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Cheap - hints/tips on how to get cheaper car insuranceMake yourself a 'good risk' The key to getting the best coverage for the least cash is to make yourself seem like a 'good' risk to insurers - and the way to do that is limit the variables within your application that make the likelihood of your insurer having to pay out vast sums for a claim under your policy. |
| So, how do you become a 'good risk'? Here are some of the easiest routes to getting a discount from most insurers: 1. Have an immobiliser and/or alarm fitted to your car. New cars sold in the UK since 1998 have been fitted with immobilisers as standard under legislation introduced to reduce car-related crime. Most older cars are relatively easy to fit with immobilisers and/or alarm systems - but be sure to ask your insurance company what their preferred brand of device is so that you get the best possible return on your investment. 2. If you have a more valuable, rare or collectable car, it may be advisable to fit a tracking device. Most insurers will give reasonable discount on automotive premiums if a suitable tracker has been fitted, again, it is advisable to check with the insurer what their recommended make of tracking system is so that you get the highest possible discount on your premium. |
| 3. Whenever possible, make use of off-road parking. This is particularly useful in the case of drives with locking gates and garages, which insurers offer the highest reduction in premium for. 4. Avoid racking up the penalty points - a clean driving record is one of the biggest statements you can make to show insurers that you are a good risk. The occasional speeding ticket won't necessarily ruin your ability to get competitive coverage quotes, but a string of offences is likely to lead to sharp increases in your car insurance premiums. 5. Consider taking a Pass Plus course. For young drivers and those who've just passed their test, adding Pass Plus can knock up to 30% off even your first car insurance policy premium. |
| 6. Look at your mileage realistically - don't just assume you do the usual amount of miles, if you do, that's what you'll be charged for. When you start thinking about getting renewal quotes for your car insurance, make a note of your mileage for about a month. Use that number to work out your estimated annual mileage - the difference to your premium may be negligible, but it may be more significant than you think. 7. Some insurers are now offering discounts for the ordinary things sensible people do anyway, such as keeping a log of the routine maintenance on your vehicle. As a well-maintained car is less likely to go wrong in a way that would cause an accident, it makes good sense for insurers to offer a discount to customers who can prove they have their car serviced regularly. |
| Shop around Like most major purchases, you shouldn't just buy the first policy that falls into your lap - doing the leg work, or in this case, letting your fingers do the walking, can pay serious dividends if you're patient. Some common sense advice on shopping around includes: Haggle A few top tips on getting your chosen car insurer to shave a few more pounds off of even the best quote are: |
Budget
Churchill
Direct Line
Lloyds TSB
Norwich Union
Screen Trade
The AA
