If you're trying to find cheap car
insurance it really does pay to shop around. Because while the cost
of accident repairs and personal injury claims can push car insurance premiums
up, competition for your premium keeps price rises in check.
But beware, some insurers may
trim policy benefits to produce a 'cheap' premium. However, there are things
that you can do which could help reduce the cost of your current car insurance
premium.
Look at the policy
benefits rather than price alone
Check whether a policy provides a courtesy car while yours is
being repaired, or offers the cover you need for driving in Europe. Help with
the recovery of uninsured losses, which could include your out of pocket
expenses following an accident, is another useful benefit. Once you've
considered the benefits a policy offers, always check the compulsory excesses
before accepting a quote.
Think about your driving
If you're looking for a reduction on your next car insurance
premium, then the way you drive can help. Stay within the speed limit – a
speeding ticket is likely to increase your premium. And if you reduce the
annual mileage on your vehicle, perhaps by cutting back on journeys or using
other forms of transport, you are likely to cut your premium as well.
A secure car can reduce
insurance costs
Avoid parking your car on the street at night. Keeping it on a
drive is preferable, but use the garage if you have one and lock it at night –
the extra security could bring a discount on your premium.
Improving the security of your motor vehicle can also help
reduce your cheap
car insurance premium. Insurance companies can tell you which security
devices will bring a discount. Tracking devices and immobilisers are likely to
attract the best discounts.
Cheap car insurance for
young drivers
If you're a young or newly
qualified driver, it's worth considering the Driving Standards Agency's Pass Plus initiative. The course helps you improve your driving experience
in key areas like driving at night and on motorways, and could get you a
discount on your car insurance.
Cheap car insurance for
older drivers
If you're approaching
retirement and looking forward to putting the daily commute behind you, there's
more good news. Once you retire, tell your insurer about the reduction in your
annual mileage, which could reduce your premium.
Or for parents with teenage children who are learning to drive,
it's worth encouraging them to buy their own car and insure it themselves. This
will help them gain their own no-claims discount and cheaper car insurance in
the long run. But if you're thinking about getting your son or daughter insured
as an additional driver of your car, then if they have an accident your
no-claims bonus will be affected.
Paying a voluntary
excess for cover
Finally, consider how much you'd be prepared to pay out if you
have to make a claim. If you can afford to pay another £100 or £200 as a
voluntary excess your annual premium costs may come down.
