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The make of a car is the brand of the vehicle, while the model is the specific product name or product line from that brand. For instance, with a Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet is the make of the car, and Equinox is the model. Together, the make and model of a car identify a vehicle.… read full answer

Car Make Examples

• Ford
• Dodge
• Toyota
• Nissan

Car Model Examples

• Mustang
• Caravan
• Camry
• Rogue

Why a Car’s Make and Model Are Important

The make and model of a car matter because they help identify specific types of vehicles and make it easier to determine their value. This is especially important if you’re buying or selling a vehicle or shopping for auto insurance.

The car model is particularly important in determining the value of your car, as each model has specific trim levels (extra interior and exterior features), body styles (such as sedan, coupe, minivan, pickup, SUV and hatchback) and appearances that can further distinguish a vehicle. Trim levels, also known as grades, are usually specified with names or initials.

For example, the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox comes in four model versions, with each additional level providing more options for comfort, tech and performance: L, LS, LT and Premier. In this case, the “L” model is the base trim level that doesn’t have any special features; the “LS” trim level offers more comfort and tech features; the “LT” trim level offers even more features and three engine options; and the “Premier” trim level, the highest for this car model, offers all the available features and engine options.

The car model year is also important because vehicle designs can change drastically from year to year. The model year can be tricky, too, because it is rarely the same year as when the car was built. The make and model of a car can also influence insurance rates. For instance, cars with a higher safety rating are usually cheaper cars to insure.

How a Car’s Make and Model Affects Insurance

How to Find a Car’s Make and Model

To find the make and model of a car, look for the logos, badges, decals and emblems found on the vehicle’s exterior, usually on the trunk or front grille. However, the types, prominence and combinations of these identifiers are unique to each car model.

For example, Cadillac has a script logo, front grill badge and decorative hood ornament that distinguish the car’s make from others in a line-up. You can almost always find the model name of a Cadillac written on the trunk, too. Another example is how Audi vehicles have a distinctive emblem of four interlocked chrome circles placed prominently on the front hood or grille, which is sometimes accompanied by the car model name. You can also typically find the model name for Audi vehicles on the trunk.

Finding a Car's Make and Model Using the VIN

Another way to find the make and model of a car is by looking up its vehicle identification number (VIN), the unique 17-character code consisting of numbers and capital letters that acts as the vehicle's fingerprint. The VIN is usually found stamped into a plate and mounted on both the driver’s side door jamb and dashboard, though there are exceptions to this rule, and you may find it in other places like under the hood in front of the engine block or on the front end of the frame of older cars. With the VIN, you can learn the car’s make and model as well as information like the vehicle’s specifications, country of assembly, recall records, warranty claims and past thefts.

Alternatively, you can check the owner’s manual or vehicle registration for your car’s make and model information.

Most Popular Car Makes

1. Ford
2. Chevrolet
3. RAM
4. Toyota
5. Honda
6. Nissan
7. GMC
8. Jeep
9. Subaru
10. Mazda

Source: Car and Driver, 2021

Most Popular Car Models

1. Ford F-Series
2. Chevrolet Silverado
3. RAM Pickup Truck
4. Toyota RAV4
5. Honda CR-V
6. Honda Civic
7. Toyota Camry
8. Chevrolet Equinox
9. Toyota Corolla
10. Nissan Rogue

Source: Kelley Blue Book, 2021

The cheapest car to insure for a first-time driver is the Subaru Forester. Other cheap cars to insure for new drivers include the Dodge Grand Caravan and Honda Odyssey, thanks to their low repair costs, high safety ratings, and low accident rates compared to expensive, high-powered vehicles. In fact, the … read full answercharacteristics of these vehicles make them the cheapest options for most drivers, regardless of age and experience.

Cheapest Cars to Insure for First-Time Drivers

• Subaru Forester
• Dodge Grand Caravan
• Honda Odyssey
• Ford Escape
• Toyota Sienna

In general, the faster a car can go or the more expensive it is to repair or replace, the more expensive it will be to insure. Additionally, cars that are more popular among thieves tend to drive up insurance costs, regardless of how much they’re worth.

New drivers typically pay more for car insurance than older drivers due to their lack of experience, so picking the right car is a great way to lower the cost of coverage. If you have a specific vehicle in mind, consider getting a quote for it from at least three different insurance companies to make sure that you can afford the cost of coverage.

You should always do your research before buying a new car, especially if you’re a new driver who will already be paying more for insurance. To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide on the cheapest cars to insure.

To get insurance before buying a car, you will need to figure out the exact car you are hoping to purchase. You will need information about the vehicle (it’s make, model, vehicle identification number, etc.) in order to shop around for insurance quotes with different companies and then select and purchase a policy.… read full answer

However, if you already have an insurance policy for a different car, you don’t need to get new insurance before buying a new car. You will simply need to notify your insurance provider, within a timeframe specified in your policy, that you have purchased a new car and wish to update your coverage. The steps below assume you don’t already have insurance coverage on another vehicle, though.

How to Get Insurance Before Buying a Car: 4 Steps

1. Decide on a car and contact the dealership

You’ll want to make an agreement with the dealer, specifying the car you wish to purchase and when. They will then be able to provide you with information about the car that you’ll need to purchase insurance.

2. Obtain information about the car that will be necessary to get an insurance quote

In order to get an insurance quote, you will need to know the car’s Vehicle Identification Number, current mileage, make, model, trim level and history.

3. Get an insurance quote

At this stage, you will need to provide your personal information and vehicle information to the company.

4. Select a quote and pay for coverage

Once you determine which insurance company will be able to provide you the best coverage, you will need to select and pay for that policy. Once you’ve paid, the insurance company will provide you with confirmation that you now have a policy. You can bring that confirmation with you to the dealership when you decide to officially purchase your car, or review and select your quote online, right from the dealership.

At this point, you will have obtained the necessary insurance coverage to legally drive your new vehicle.