The Smart car brand is a division of Daimler AG and is headquartered in Boblingen, Germany. The company is famous for making “micro autos”, cars which are even smaller than a mini. These small automobiles are manufactured in both Germany and France and have enjoyed huge success in Europe since they were introduced in 1998. The Smart car was designed to maneuver the tiny, narrow streets which are commonplace throughout Europe and to make parking a simple procedure. The auto is so small that it is possible to park the vehicle nose-first or sideways into an available space. The Smart brand logo is a “c” which stands for “compact” and an arrow denoting “forward thinking”.
The Smart car brand was first launched in the U.S. in 2008. Models were sold through a dealership network under the name Smart USA. The first model introduced was an updated gasoline powered Fortwo which was priced around $12,000. One of the main concerns with the Smart car on U.S. highways is the size of the vehicle in relation to most other cars on the road. Passenger safety is upmost in the minds of most car buyers and many consumers and experts express doubt about the auto’s ability to withstand an accident involving a larger, heavier vehicle. In the land of big SUVs, pickup trucks and large sized sedans, the question always comes back to the Smart car’s safety performance.
The positive aspects of the Smart car certainly make it attractive to many people. It’s small, gets excellent gas mileage, and is a breeze to park. For car buyers who live and work in a big city, it might be the perfect solution to overcrowded streets and limited parking areas. On the other hand, it has seating for only 2 people which limits its use as a family car. But for many consumers who are looking for something stylish and economical to drive, the Smart car could be just what they’re looking for.
Shopping for car insurance is no different than shopping for other items you need. The more you research and learn, the better you will be able to negotiate a reasonable price for an insurance premium. Contact various companies and get quotes for the make and model of car you want to insure. Remember that generally your personal information impacts your insurance rate more than the type of car you drive. Try to maintain a clean driving record and also check your credit score. Most companies will check your credit-worthiness when you apply for car insurance so make sure your credit report is accurate and up-to-date.
If you are in the market for a Smart car, it makes sense to do some investigating on your own and determine the safety ratings and crash test results for the model or models you are interested in. You can then get quotes from several car insurance companies and determine who offers the most reasonable price for the coverage you need. Personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage can vary depending on the safety features and crash test results of the automobile being insured so it’s important to know these facts before writing up your policy.
It’s smart to include the cost of insurance when determining what an automobile will cost to own and operate. If you are financing your new or used car, the lender will most likely have certain types of coverage which are required (to protect their investment until the car is paid off) while other coverage may be optional. Remember that every state has minimum requirements with regards to insurance coverage but many times these amounts are dangerously low for true personal protection. Be sure to go over your personal needs and requirements with a qualified agent who can help you formulate a policy which is adequate for your situation.