If you are planning to buy a car, it is always important to learn a few tips on how to buy a car, so you can learn how to get the best value for your money. It may not be a problem if you are going for a brand new one but if you are planning to get a used car, you have to prepare and research as well.
One of the things that you may want to do is compare models and features before getting too excited. If you are buying a used car, you have to make sure that you are not getting something that means trouble.
Here are a few tips on how to buy you first car in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Learn what you need. Of course, you have to assess what you need to be able to determine which types and models of cars you want to have. Of course, you have to think of the size as well as the uses that you intend it to do. (Do you just need it to commute to work, road trips, sales calls, etc)
- Thoroughly inspect the car for hints of tampering, cracks and signs of damage. It is important that you know how to discover these types of discrepancies. If not, you can bring along with you someone who is knowledgeable in buying cars.
- Meticulously check the car history record. (Or carfax) Even if you haven't seen the car, you have to study what is said in the car history. No matter how beautiful the vehicle is or appealing the color and the appearance, you can always check what is beyond what you saw - and that can be possible by checking the car's history records. Keep in mind to stay away from cars that have been wrecked or those that have been flooded.
- Test drive the car you want. Engine performance and driving comfort can be checked while you are behind the wheel. Check for little things that can give you hints of problems later. Listen to the engine.
- Check the price. Look at the Kelley Blue Book Value along with several car comparisons like Truecar. That way you can ensure you are getting a great price on your purchase.
Don't be easily persuaded by what salespersons tell you about the car. Always check it in person and make sure that you also do your own research on the car you are interested in.
How a 6 Month Auto Insurance Policy will Save You Money in Tulsa
It can be difficult paying for car insurance that you hope you’ll never need to use, but knowing you’re getting the best deal possible can help ease that pain. Often you’ll hear that paying your car insurance premiums annually can give you the biggest discount, and while that might be true, under the right circumstances you might be able to get overall lower auto insurance quotes by shopping for insurance every 6 months. Let’s take a look at why you might want to take out auto insurance 6 months at a time (biannually).
It’s no secret that car insurance companies prefer that you either pay in advance or set up an auto-draft if you choose to pay monthly. This reduces the risk and administrative workload for the auto insurance company and they pass some savings on to customers in the form of discounts. You’ll gets a discount for setting up auto-draft and then even greater discounts if you are able to pre-pay six months or one year at a time.
If you feel secure that you have found the best auto insurance rates and don’t expect any major life changes then you can opt for the annual payments. However, there is another school of thought on this. It could be in your best interest to shop for new automobile insurance rates every 6 months, and if you expect changing companies or upcoming life events could lower your rates, then it’s best not to get locked into a year-long plan.
Why Shop For Auto Insurance Every Six Months?
- Automobile Insurance rates fluctuate, they could go up or down each month even if you don’t personally have any changes to influence them. Six months from now the rate could go down and you’d be able to take advantage of that.
- Tickets and moving violations could drop off from your record. If you’re waiting for your driving record to clear up then taking out a 6-month policy might work better for you.
- Your credit score might improve. In many states, including Oklahoma, your credit score can be used to calculate your premiums. If you’ve been working on your credit score and paying your bills on time then you might see a premium reduction in six month’s time.
- Major life events that may impact your insurance rates include getting married, graduating, getting older, or moving to a new zip code. Make sure to shop for new insurance rates when you encounter any of these milestones.
- Your vehicle might lose value as it depreciates, thereby lowering your auto insurance premiums. While you always need to update your policy if you get a new car, your auto insurance company won’t automatically lower your payments due to depreciation. Shopping for a new policy could net you a better offer.
- New customers often get a special offer for joining which could give you a temporary discount by switching auto insurance carriers. Others might give a good discount for loyalty, so get auto insurance quote comparisons often and see which deal results in the most savings for you.
What Happens If I Drive Without Auto Insurance in Tulsa?
