Need to renew your car insurance and want to ensure you’ve found the best deal? Then here are few hints and tips on how to go about:
Don’t automatically renew
To obtain the best price for your car insurance, don’t simply renew your current policy. It’s all too easy with the busy lives we lead and the constant pressures on our time, to simply re-new our existing policy, but that’s unlikely to get you the best deal.
Do shop around
You should make sure that you take the time to shop around and find companies that may be able to offer you very cheap car insurance uk, before settling on one provider. That’s why it is important that you consider a range of different policies before making your choice, as you may be able to get a discount. But if you’re happy with your current insurer, it’s always worth giving them a ring to say you are considering going elsewhere and is there a better deal they can offer you.
Looking online?
Look online to give yourself an idea of what’s available, but if you use a price comparison website, remember they may not show you every provider or policy out there.
Like for like?
Also, when comparing the price of different insurance policies you need to ensure you are comparing like for like policies. So peruse the small print and make certain you understand the detail before you commit to a particular policy.
Consider your needs
In addition, give thought to your insurance needs. Where do you drive, how often, who else uses your car and what level of cover do you require? Also, consider what add-ons are included – there may be elements that have no value for you and simply raise the cost of the insurance. Conversely, the add-ons included – like breakdown cover, for example, could save you money in other ways.
Go fully comprehensive
Don’t assume the least amount of cover gives you the lowest price. Fully comprehensive cover can often work out the most economical, even though it provides you with more cover. How so? Well, the insurance business is based on risk, and those drivers that opt for fully comprehensive cover are often seen as more responsible than those that don’t.
More than one car?
Also, look at multi-car policies for a cost-effective solution to insuring all of your family’s cars. In some cases, the drivers need not even be living at the same address, so if you have a child away at university, for example, it could be your best course of action.
Consider combined cover
More and more often now combined insurance cover is being offered, that might include your home and car insurance for instance. So when taking out new cover, consider if there are any ways you could combine your insurance needs to make savings.
Talk to an insurance broker
Moreover, when considering your insurance options talk to an experienced insurance broker to find the best deal. Remember, they may well have access to policies you won’t find on price comparison websites.
Insurance tailored to your needs
In addition, an experienced broker won’t simply assume one policy fits all; they may be able to tailor the cover to fit your specific needs.
Honesty is the best policy
Remember it’s crucial, to be honest when giving details of your circumstances to an insurance company. If anything you tell them later turns out not to be true, you could find your insurance cover is invalid. However, there may be more than one way you can legitimately describe your job for example; and this could help you to make savings.
Buying a new car?
If you are on the lookout for a new car, then bear in mind the impact the insurance group your chosen car has been assigned is one element that will have an impact on your insurance costs.
Continue to drive safely
As you know, a variety of factors are taken into consideration when companies assess the cost of your insurance, one of which is your driving history – so the safer you drive, the better.
Install a telematics system
In addition, it may well be worth volunteering to have a telematics (or black box) system installed in your car. Not only could this reduce the cost of your auto insurance, but it will provide you with useful insights into your driving habits – helping you to improve your driving skills.
Add additional security
Also, consider adding additional security to your car, talk to your insurance provider about what systems and manufacturers they recommend. Aftermarket locks or camera systems could enable you to obtain auto insurance at a better rate.
Consider your payments
In the UK, you typically have the choice of making a one-off payment for your auto insurance or monthly direct debit instalments. Remember, if you choose the latter you’re entering into a credit agreement with the insurance provider, and you’re likely to be paying additional interest. So, a one off annual payment could prove cheaper.
Consider your excess
Also, give thought to the amount of excess you’re comfortable paying on your policy. Changing the amount of excess you pay could mean you find auto insurance at a lower price.
In the mean time
Take out temporary car insurance, while you shop around to find the best auto insurance deal. Typically temporary car insurance is available from 1 to 28 days, so it would give you a bit of breathing space to find the right annual policy.
Your auto insurance
So there you have a few ideas on how you can achieve the best price for your car insurance. Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on the way to finding a more cost-effective deal.