturer when determining whether or not to buy a car.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCan you afford comprehensive car insurance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Have you researched the vehicles you\u2019re interested in?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n