How to Combat Rising Car Insurance Premiums

Although car insurance premiums have been steadily rising in the UK,
there are some tried and tested steps you can take to ensure a
competitive quote at renewal time.

Know What Cover You Need

The first and most important step is to know exactly what type of
motor insurance you need together with any added extras and excess
levels. Everyone has different driving habits, history and needs so
only you can judge what options and cover levels are right for you.
Many drivers never look at their car insurance policies until they
need to claim, so break the habit of a lifetime and dig out your
current and any previous policy documents to see exactly what you have
paid for in the past. The question you should be asking is do you need
all of the options and bolt-on protection that some comprehensive
policies provide? Maybe you'll be surprised at the lack of protection
you have out on the road and want to extend your cover. Whatever you
decide is or isn't needed, write it down.

Shop Around for Maximum Savings

Armed with a firm idea of what you are looking for you can shop around
with confidence and compare like with like more easily. The fastest
and easiest way to do this is online using quotation or price
comparison websites. Alternatively, if you don't feel confident buying
cover online or if you need advice, use an insurance broker who has
access to the whole market and can do the leg work for you. If you're
happy buying car insurance online it's important to remember to stick
to the same type and levels of insurance so that you can get fair
comparison quotes.

Maximise Your Discount

Whether you use a price comparison site or quote engine, narrow your
selection down to two or three companies and approach them directly to
confirm the premiums and cover are correct. Contact your shortlist and
ask about any new customer premium discounts and do your best to
haggle the price down. Also remember to consider quotes from insurers
you already have other types of cover with such as home or breakdown
insurance. Many online providers now offer discounts for existing
customers anywhere from 5% to 20%. This can also apply if you are a
member of any associations, specialist groups or work unions.

Reduce the Risk of a Claim

One of the most effective ways to consistently reduce your motor
insurance costs is to reduce the risk of a claim. As the two most
common reasons for motor claims are accidents and theft, you can
reduce the risk by improving your driving abilities through advanced
driver training and ensuring your vehicle is secure and parked in a
safe location at night. Another tip is to give more thought to your
annual mileage when applying for a policy rather than guessing and
declaring more miles than you actually drive just to be sure.
Remember, statistically, the less miles you do the less risk there is
of a claim.

By following these few simple steps, you can save yourself a lot of
money and combat the rising cost of car insurance premiums.

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