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Ten top tips for cheaper car insurance

Ten top tips for cheaper car insuranceHow to get the most competitive car cover quotes

30 December 2010

Top ten tips to get cheap car insurance

Car insurance premiums went up by more than 40% in 2010, so if you're looking for cover in the New Year, here's some ways to keep the costs down.

Shop around

With the high cost of premiums, check Which? Recommended Providers and where they appear on Comparison sites.

Your car

Don’t make your first car purchase an expensive one. Cars with big engines fall into higher insurance risk categories, so think about getting a smaller vehicle.

Type of cover

Get quotes for both comprehensive and third party fire and theft cover. It’s possible that there may not be too much difference between them and comprehensive is far more attractive if you have to make a claim.

Pass Plus

Take the Driving Standards Agency’s Pass Plus course. Some insurers will offer discounts for Pass Plus qualified drivers.

Named driver

Insurers will frequently reduce premiums if you put a second older and experienced driver on the policy.

Pay annually

Monthly payments attract an interest rate, making this more expensive than annual payments.

Mileage

Make a note of your annual mileage. Overestimating can leave you paying a higher premium. Get advice from the insurer or broker if you are a new driver.

Excesses

Consider how much you would be willing to pay in the event of a claim. Pay more and your premium will come down.

Modifications

Adding alloy wheels or tinted windows could make your car more attractive to vandals or thieves, and lead to higher premiums.

Don’t risk it

Caught driving without insurance or fronting (pretending your parents are the main driver of your car) are both illegal. Get caught and your premiums would rise even higher - and you may be banned.

For more on this visit the Which? online car insurance guide.

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