Oklahoma, along with almost all 50 of these United States, mandates minimum liability insurance in order to drive a car. The current minimum requirement is 25/50/25 or simply $25,000 of personal injury ($50,000 per accident) and $25,000 property damage per accident. You aren’t required to have auto insurance that covers your own costs, although most lenders will require that additional coverage if you didn’t cash for your car. Liability auto insurance in Tulsa is actually affordable and is a much better option than paying for tickets for no insurance. Driving with no insurance can also result in your license being suspended. So if you want the best auto insurance rates possible it's best to keep your policy active at all times.
How Does The State Know You Don’t Have Auto Insurance?
The state of Oklahoma has two ways to detect uninsured motorists. One is through traffic stops and accidents and the other is through a verification system that utilizes electronic tag checks. If you get caught without auto insurance in Tulsa as part of a routine check you’ll have 10 days to comply before you are fined. If you are discovered to have no insurance as the result of a ticket or accident, however, the penalties are much steeper and could include jail time or loss of license.
For example, if you get a ticket for running a red light and can’t provide proof of insurance, you can be fined $250 or serve jail time up to 30 days. Your license will also be suspended for a year which will require additional fees to get reinstated and can cause difficulties in getting a new insurance policy. An accident while uninsured will carry not only legal risks but financial as well because all the repayments will have to come from your own pocket. It will for sure increase your insurance costs because high-risk plans are harder to come by.
The effects of driving without insurance can hit you hard financially and become a problem that throws obstacles at you for years to come. The best course of action, of course, is to make sure you obtain the proper auto insurance from the start and keep the policy active by making your payments.
How To Get Cheap Auto Insurance In Tulsa To Remain In Legal Compliance
If you need help finding a plan that meets the requirements without putting an undue financial burden on you, contact an auto insurance broker to help you find the cheapest auto insurance rates in Tulsa. The auto insurance broker works on your behalf at no additional cost to you so it’s great to have a professional on your side helping you to make this sometimes difficult decision.
To make sure you get the coverage you need at the lowest cost you can consider a few options for lowering your premiums, such as applying for discounts, driving a less expensive car, opting for a higher deductible, or making payments upfront. While shopping for affordable auto insurance be sure and ask for all discounts possible. All of these things can result in lower monthly or yearly premiums for your insurance costs. Check to see if you qualify for safe driver discounts or professional discounts due to your job. Eliminate unnecessary drivers or cars from your plan in times of hardship.
Insurance Tips for Teens in Tulsa
There are many accidents caused by teenage drivers in Tulsa, Oklahoma. These accidents can be greatly reduced if a few precautionary measures are put into place by these teen drivers.
6 safe driving tips for teen drivers in Tulsa, Oklahoma that can enhance road security are explicitly explained below:
Drive Only Road Worthy Vehicles
Your safety as a teenage driver in Tulsa depends on you ensuring that the vehicle you have on the road is roadworthy. Ensure the vehicle has functional side mirrors, properly working engines, well-lubricated wheels, working seat belts among other essential vehicle body parts you need. Having a proper vehicle on the road enhances your safety on road.
Plan Properly Before Leaving Home
To be even safer when using roads in Tulsa, Oklahoma, take your time and plan. Don't be in a hurry. Ensure that you know the direction to the place you are going to. Inadequate planning may increase your chances of causing an accident or even being attacked by car robbers. Ensure you have enough gas to last you the whole distance. In addition to that, you'll want to have enough rest before using a vehicle for travel.
Avoid Distraction While Driving
Avoid anything that reduces your level of concentration while on the wheel. This includes the urge to use your phone, the need to turn your stereo on or change the channel, eating or drinking while driving among other distractions. Do not overpack your car with friends who may also hamper your concentration while driving.
Turn On Your Headlights When in Doubt
Your safety on the road as a teen is highly dependent on how well you can see the road ahead. When the visibility is hampered as a result of foggy conditions of darkness, it is recommended that you turn on the headlight. As soon as the sun begins to go down, even a little bit, turn your lights on.
