Auto insurance (lease, car insurance, buying)

[skiranger]

Hi,
both my husband and I are new drivers with zero driving experience. We didn't see the need to drive as we could move around easily in public transportation and cars in our city cost 3 times more.

We're looking to either lease or buy a car (not sure if it's gonna be a used or new one). My question is, does anyone out there know of any reputable insurance company in relation to claims? We've found out most of our friends living in S. Valley with driving experience pay between USD100 to USD200/mth for car insurance. We would expect to pay about 500/mth to drive a new car after looking in GEICO website. Is that reasonable?

Also, does anyone have any experience with choosing to lease/buy a used car. What made you decide to lease/buy?

Thank you so much for your time!

[sonarrat]

I've consistently found, throughout the years, that 21st Century has the most reasonable rates in this area and I've always been more than satisfied with their claim service. I pay under $100 a month for low deductibles and high limits. I've been told part of this is because there is no middleman.. everything is sold direct over the Internet and they pass the savings on. It's nontraditional, but I have yet to find anything to complain about.

[EscapeCalifornia]

As new drivers, your liability rates are going to be high. I wouldn't compound the cost by buying/leasing an expensive car. I'd get a used sedan like an Accord or Camry for a few years until your rates drop.