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How To Find The Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes Online

Car insurance is one of the more common financial products in the UK. This is because without proper insurance, it is illegal to operate your car on the road.

However, in recent years a growing number of motorists are driving in the UK without insurance. Combined with a rise in accidents among youth, this has caused insurance premiums to rise dramatically, yet many drivers often neglect to change their policy due to ignorance of these escalating costs.

With the economy in turmoil, it is imperative that policyholders shop around for a cheaper car insurance alternative when their existing insurance expires. Many individuals make the mistake of auto-renewing their old insurance policy, resulting in the loss of hundreds of pounds each year.

In other cases, drivers may choose a different policy solely based on price, neglecting the fact that a cheaper car insurance plan may not provide sufficient coverage.

The following guide will assist you in finding a car insurance policy that is both cheap and comprehensive, and address other factors that may help you lower your premiums.

Find Cheaper Car Insurance Quotes By Shopping Online

The car insurance industry often attempts to attract new customers through the use of generous, promotional rates. As most drivers choose to renew their policy without a second thought, insurance companies hope to profit from customers in the long term.

This is why it is critical for policy holders to shop around when their insurance expires. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), customers can save upwards of 35% on their premium simply by comparing as few as five insurance providers.

Use Price Comparison Sites

Due to the competitive nature of the car insurance industry, price comparison sites have cropped up to help customers differentiate between providers. Utilising these tools can help you whittle your choices down.

Check for Online Discounts

Many car insurance providers offer special discounts for those who sign up online, as it automates the process and eliminates the need for an agent. You may also receive a discount for paying upfront rather than in monthly instalments.

Haggle To Find A Bargain

If you are satisfied with your existing provider, shopping around for a better quote can give you leverage to haggle the price of your policy down.

Make Sure The Coverage Is Comprehensive

Sometimes an insurance offering is cheaper simply because it is less comprehensive. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

How You Can Lower Your Car Insurance Premium

A car insurance premium can fluctuate based on a variety of external factors beyond your driving record. Individuals living in areas of high crime can expect higher costs, as well as those with longer commutes or professions that require use of your car.

This is why it is important when applying for or renewing a policy that you keep the details of your daily regimen up to date, from whether your car is parked in a garage to the current mileage on the odometer. Here is a list of things to consider when updating your insurance:

Pay A Higher Excess

The higher your voluntary excess, the lower the cost of your annual insurance policy. The drawback being you will have to pay more should you have to make a claim.

Add Older Drivers

Having an experienced driver with a clean licence on the policy can save you money, particularly if you are a young motorist. Be careful, however, to list yourself as the main driver, as “fronting” can result in an insurance company refusing to pay out.

Additional Training & Special Policies

Young drivers may also be able to obtain a cheaper policy if they enrol in a government sponsored training scheme such as Pass Plus. Motorists who drive infrequently can opt for a special “Pay as You Drive” policy.

Drive A  Safer Car

If you have yet to purchase your car, consider one that may be more insurance friendly. A smaller engine mitigates the likelihood of speeding, and a sturdier frame may minimise repair costs.

Install An Immobiliser

A car equipped with an alarm system and an immobiliser will lower the risk of theft and thus lower your insurance. Insurance providers consider immobilisers an important theft deterrent as they prevent an engine from starting without the proper key, eliminating the ability to hotwire the vehicle.

Having an immobiliser is particularly helpful for those who park on the street or live in neighbourhoods with higher crime. Priced in the region of £100, an immobiliser will ultimately save you money in the long term.

Build A Strong History

The most critical factor in obtaining cheap car insurance is your policy and driving history. Each year you have insurance and do not make a claim, you will earn a no claims bonus. Even those without a car can build a stronger history by adding themselves as a driver to a family member’s policy.

Car insurance providers typically offer a discount after five years without a claim, while some may offer an additional discount for those who reach longer benchmarks. You also have the option to pay extra for a one-time protection of your no claims bonus in the event you have an accident.

Naturally, a clean licence will have a large effect on your car insurance. Individuals with a history of offences will be seen as a higher risk by insurance firms. The law dictates you must notify your provider if you are convicted of a motoring offence, be it speeding or driving with a mobile phone. Failure to do so may result in the invalidation of your coverage.