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Should You Consider an Electric Car?

Should you consider an electric car? Have you been thinking about buying one? Here at Carlover, we understand how choosing the right electric car model is a difficult decision and that’s why we want to simplify it for you by giving you a comprehensive list on choosing the right electric car model, after all electric cars are on the rise.

Carlover know the importance of purchasing a functional and safe electric car and no one knows used cars in Belfast like we do.

Buying a Car: New, Nearly New or Used Car?

Buying a car is an exciting time whether that’s a brand new car, a near to new or a used car in Northern Ireland

Before deciding on the option that’s best for you, it’s good to know what you’re getting and the prices you can expect to pay. With used cars being more popular within the UK and Northern Ireland in recent years (due to less cars being manufactured) prices are varying. 

Fuel Prices Reach An All Time High – Should You Go Electric

With the current fuel prices and the pandemic induced volatility in the used car market in Northern Ireland and the world over, as the result of a chip shortage worldwide, the experts scurried to understand the changes, predict the impact and assure the public that there would be a return in stability. 

Previously we have discussed the shift to electric vehicles and with the hike in fuel prices in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sitting at eye wateringly high price points, the obvious choice might seem to be – go electric -, it would certainly seem to be and with the looming ban of the sale of diesel and petrol cars, the question now is: Should I buy an electric car?

Why To Invest In The Used Car Market

The used car market is thriving across the UK and Northern Ireland. This is due to the shortage of new car models due to the chip shortage alongside the rising prices of new models. It has become cheaper for car buyers to invest in used cars NI rather than paying for a brand new model. There is a range of used cars on the market to suit your budget. We have created a list of reasons on why to invest in the used car market today and how this will benefit you in the long run.

Used Cars Are Cheaper

One of the top reasons why people decide to invest in used cars Belfast is because they are cheaper and come with better deals. Compared to newer cars on the market you can buy a used car for nearly half the price. As many of these cars have been around for many years, it will be cheaper to repair them compared to brand new models. As these parts will be readily available you will not have to source them from the official retailers.

Lower Insurance Fees

Buying a used car will come with smaller insurance charges. It will cost a lot more money trying to insure a brand new car as there will be a bigger financial risk if this car was to get into a collision. When you are changing from one used car to another, your insurance will only rise by a negligible amount.

No Waiting Periods

Usually, when someone purchases a brand new vehicle they don’t get to drive home right away. It is common to have to wait a while until the stock of these newer models arrives at your dealership. This differs from when you buy from the used car market as the transaction process is a lot more straightforward and a quicker process. You will be able to drive home the same day you buy the car.

Lower Tax and Registration Fees

Brand new car models are more expensive to register and tax. If you purchase a used vehicle you will miss out on having to pay a substantial amount of fees by driving a slightly older car. Vehicle taxes are usually determined based on the current retail of the car you are purchasing. Cars that are a number of years old may be eligible for discounted taxes, so it is a good idea to check this information out before deciding on your final purchase.

Car Depreciation Is An Advantage

New cars depreciate at a faster rate compared to used cars. Less than half of a car’s depreciation will happen within the first year after its purchase. After a number of years, the depreciation begins to slow down. This means that the value of used cars won’t depreciate further than they already have. 

At Carlover we understand that purchasing a car is one of the second largest purchases that people will make after taking out a mortgage on their home. We have a range of used cars for sale NI from a range of major brands, including BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes and Tesla.

To view the range of cars we have for sale in dealerships across Northern Ireland, browse to Carlover now .

How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance

Car insurance premiums in Northern Ireland have seen price fluctuations over the previous years due to inflation within the automotive industry so if you are looking for cheaper car insurance for your used car in Belfast or further afield Northern Ireland – you have come to the right place.

 It’s no secret that these car insurance premiums are based on a magnitude of factors. This can range from one’s age, gender, occupation, the horsepower of your vehicle, how the vehicle is used, your address, the mileage of your vehicle, the type of cover you will need, your experience driving, if you have any insurance claims,  your car insurance excess and if your insurance provider offers multiple insurance policies. 

Influences On Insurance Prices

On that note, car insurance premiums can be heavily influenced on the make and model of your vehicle. The more expensive a car is, the more likely it is for you to pay a higher premium. For example, older vehicles are more at increased risk to break down, therefore increasing your premium. 

However, used vehicles may also have lower insurance due to the loss of value in the vehicle. A brand new car has more risk to it than a used car and this is a factor insurers take into account when setting a quote.

How can we combat this? Here are some tips guaranteed to lower your car insurance that you might want to take action on considering the rising costs of fuel.

Paying Your Premium Upfront

By paying your premium annually instead of monthly, you can avoid interest as high as 20% from your provider.

Consider Buying a Secondhand or Used Car

Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, the cost of your insurance can be lowered. Remember, older vehicles are more likely to break down therefore, increasing the price of insurance. However, depending on how you choose to use your vehicle, your insurance cost is unique to you.

The used cars in Northern Ireland have seen a price inflation, particularly on vehicles aged 1-3 years, even exceeding the original price of some models made brand new. If you’re an experienced driver, having a used car may be more beneficial as you already have an existing record that insurers can verify. 

Receive Quotes from Insurance Brokers

Inquiring about quotes from different providers is the equivalent to shopping around and looking for the best value. You can receive quotes from online brokers, or alternatively through insurers. By doing so, you can give yourself the best quote by comparing notes.

Avoid Last Minute Renewal of Your Insurance Cover

The best time to buy cover would roughly be around 3 weeks before your existing policies expire. There is increased competition among providers to compete on price as consumers are able to compare them to each other.

Become a Named Driver/ Add an Experienced Driver to Your Policy

If you’re a recently qualified driver and the cost of owning your own policy is too expensive, it might be more economically better for you to be added as a named driver on a guardian’s or sibling’s car. Alternatively, you can add an experienced driver with a clean licence to your policy, as their record can aid in bringing the cost down. 

Consider having a Multiple Car Policy

 Using the same insurance provider for households with multiple cars can result in having lower car insurance premiums. 


There you have it, 6 top tips on how to get cheaper car insurance in Northern Ireland! If you’re looking into getting a used car then get in touch with Car Lover Northern Ireland and follow our top tips on getting a better deal on the insurance.