Strictly Follow Road Signs and Traffic Lights
Fight the temptation to break the rules that guide the use of roads in Tulsa, Oklahoma. These include the various road signs and traffic lights, do not overlap the lanes, drive within the recommended speed limit among other guidelines that govern road use. This also includes being conscious and understanding of the needs of other road users.
Do Not Drive Under The Influence of Drugs/Alcohol
If you are under any form of medication, do not drive! This is because of the drowsiness that some of these drugs can cause drowsiness thus increasing the chances of being involved in an accident.
Car Rental and Towing
Have you ever been stranded on the side of a busy highway, or worse, alone on a dark side street with no idea where you are? Flat tires, engine failures, random acts of vandalism, car accidents, all of these things, and more could happen to anyone at any time. Will it ever happen to you? No one knows, and that’s why choosing the right amount of car insurance can be difficult. It’s kind of like making a bet with a bookie in Vegas, you are betting something bad will happen to you and the insurance company is betting that with enough people covered under their policy the number of people that have claims will be less than the number of people paying premiums and not making any claims. No matter what the odds are, no one wants to find themselves on the receiving end of fate’s folly without the proper coverage.
When people go shopping for affordable auto insurance they typically focus on what’s required by law and tend to skip over the more pricey “ala carte” items. The more policy coverage items you add, the more your premiums go up. In Tulsa you are required to hold the state minimum liability auto coverage that includes $25,000 bodily injury liability per person up to $50,000 per accident and $25,000 in property damage. This will get you the cheapest rates that allow you to drive legally in your state. However, it leaves you open to high out-of-pocket costs for the repair or replacement of your own automobile. You’ll need a full or comprehensive collision plan to cover those costs and even then, without the right added policies you still could end up paying for towing or car rental.
Most of the time, both towing and car rental are separate policy add-ons. Towing is a reimbursement policy, meaning you will pay upfront and turn in your receipts for reimbursement from the insurance company. A car rental policy will come in handy if your car is damaged and in need of repairs that will take several days. It allows you to rent a car at little to no cost so that you can still get to work and carry on with your daily life. Some policies will pay upfront for car rentals at designated car rental companies while others are reimbursement plans. Both towing and rental car insurance coverage will have some maximums and limitations in place. It is important to talk with your insurance broker to get the best coverage for your needs.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance is a type of auto insurance coverage, typically an add-on, that can help you get out of the most common tricky situations that arise while driving. Roadside assistance is one of those things that sounds like a luxury item you can do without, until you need it, then it becomes a necessity. Drivers in Tulsa who might have a longer commute or who go on a lot of driving day trips around town might benefit from the coverage.
Your car insurance company will partner with a network of service providers that will be on hand to help you out of trouble with your car at an agreed-upon price or for free depending on your coverage plan. It is designed to help you with common driving issues such as:
- Towing Service - If roadside assistance isn’t able to get your car to a drivable state they will tow it to a mechanic as part of the basic coverage.
- Jump Start Service - If your car won’t start, the battery might be the problem. Many people have a setup jumper cables in their cars but it’s a two-car operation so if no one is available to help you then roadside assistance can come to your rescue.
- Fuel Delivery - Have you ever run out of gas while driving? Sometimes you just have too many distractions going on and forget to fuel up before it’s too late. Roadside assistance will have you back in business in no time.
- Flat Tires - Not everyone has the knowledge or ability to change their own tire. Roadside assistance can be a lifesaver if you have a blow-out on the road. They will put a spare tire on your car to help get you to a safe place to buy a new tire.
- Lockout Service - Locking your keys in the car is a common mistake. If don’t have a newer model car that can be unlocked remotely, you’re going to need a locksmith to safely break into your car without damaging it.
- Extrication - If your car becomes trapped or winched into a spot that it needs two or more people to pull it out, that’s called extrication. It often happens after an accident or natural disaster.
Whether or not you need roadside assistance depends on a few personal factors. First, how old is your car? Older cars are more prone to issues that might need assistance. You are also more likely to need assistance if you often drive long distances such as having a long daily commute or using your car for travel. If you need assistance more than once or twice a year, the service provided can easily pay for itself.
