Car insurance companies base their premiums on wide variety of factors, and whilst you may not be able to change all your circumstances to fit their profile of a perfect driver (well, not unless you want to move house or change gender), there are many things you CAN do to reduce your premiums. Try a few of these handy tips for starters:
1. Do Your Homework
Make sure you shop around; although it can be time-consuming to repeat your details to several providers, you could save a great deal of money. There are a wealth of insurance companies out there and many online comparison services to help you find the best price. You can also use your new found knowledge and bargain with your existing insurance company to see of they'll match a lower quote from elsewhere. You can find some of the most competitive car insurance quotes around by browsing through these featured sites.
2. Security
Adding an alarm or immobiliser to your car can lower your insurance; the amount will depend on its security rating. You will also pay less if your car is garaged overnight or if it is kept in a secured, CCTV controlled car park, rather than on the street.
3. Named Drivers
Adding an older, more experienced person to your insurance policy can cut your premiums dramatically. However, parents should beware that adding their children to their own policy will do exactly the reverse.
Make sure that you only add drivers to your policy that regularly use the car, and do bear in mind that 'any driver' policies and policies with more than two named drivers tend to be expensive; you may want to think about adding drivers temporarily to your policy if they do not use the car regularly.
4. Voluntary Excess
If you are prepared to pay a higher excess should you need to make a claim, you will receive a discount on your premium; the larger the excess, the larger the discount. However, it's worth finding out what compulsory excesses the insurer might apply on top of this voluntary amount; for example, young drivers may have to pay £250 age excess on top of their voluntary excess.
5. Annual Mileage
The fewer miles you drive, the cheaper your cover; however, do not underestimate your mileage as this may cause you problems should you need to claim.
6. Advanced Driving
You can get extra discounts on your insurance if you have passed any of the advanced driving courses such as Pass Plus for young drivers or the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) advanced driving test.
