Available from 1 – 90 days. So whether you need that last bit of practice before your test or you’re getting behind the wheel for the first time, you can select a policy duration that fits your needs
Ten Top Tips to Cheaper Car Insurance
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Ten Top Tips to Cheaper Car Insurance
Saving money on your car insurance could be easier than you think. Finding the cheapest quote is the most obvious way to cut costs, but actually, there are plenty of other things you can do to keep your car insurance premiums down. Below are our Ten Top Tips to Cheaper Car Insurance: simple steps that you can take to lower your car insurance quote.
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Compare quotes
This is one of the surest ways of reducing how much you spend on car insurance. Shopping around means you can save money and find the right cover for you. Also, remember to compare car insurance quotes at each renewal as deals change and new providers come on the market each year. -
Choose the right level of cover
If your car insurance costs more than the value of your car, then you might want to downsize from comprehensive cover to third party fire and theft, or just third party if it’s a real banger. -
Use a specialist insurer
It might sound simple, but if you are a woman, a young driver, an elderly driver, or have made modifications to your car, you might be able to save a lot of money by choosing a company that specialises in your demographic. There are now specialist women’s car insurance companies, like Sheila’s Wheels and Diamond, that recognise that women are statistically less likely to make a claim than men, and reward their safer driving with cheaper car insurance quotes, while companies like Saga car insurance reward older, more experienced drivers. -
Add experienced drivers or your partner to your car insurance policy
If you have just passed your test and are a new driver with no experience and no no claims bonus, you could save hundreds by adding a parent or responsible friend with driving experience to your policy. Also, if you are co-habiting with your partner, car insurance companies think that you are more responsible and could reduce your premium. -
Protect your car
If possible, keep your car in a garage, or driveway, and install an alarm and immobiliser, as this will make it less vulnerable to theft and your insurance company will reward you for reducing the likelihood of making a claim. -
Check your policy and remove unnecessary cover
It might be that you are covered for things you don’t think you need, such as medical expenses, alternative accommodation and personal possessions, so make sure you’re not paying for cover you don’t want. You should also ensure that you are not registered as using your car for business or driving to work if you only use it for personal use as this can have a dramatic effect on how much you pay. Walk to work and save on fuel too! -
Beware the ‘pay monthly’ option
Some car insurance companies give the option to may monthly instead of annually which can be a great way to spread the cost of your car insurance, but make sure you are not being charged extra for the privilege. You might be better off putting the money in a savings account a year in advance so you can gain interest and it’ll be ready and waiting when it comes to renewal time. -
Drive a less powerful car
Choosing a car with a smaller engine means that you will fall into a cheaper insurance band, you won’t pay as much on fuel or road tax, and it’s better for the environment! -
Get a mirrored policy
If you get a second car, insurance companies will sometimes refuse to insure it with the same no claims bonus as your first motor, so shop around for a provider that mirrors your existing car policy. Another way of cutting costs is to insure two cars on one policy with multi car insurance cover -
Don’t make any claims!
Easier said than done, but the easiest way to reduce car insurance costs is by building up a no claims discount. By driving carefully, you reduce the likelihood of having to make a claim, but of course, you cannot be responsible for other drivers on the road, making some accidents unavoidable. If you can get something small repaired yourself, it could be worth it because the cost could be a lot less than the amount you save by keeping your no claims bonus intact. With many car insurance companies, for a little extra on your premium, you can get no claims bonus protection, which means that even if you do make a claim, you will not lose your no claims bonus.
Making changes to your policy mid-term, when it is not renewal time, could incur charges for administration, but the savings you make could well outweigh the cost of a £10 admin fee, so do your homework first and start saving on your car insurance.
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Why Do I Need Car Insurance?
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Car Insurance in the UK is compulsory under the 1988 Road Traffic Act and it is an offence to take a car onto a public highway without at least third party insurance in place.
Most basic car insurance policies cover third party, fire and theft covering third party liabilities as well as damage to the car caused by fire or loss due to theft. Comprehensive car insurance which is more expensive covers third party, fire and theft but also covers any damage caused by the driver to the car being driven.
According to the Motor Insurers Bureau uninsured drivers (approximately two million motorists according to the department of transport) inflict approximately £380 million of damage on UK roads which is passed on in higher insurance premiums.
