Car insurance can be expensive, especially if you don’t shop around. Many drivers stick with their current provider out of convenience or brand loyalty, but doing so could mean you’re paying far more than you need to. The good news? There are plenty of legitimate ways to bring your premium down without compromising on cover.
Here are some of the most effective strategies to help you get the best deal on your car insurance:
- Don’t Be Loyal Insurers don’t always reward loyalty. In fact, existing customers are often quoted higher renewal prices than new customers. Always check your renewal quote against other offers, even if you like your current insurer. There’s no harm in staying if they match or beat the competition, but never assume you’re getting the best deal just because you’ve been with them for years.
- Use Multiple Comparison Sites Comparison sites are a great place to start, but no single platform covers every insurer. Use a few different ones to get a broader view of what’s available. Also, bear in mind that some providers don’t appear on these platforms, so it’s worth checking them separately.
- Get On the Phone Found a good deal online? Call the insurer’s sales department and see if they can offer anything better. Some deals aren’t available online, and a quick phone call might save you more than you expect. Be polite, have your quote reference handy, and ask if they can improve the offer. It doesn’t always work, but it’s worth trying.
- Turn Off Auto-Renewal Auto-renewal is convenient, but it can cost you. If your policy is set to renew automatically, you may not even notice a price hike until it’s too late. Always check whether your insurer has enabled auto-renew, and opt out if you prefer to compare prices manually each year.
- Pay Annually If You Can Paying monthly might be easier on your budget, but it usually comes with interest or admin fees. Paying for your policy in one go can work out significantly cheaper in the long run. If possible, budget ahead so you can pay annually.
- Improve Your Car’s Security Where you keep your car overnight matters. Parking in a locked garage or on a private driveway is usually seen as a lower risk than parking on the road. Installing approved security devices like steering locks or alarms can also help reduce your premium.
- Consider a Telematics Policy Often referred to as “black box” insurance, these policies monitor your driving behaviour. Drive safely and you could earn a lower premium over time. These policies aren’t just for young drivers anymore — many insurers now offer telematics as an option for drivers of all ages.
- Watch Your Mileage Your annual mileage affects your premium. Overestimating how many miles you drive can result in higher costs. Be realistic and honest — underestimating can lead to problems if you need to make a claim, but careful tracking could save you money.
- Make Use of Your No Claims Bonus A strong no claims record can knock hundreds off your premium. Make sure your new insurer knows how many years of no claims you’ve built up. In some cases, you can even transfer no claims bonuses earned as a named driver or while driving a company car. Always provide accurate information, and be prepared to show proof if requested.
- Avoid Unnecessary Add-Ons Legal expenses cover, key protection, courtesy cars — these extras can add up. Only choose the add-ons that are genuinely useful to you. Some comparison sites automatically include extras in quotes, so double-check what’s included before buying.
- Tweak Your Job Title It might sound odd, but your occupation can affect your premium. Be honest, of course, but there can be cheaper ways to describe the same role. For example, “writer” might cost more than “editor,” depending on the insurer. Try a few variations when getting quotes.
- Increase Your Voluntary Excess Raising your voluntary excess (the amount you agree to pay towards a claim) can lower your premium. Just make sure it’s still affordable in case you need to make a claim.
- Final Tip: Accuracy Matters Always provide honest and accurate details when applying for car insurance. Giving false information can invalidate your policy and leave you uncovered in the event of an accident. If in doubt, double-check your details before you submit.
By shopping smart, staying alert to renewal traps, and understanding how insurers calculate risk, you can take control of your car insurance costs. The best deal isn’t just the cheapest quote — it’s the right policy, at the right price, with the cover you actually need.