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Car Insurance Top Tips
By: Michael Challiner
The car insurance industry has got really competitive in the last few years, so
prices haven't really changed much. There are now over 100 car insurers to
choose from, so there are some very good deals out there for those who are
prepared to shop around. 23% of motorists still choose to insure with the same
company as the year before, but they could undoubtedly save money if they did
check out some other companies.
Motorists could be forgiven for not getting other quotes, it used to be a very
laborious exercise involving long waits while getting routed through the call
centre, and boring repetition of facts to sales advisors. Now, thanks to the
internet, it's all a lot more simple. Car insurers also offer extra discounts to
people who buy online.
However, you need to consider the quality of the policy, not just the price:
• Check that your low quotation is not due to an extremely high excess.
• Check that you will get a courtesy car if your car needs to be taken in for
repairs.
• Check that legal insurance cover is included, if you want it, and automatic
windscreen replacement.
• Find out if there is an accident help line in case of an emergency.
It's a good idea to ring the insurer direct to talk through the policy in detail
before signing up online.
Money saving tips – recommended!
You can get a quote with over 40 car insurers if you input your details into a
good car insurance broker's website. You'll only need to give your details once.
Call the insurer with the quotation to check exactly what is and isn't covered.
If you have a garage, then you'll save by keeping your car there overnight.
You'll also make savings if you can keep your car on a driveway. This is because
there is more chance your car being broken into or vandalised if it's kept on
the road.
Give your insurer an accurate picture of how many miles you do each year – you
will save if you travel less.
Some occupations, like being a landlord, journalist or professional footballer
(if only) attract higher premiums. You can save money if you work in finance or
the civil service.
Get married! Men under 30 pay more if they're not married – it's just the excuse
your girlfriend is looking for!
Under 25's pay more, but you can get lower premiums if can put a driver over the
age of 25 with a good driving record on your policy as a named driver. That
person must be under 60 though, as premiums rise again at that age.
Agreeing to higher excess (the average cost is £100) will help lower your
premiums.
If your car is not of a high value, you could get third party cover and make
quite a saving compared to fully comprehensive insurance.
Pay as you go insurance is a new option for 18-21 year olds. It's a recent
development introduced by Norwich Union, in which you pay a unit cost per mile.
The cost per mile is more between 11pm and 6am. You pay an initial fee of £199
to have a Global Positioning System fitted to your car, and then it transmits
details of your mileage direct to Norwich Union. They send you a monthly invoice
and you pay for the miles you've done!
Taking Pass Plus lessons to improve your driving abilities could save you around
a third on your premiums. They cost £15 - £30 an hour and cover driving at
night, in busy rush hour jams and fast motorway driving. You can find out more
at www.passplus.org.uk . You can also improve your driving skills and make
insurance savings with the Institute of Advanced Motorists ( www.iam.org.uk ).
Find out the insurance group of a car before you make the purchase. There are
twenty insurance groups – the slower and less desirable the car (to criminals)
then the lower the rating. You could make considerable savings by choosing a car
in a lower insurance group.
If you want a high spec or performance car then you can expect to pay a lot more
on your insurance. They're a lot more likely to be stolen or involved in an
accident. Making the sensible choice might be a bit boring, but it will be a lot
cheaper.
Watch your speed. Most insurance companies will let you get away with a single
fixed penalty fine but if you repeat the offence then your premiums will rocket.
Protect your no claims discount as soon as you can (usually after four years).
It costs a bit extra but it's well worth it.
Satellite navigation in your car will lower your premiums. Insurers have found
that people concentrate more on their driving and less on trying to find their
way, which means less chance of having an accident.
It's a good idea to have an engine immobiliser or alarm fitted not just because
it could help you keep hold of your car, it will also make you a saving of 5-8%.
If there's two or more cars in the household, get them on the same policy to get
a good discount.
About the Author:
Michael works as the content editor for One Stop Car Insurance Shop who offer
car insurance online. |
