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Looking for Your Dream Car at the Auto Show? Shopping Shouldn't End on Showroom Floor: Factor Insurance Costs Into the Final Decision

7 January 2000

Looking for Your Dream Car at the Auto Show? Shopping Shouldn't End on Showroom Floor: Factor Insurance Costs Into the Final Decision

    LOS ANGELES--Jan. 7, 2000--For many of the people planning to attend the Los Angeles Auto Show this week, the event gives them a rare chance to get behind the wheel of the luxury sedan or exclusive sports car of their dreams.
    But for many of the thousands of consumers expected to pass through the Convention Center starting Saturday, the Auto Show gives them a chance to one-stop shop for their next family car. While they're kicking tires, however, they should remember that the sticker price doesn't reflect the total cost of a new car.
    "After new car buyers finish looking over the Year 2000 models at the Auto Show, they should price the cost of insurance on the cars that interest them before making a final purchase decision," said Candysse Miller, executive director of the Insurance Information Network of California. "A car that may seem affordable on the lot could cause you insurance sticker shock if you don't shop carefully."
    If you are trying to stay within a budget in your car purchase, be sure to explore the insurance costs of the different automobiles you are considering. Cars that are expensive to repair or are popular targets of thieves tend to cost more to insure.
    Sports cars and other high-performance vehicles can also carry a steeper premium.
    "There are a number of things consumers can do to reduce their auto insurance costs -- and it starts with shopping around. Just as you would shop for the best deal on your new car, you should consider shopping for the best policy that fits your insurance and financial needs," Miller said.
    Consumers can download the guide, "Nine Ways to Lower Your Auto Insurance Costs," by accessing the new IINC Web site at www.iinc.org, or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to IINC, 3530 Wilshire Blvd., No. 1610, Los Angeles, Calif. 90010.
    Statistics on crashworthiness and injury, collision and theft losses by make and model of vehicle can be also be obtained on through the Web site of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety at www.iihs.org.
    IINC is a nonprofit, nonlobbying insurance trade association dedicated to helping consumers understand insurance and safety issues.

    Note to editors: IINC has spokespeople available to discuss this and other issues. For more information or to schedule an interview, call 213/738-5333. If you would like to schedule a weekend interview, page 888/884-8607.