Buying used car, changing address soon

Caroline75

I'm looking to buy a used car as my job (and hence myself) is about to move to an out-of-the-way small town. I don't have a new address yet (but a good idea of what it will be) - and probably won't be moving until early January. I figured I should try and buy a car before I move, (a) I have easy access to many dealerships here, (b) so I won't have to hire a vehicle to move my stuff (don't have much!), (c) I hear Dec is a good time for buying used cars whereas Jan isn't. I ran a few test quotes for car insurance, the (probably) new address generally costs about £100 less than my current.

(I've had a EU license for 15+ years but never owned a car (just 2nd driver, incl UK), cheapest insurance quotes look to be around £600 (huge range though - the highest quotes £1600!).)

What are people's feelings - should I buy a car now and hope insurance premium will be adjusted down once I've moved?

Anything else I should take into consideration given my situation? I'm fairly clueless! Many thanks!

Herzlos

When do you get confirmation of your new address? Can you wait until then to get a car?



Have you had a look to see what cars are available near the new address? It's usually wise to get something locally in case there are issues - you don't want to be travelling huge distances to take it back into the dealer.

Caroline75

Thanks, Herzlos, that's actually a good point... I guess I was kinda hoping any issues would present themselves before I move... There are only very few dealerships near that new town, which don't seem to do anything affordable, and I would have to get taxis to get to them too (I don't know anybody there either). I suppose I could look into buying online?

Will it be an issue for the insurers to adjust my premium down when I tell them I've moved? (I plan to pay the full year upfront - do they reimburse?)

Herzlos

Don't buy online.


You won't have a problem changing address mid term, and they'll reimburse the difference.

Caroline75

OK, think I'll probably be better off buying before I move then (and keep my fingers crossed I don't pick a lemon!) Thank you Herzlos!

Penelopa.Pitstop

You can ask potential insurer for two quotes, current address and future one. That's what I did, and thanks to it, knew which company to choose based. Admiral had only £24 difference between addresses, Aviva £250. If new place will be cheaper, you will get difference back, minus admin fee, so check cost of admin fee too.