Under the law a car must have a valid car insurance policy if it is taxed or not or whether it is kept on a public highway or not and whether it is driven or not.
If a car is not being used its tax disc must be redeemed and the relevent declaration (SORN) completed to confirm that the car is being kept off public roads. The scheme will provide a new fixed penalty for people who ignore official reminders that their insurance has expired. the maximum penalty for offenders is £5,000 and an automatic endorsement of your driver license with 6 to 8 penalty points.
What Are The Different Types Of Car Insurance
Type of Car Insurance |
Car Insurance Features |
Comprehensive Car Insurance |
As the name suggests provides cover both to third parties but also to you and your own car and passengers in the event of an accident. This type of cover usually allows you to drive another car (may only be on a third party basis). |
Car Legal Expenses Insurance |
Normally sold as an add on to car insurance and provides legal expense cover in the event of a dispute e.g. if you are in an accident that is not your fault you may wish to claim back uninsured losses and legal expense cover will help you fund the legal costs. |
Third Party Car Insurance |
Third party car insurance is the minimum cover required by UK law on a vehicle used ona public highway. If you have an accident this cover will protect you from having to pay for damage to other vehicles. You cannot make a claim against your own vehicle. |
Third Party Fire and Theft Car Insurance |
In addition to covering third party liabilites this cover also provides financial protection in the event of damage to your car in the event of fire or loss due to theft. |
How Do I Get The Best Car Insurance Rates?
Things to consider:
Age
If you are under 25 you will generally pay more for car insurance. For teenagers the cost of car insurance can be very high. Some insurers provide young driver car insurance schemes e.g. The Co-op and Young Marmalade provide specialist insurance for younger drivers
Voluntary Excess
To keep the cost of car insurance down many insurers provide you with the option of a voluntary excess on any claim. This is paid over and above any compulsory excess on the policy.
Gender
In the past specialist women’s car insurance providers could offer a better deal. Women generally tend to make less expensive claims than men, and so insurance companies historically reflected this in offering cheaper premiums. However, in March 2012, the European Court of Justice ruled that insurance providers cannot discriminate on gender. This ruling came into effect from December 2012.
Car Mileage
Some car insurers will adjust their car insurance premium based on the mileage you do. It is important you give an accurate indication of expected annual mileage to ensure you are not paying more than you need to. Check with your existing car insurer (if relevant) – If you already have an existing car check with your existing insurer about adding a second car onto the policy. Some car insurance companies will provide you with a discount for including a second vehicle – often called multi car insurance.
Using a Comparison website
Online comparison websites provide a useful and easy way of getting car insurance quotes. No car insurance comparison website covers the whole market so it makes sense to use more than one source to ensure you are getting the right cover at the right price. You should also note that some insurance companies do not appear on comparison websites e.g. Direct Line Car Insurance and Aviva Car Insurance
Using a Car Insurance broker
If you are not sure what cover you need or want somebody to help you through the process there are many car insurance brokers who will be happy to help. A good insurance broker will not help you in buying car insurance but also provide support in the event that you need to make a claim.If you intend to use a broker you should check their FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) registration on the FCA website.
Providing correct information
In assessing the insurance risk an insurance company will rely on the information that you give as being accurate. Information provided will determine whether insurance is provided and the cost of premiums. It is therefore important that any information you provide is correct e.g. information on any driving offences where you have been given points can have a material impact on the premium you are required to pay. Non disclosure of such information at the time of application can result in a non payout in the event of a claim. If you are using a car insurance broker this is where valuable advice can be provided.
Cheapest is not always best
With insurance you generally get what you pay for so before you sign up to an insurance policy you should be aware of what you are covered for and what is excluded. You should consider what you need and ensure you are adequately covered. This may mean you have to pay more to get what you want.
Automatic Renewal
When you buy car insurance and you pay by direct debit some insurance companies will automatically renew your car insurance policy at the renewal date. You should receive a written notice of the car insurance renewal and any increase in the premium. If you are not happy you need to be proactive and shop around before the renewal date and cancel the existing policy before renewal.
Changing your mind
You have the right to change your mind within a set period normally 14 days from purchase of the car insurance policy and have your money returned.
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