IndependentThose who do not have a budget for a new car will find a wide range of second-hand cars in our country. Last year, no less than 642,669 were registered. But what should you definitely pay attention to when buying? And what is the best way to insure your car? With this handy checklist from Independer.be you don’t overlook anything.
In collaboration with Independer.be
Latest update:
09:27
Bron:
Independer.be
Step 1: this is how you choose the best car
Are you going for an executive car from a professional car dealer/garage or a car from a private individual? The advice is not unequivocal, because it depends on your personal situation.
If you have the necessary budget, then definitely go for an executive car. You do pay a bit more, but it often concerns a car that has only driven a limited number of kilometers. You are also entitled to a one-year legal guarantee.
If you are a bit tighter on cash, you are best off if you buy a car from a private individual. But the risk is also much greater. You only have the document of the technical inspection and the mandatory Car-Pass as ‘guarantee’. More about that in step 2.
Also take into account the costs of the annual insurance in your car budget: calculate here how much they amount to for your (future) car.
Step 2: Check all documents before sale
Before signing a sales contract, you should definitely have viewed the following documents:
• The ‘pink document’: is the ‘vehicle registration application’ form, which the seller receives after the technical inspection and which you need to register your second-hand car with the DIV. Please note: this document is only valid for two months!
• The maintenance book of the car
• The certificate of conformity or proof of the technical inspection
• The registration certificate of the vehicle
• The second-hand technical inspection report
• The Car-Pass: this mandatory document may also not be older than two months and shows the mileage on different dates. The more odometer readings are listed, the more insight you have into the past of the car. Does the document show a sudden drop? That may indicate tampering with the counter. So ask the seller the necessary critical questions.
• The sales contract itself: this is not mandatory, but protects you as a buyer. It lists both the details of the seller and the buyer, the details of the vehicle, the price and the (if any) warranty period.
How do you obtain a Car-Pass? You read it here.
Step 3: pay extra attention to the warranty period
If you buy a second-hand car from a professional car dealer/garage, you are in principle entitled to at least one year and sometimes even two years of legal warranty. Just like with a new car.
If you have to make a claim under the warranty within the first six months after purchase, the seller will first have the opportunity to repair or exchange the car. If that doesn’t work, you can have the sale canceled and get your money back.
Please note: the warranty legislation does not apply in the case of a sale between two private individuals.
From ‘invisible’ rust spots to color differences in the bodywork: how do you check that you are not buying a pig in a poke?
Step 4: you need these insurance policies
Just like a new car, you should have your second-hand car insured as well as possible. In addition to civil liability (BA), you can opt for a mini-omnium or a full-omnium. Motor vehicle legal assistance insurance is also interesting, because it entitles you to legal advice and legal assistance if there is a conflict about a claim involving your car.
Are you going for BA, mini-omnium or full-omnium? What do these terms mean? And what exactly do such car contracts insure?
Step 5: does a full omnium make sense for a used car?
That depends on how old the car is. For cars up to and including 4 to 5 years, a full omnium is certainly an added value, because a second-hand car then still has a considerable value.
No matter how old your car is: if there is no total loss, a full comprehensive insurance covers the full repair costs. In the event of an accident, these costs can easily add up, so that consideration must also play a role in your decision.
Alternatively, you can also consider a mini-omnium, which insures you against fire, theft or burglary, glass breakage, collision with animals, storms and hail and other natural forces.
Read also on Independer.be:
This article was brought to you by our partner Independer.be.
Independer.be is an independent insurance broker that helps you compare and take out insurance.
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