Specialists in finding you cheap motor insurance

If you think you are paying too much for your car insurance, the following – legal – tips may reduce your car insurance costs by a potentially significant sum.

If you are a young driver, or have only recently passed qualified, you may like to take the additional Pass Plus test. This is operated by the Driving Standards Agency and is designed to provide new drivers with valuable extra driving experience. You can take the Pass Plus Course within a year of passing you driving test. It consists of six parts covering:-

• Urban Driving
• Rural Driving
• Poor Weather Conditions
• Night Driving
• Motorway Driving
• Dual Carriageways

Once you have completed the six parts to the satisfaction of the instructor, you will receive a Pass Plus Certificate that will enable you to obtain a hefty discount from most motor insurance companies. The cost of the course will easily be defrayed – often in the first year.
Some insurance companies operate a scheme called the ‘Bonus Accelerator.’ If you do not have a full no-claims bonus, the Bonus Accelerator allows you take out a policy for ten months instead of the twelve month normal period. If during those ten months, you are free from any claim on the policy, you accrue a full year’s no claims bonus, allowing you to earn the maximum bonus in four years instead of the usual five. One disadvantage is that you will normally be tied to the insurance company providing this cover as they are not normally transferable.

Consider increasing the amount of the voluntary excess. This is the sum that you, as the insured driver, are required to pay in the event of a claim. Within reason, consider doubling the agreed sum and see the difference this makes to the premium you are quoted.

Decide to purchase a less powerful car. Insurance premiums are based on statistical information indicating that the drivers of fast cars are more likely to be involved in accidents than the drivers of a car with less engine capacity. So if you want cheaper insurance, the Porsche must wait for a few years.

If you have a garage, use it! Insurance companies will invariably discount your premium if a car is securely garaged rather than being left on a driveway or public highway where it is at greater risk of being damaged or stolen.

Find out if your insurance company offer further discounts for extra car securities. Some if not all companies will offer reduced premiums if the insured vehicle is fitted with an alarm or immobiliser. Companies normally stipulate that the product is professionally installed and must meet Thatcham (the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre) standards, so check first.

Finally, decide on how many miles you average in a year. If you are only an occasional driver and don’t use the car on a daily basis, you may be able to obtain cheaper ‘limited mileage’ insurance.

Remember that prices vary between insurance companies, so it pays to shop around. You should get at least three quotes – you may be surprised at the differing costs, but as well as costs, benefits vary, so always read the small print. Use our quote button above and you will get at least three quotes from leading insurers to compare premiums.