How to Protect Your Vehicle From Being Stolen
Insurance is one way to protect your car but there are other preventative things you can do that also protect your investment such as routine maintenance and keeping your car safe from harm or theft. Did you know, according to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) that a car is stolen in the US every 44 seconds? While around 50% of these cars are recovered they are rarely ever returned in the same condition. Stolen cars are usually stripped for parts or crashed in a joy ride or while in pursuit by police. There are some tips that can greatly reduce your risk of car theft.
Keep Control Of Your Keys
Always know where your car keys are and never hide a spare key in the wheel-well. While it might be inconvenient to be locked out of your car, it’s 10 times worse to have your car stolen and criminals long ago caught on that people had extra keys stashed outside the car. If you’ve gave an extra key to a family member or friend that no longer need it, make sure to get it back.
Park Smart
Always park your car in a well-lit area. It’s best to park close to building entrances or nearby security cameras if possible. Parking garages are generally safe places to park cars but walking alone at night in an empty garage could pose a threat to your personal safety so try to park near the attendant or entranceway.
Secure Your Vehicle
It’s easy to get forgetful out of habit, letting little things slide like leaving your car unlocked while parked in your driveway. Just because you are close to home doesn’t mean your car is safe. Always close and lock all of the doors and windows. Don’t make it easier for the car thieves to break in, vandalize, or steal your car. Make sure your family, especially your kids, always lock their doors if you don’t have an automatic lock on your keychain. Never leave your car running, even if your own driveway, unless you can lock it at the same time.
Anti-Theft and Recovery Devices
Some car insurance places offer discounts if your car is equipped with an anti-theft device. Physical anti-theft devices include vehicle immobilizer systems that prevent thieves from hotwiring your car. Just in case the worst does happen, having a GPS tracker installed can help police find your vehicle before it’s too late.
Following these tips can help reduce your risk of being a victim of car theft in Tulsa, Oklahoma, or any major city. Always be aware of your surroundings and help keep your car insurance rates low by reducing large claims.
Updated Marijuana Laws in Tulsa
In 2018, Oklahoma became one of 33 states to allow for legal medical marijuana use. Since the legalization for cannabis has been recent, and federal law still forbids it, many people are left questioning what their rights are under the law. If you’re trying to obtain cheap car insurance than you’ll want to pay attention as auto accidents and DWI tickets can have a strong negative impact on your monthly rates and ability to even obtain insurance.
The Oklahoma medical marijuana law allows people with certain medical conditions to obtain a controlled amount of the drug from a licensed dispensary or from their own at-home cultivation. If you have a medical marijuana card and you are stopped by the local police you can have a limited amount of the substance on your person. You cannot, however, give the product away to others, sell it yourself, or smoke in the presence of minors.
One thing that absolutely has not changed is that Oklahoma, along with all 49 of the other states, has a zero-tolerance policy for driving with detectable levels of THC in your system. A police officer that pulls you over on the road can use their discretion in assessing if you are impaired and need to be tested. Driving under the influence of drugs is illegal in all 50 states, 100% of the time.
While drunk driving often leads to speeding and recklessness, marijuana-impaired driving seems to mimic distracted or tired driving. You can experience a lack of focus and reduced reaction time, leading to more accidents. One of the biggest issues surrounding using marijuana and then driving is that doctors and scientists have yet to give us clear guidelines on how long you should wait to drive after using the drug. This is largely because different strands of the drug have different levels of the active ingredient THC. Most guidelines suggest a minimum of 4 hours.
If you want to reduce your chance of accidents or tickets, it will be best to error on the side of caution, always. Having a clean driving record is a very important factor in obtaining reasonable auto insurance liability rates.
New to Cheapest Auto Insurance
There are many ways to help improve your insurance rates in Tulsa. One of those ways is to let Cheapest Auto Insurance give you a quote! We are dedicated to assisting you in finding the best rate possible for you and your vehicle. Call us at 918-744-5145 or click here for an online quote!