Great ways to get cheaper car insurance
Whether you're buying a new car or your current car insurance policy is ending, it's important to shop around.
Here are some ways to cut your car insurance costs this year. Be warned: some are more extreme than others!
Gather your quotes 28 days and one day before renewal
Quotes are often valid for 28 days. That way, if prices go up just before your renewal date, you can revert to your original quote.
Shop around for the best quotes
Competition is fiercest among car insurers for new customers, so don't automatically renew.
Broaden your search
Aviva and Direct Line don't appear on any car insurance price comparison websites so you need to go direct to these insurance providers to compare quotes.
Ask your existing insurer to beat the best quote you've found
It doesn't cost you anything to ask, and it's less hassle than switching.
Increase your excess
The higher the excess, the less you should pay in premiums.
Declare whether you've made any claims
If you haven't claimed on your car insurance for a year, you'll earn a no-claims bonus which can help to bring your premium down.
Accurately assess the value of your car
When getting quotes, make sure you don't overestimate the value of the car or you will end up paying too high a premium.
Trim off any extras you don't need
Why pay for 'free car hire' while your car is being fixed, if you don't need it?
Add a second driver
If the additional driver won't actually use the car, this can bring the premiums down.
Reduce your cover
If you drive an old banger that's on its last legs, opt for third party cover rather than comprehensive cover.
Avoid modifications
Adding spoilers, alloy wheels or boosting the engine size is likely to increase your premium.
Buy online
You usually pay less if you buy your car insurance on the internet, rather than over the phone.
Park your car off-road or in a garage
This means your car is less likely to be stolen, so is less risky to insure.
Make the car more secure
Adding an immobiliser, alarm and tracker to your car will also reduce the risk of it being stolen, and bring down your premiums.
Spend less on hire car insurance
Get car hire excess insurance and reduce your excess that way, rather than buying an expensive add-on from a car hire firm.
Get a multi-car discount
Some insurers such as Admiral, Privilege and Direct Line will give you a discount if the same person insures more than one car.
Pay for your insurance upfront
Insurers will charge you as much as 20% extra if you want to pay off your premium in monthly instalments. Pay upfront for your insurance and you'll save. Use a top 0% purchases card and you'll be able to pay it off gradually without being charged any interest.
Take an advanced driving course
Taking the Pass Plus training course could shave as much as 30% off your car insurance premium.
Consider a 'pay as you drive' scheme
Some schemes, such as AA Drivesafe, fit a special device to your car so the insurer knows how much you drive it. The less you drive, particularly at risky times (eg night-time), the less you pay!
Impose a mileage limit on yourself
You can lower your premium by sticking to a mileage limit.
Downgrade your car
Cheaper cars with smaller engines cost less to insure. Rare, expensive cars cost more!
Get married
Married drivers pay less as they are statistically seen as more 'stable'.
Move in with your partner
Again, those in a stable relationship are seen as less risky drivers, and pay less.
Compare car insurance quotes and see if you could save
