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