Buy cheap motor car insurance

Quick tips on buying cheap motor car insurance - online or off.

 

How to save on car insurance...

• Obtain a number of car insurance quotations online
• Build up your no-claims discount
• Do not protect your no claims discount
• Increase your excess in the event of a claim
• Decrease your mileage
• Reduce or name insured drivers
• Improve vehicle security
• Value your car realistically
• Avoid overnight street parking
• Pass additional driving tests
• Purchase insurance online
  

Change your insurance company

Before renewing your policy, check out your fees and policy details - another company may offer the same cover at a cheaper rate.

Build up your no-claims discount

The percentage discount off the cost of the policy increases each year of no claims. It can represent 60-70% discount after 3 or 4 years. For an additional charge, some insurers will protect (or maintain) your no claims discount even if a claim is made.

Increase your excess

Increase the amount you are expected to contribute towards a claim. Most policies stipulate a compulsory excess (£100-£250). If you choose to increase the excess, the premium should decrease - but balance this saving against the higher excess payable in a claim.

Decrease your mileage

Insurance is usually calculated on the assumption that you drive 12,000 miles a year. If you expect to drive considerably less, your risk, and therefore your premium should be reduced. Some companies reduce premiums if you do not use your car to travel to work.

Reduce or naming insured drivers

Insurance cost increases with the number of drivers you insure. Naming the driver(s) is often cheaper than going for 'any driver'.

Improve vehicle security

by fitting car immobiliser or alarm reduces risk of theft. Most insurance companies will account for this in their premium quote.

Value your car realistically

If your vehicle is written-off, the insurers will only pay the market value of your car immediately prior to the accident.

Avoid overnight street parking

Most insurers discount the policy if the car is normally parked in a garage or driveway overnight.

Pass additional driving tests

Proof of improved driving skills is viewed favourably by insurance companies, e.g. the Institute of Advanced Motorists' test, or the Pass Plus test for newly qualified drivers that can be worth a year's no-claims discount.

Buy insurance online

Online transactions are cheaper for the insurer to provide, and many offer an immediate discount (typically 5%).

Free insurance on a new car

Dealers and manufacturers may offer special (or free) insurance as an incentive to buy a new car. It is always worth asking, even if no current promotion is running.

Use a good broker

who is willing to research the most competitive quotes for you.