Insurance companies consider various factors when calculating insurance costs. One of these factors is the type of vehicle you own and operate. If you want to save money for a car, you'll need to decide whether you want to drive a manual vs automatic vehicle, which raises the question of which transmission type is more expensive to insure. Are manual cars cheaper to insure? Or is it aut omatic vehicles that clinch the top spot for more affordable rates? To find out more about which vehicle yields cheaper auto insurance premiums, stick around!
What is a manual car?
Manual cars operate using a manual transmission. To operate a manual vehicle, drivers manually control the clutch pedal to switch gears in the manual gearbox. This pedal is responsible for the vehicle's torque, which enables the car to move forward as the driver presses the gas accelerator pedal as well. As the vehicle moves, the driver is continuously changing gears using the stick shift. Ultimately, a manual gearbox car offers drivers more control over their driving experience.
What is an automatic transmission?
In contrast, an automatic transmission vehicle uses an automatic gearbox, which does not require the driver to shift gears as the vehicle moves. And you guessed it, unlike manual vehicles, automatic transmissions change gears automatically, allowing drivers to focus on the road ahead rather than having to operate the clutch. Ultimately, automatic vehicles have less of a learning curve to operate, unlike their manual counterparts.
Does driving either automatic cars or manual cars impact insurance costs?
So, when it comes to manual vs automatic cars, which one is cheaper to insure? Assuming that we are talking about the same model of vehicle, with the only difference being that one of them uses automatic gearboxes and the other uses manual transmission, automatic cars are often more expensive to insure than manual ones. This is mainly because manual transmissions have lower replacement costs than an automatic gearbox.
That being said, while a manual car may be cheaper to insure, automatic cars tend to be more fuel-efficient than a car transmission that is manual. So, when you're thinking about purchasing a new vehicle, it's important that you consider automatic and manual vehicles and compare costs.
How are insurance premiums calculated?
Beyond looking at whether your vehicle has a manual transmission or automatic transmission to calculate your insurance premium, providers also use several other factors, including:
Age
Typically, younger drivers with less driving experience tend to pay more for their insurance premiums than those who are older and have more years behind the wheel of a car. Statistics show that younger drivers are more at risk of being involved in a car accident, which is why they can expect higher costs for coverage.
Driving record
If you want to cut costs and insure your vehicle for cheap, you need to have a clean driving record. Those with no previous insurance claims are less of a risk to insure compared to those who have been involved in numerous accidents and filed several car insurance claims with their insurance company for compensation. To save on insurance, ask your provider about the safe driver discount!
Type of vehicle
While insurance providers will consider whether you drive a manual car or an automatic car, they will also take into account the type of vehicle you drive. For example, a basic, used car will often yield more affordable car insurance compared to sports cars with more sophisticated technology, such as a Mercedes Benz, given that individual parts and replacement costs for a basic vehicle are cheaper for an insurance company than a luxury vehicle.
Where you live
Where you live can also impact the cost of car insurance. Those living in rural areas with less traffic and lower crime rates tend to pay less for their coverage than those living in urban areas with a higher population.
The type of coverage you choose
And, of course, the type of coverage you select, along with your coverage limits, will also play a factor in your cost of car insurance. Choosing higher coverage limits and additional policies beyond mandatory coverage will cost more, given that you will have more protection in the event you are involved in a collision and need to claim damages with your provider.
Purchase quality auto insurance for your automatic and manual cars
Both manual and automatic cars require car insurance in order to operate on public Canadian roads. To ensure that you're sufficiently protected while behind the wheel, make sure you have the following types of auto insurance:
Contact BrokerLink for affordable car insurance
Do you have further questions about car insurance or want to learn how brakes on cars work? If so, the experienced insurance team from BrokerLink is here to help! With locations across Canada, BrokerLink is proud to operate in your neighbourhood! If you're nearby, come in and visit us in the office to work with a broker one-on-one!
If you can't make it in, give us a call to speak with one of our friendly brokers over the phone! You can alternatively get a free, competitive quote tailored to your unique needs and vehicle using our online quote tool!
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FAQs about manual cars insurance
Is it cheaper to buy manual or automatic cars?
It depends on what model of vehicle you're looking at, its ongoing maintenance costs (including its transmission fluid, car oil, whether it runs on gas or diesel), whether you're buying the vehicle new or used, and more. Before buying anything, we recommend doing an extensive search online and looking at the pros and cons of each vehicle you're considering to get a better idea about what your needs are and the budget you are working with.
Is there any benefit to a manual car?
Compared to automatic cars, manual transmissions tend to be cheaper to purchase and maintain over time. Depending on the model, you may also be able to get better fuel efficiency with a manual vehicle as well. Furthermore, if you are someone who enjoys having more control over your vehicle, manual cars do offer a completely different and more hands-on driving experience than an automatic car does. Regardless, if you are in the market for a new car and are unsure whether you want to purchase an automatic car or manual one, don't forget to compare the pros and cons of each, along with associated expenses, to ensure you find the right vehicle for your needs and driving habits.
What should I do if I'm in a car accident?
Are you unsure what to do if you're in a car accident? The first thing to remember is to try and remain calm before assessing yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If you're able to, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid affecting traffic. Once you've done so, you can go ahead and exit the vehicle to assess the damage and exchange information with the other driver. If there are injuries and the damage to both vehicles is extensive, you will need to call the police and get a police report. Once you are home, you will need to notify your insurance company of the collision and open a claim.
What emissions do manual cars emit?
As you operate your vehicle, regardless of whether it uses an automatic transmission gearbox or a manual transmission, it will emit certain greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and surrounding environment. Common car emissions include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and more. To prevent the emission of greenhouse gases and slow down the rate of climate change, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular amongst Canadian drivers. So, if you're in the market for a new car, you may want to consider going the electrical route!
Do you need a different driver's licence to drive a manual car?
No, you don't need a special driver's licence in Canada to operate a manual vehicle. In fact, you have the option of using a manual or automatic car during your driving test, depending on what type of car you prefer. Keep in mind that manual cars tend to have more of a learning curve than an automatic car does. Nonetheless, learning how to drive a manual car can benefit you, especially when travelling overseas, where automatic cars are less common.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
