Car insurance

How to save on your car insurance

If you renew your car insurance year on year with the same insurer, then now is a good time to get to grips with your insurance options and search for more competitive alternatives. Your driver profile will constantly change (age, occupation, address, type of car) affecting your premium and which insurer will be offering the most competitive product and price.

Reduce your car insurance premium

Follow these steps to save yourself up to several hundred pounds on your car insurance.

  1. Shop around
    When you buy car insurance the golden rule is to get several quotes, so you are able to make sensible comparisons on the level of cover and cost. We’ve teamed up with Insurancewide to provide you with a quick and easy way to find the insurers that are the best match for your profile. Insurancewide covers over 90% of the direct insurance companies and brokers.
    Find the best car insurer for your requirements.

  2. Purchase your car insurance online
    Many insurers offer a discount when you buy online, although this option is not available to every driver (it will depend on your profile and requirements).

  3. Comprehensive insurance
    Don't automatically buy comprehensive insurance. If your car has a low value you can save a third off your premium by insuring your car for Third Party Fire & Theft instead of purchasing a comprehensive policy.

  4. Pay your premium in full each year
    Many insurers charge a high APR if you pay monthly so pay your premium in full if possible.

  5. Voluntary excess
    You can reduce your premium by agreeing to accept a voluntary excess. This is the amount you agree to pay in the event of an accident.

  6. Low mileage discounts
    If your annual mileage is low, inform your insurer as this can cut the cost of your insurance by 15%.

  7. Keep your car secure

    • Fit an alarm or an immobiliser or use a steering lock to improve your cars security.
    • If you have a garage use it to store your car, don’t just leave it on the road.
    • If you have a detachable stereo remove it from your car when not in use.

  8. Drive carefully
    Careful drivers who build up a no claims history will be rewarded with lower premiums so it pays not to treat the roads as a racetrack!

  9. Don’t modify your car
    Manufacturers work closely with insurers so that a particular model of car can be insured to a standard. If you modify your car then the factors on which your premium has been based will have changed and the number of insurers available to you is cut dramatically.