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Comparing Car Insurance
If your car insurance quote is up for renewal, then it might be a good time to shop around for a new deal and see if you can get a better quote elsewhere.
Due to the market being very competitive, with many companies vying for your business, there are lots of attractive policies out there, if you know where to look.
Thanks to comparison websites, it’s now easier than ever to find out where the choicest car insurance quotes are to be found. After just a few clicks and the input of a few details you can see which companies have the best deals. You can also see what features the policy offers, and see whether the insurance offers adequate cover to suit your needs.
It’s also possible to strip away extras which you might not need - like a courtesy car, for instance - to save money. Likewise, it’s also easy to see which insurers offer extras that you might want at no extra cost.
As car insurance is a legal requirement for all UK drivers, some insurers have offered stripped-back policies for bargain-basement prices. While these can be beneficial, particularly if you are driving a car which doesn’t have a great deal of value, you should always check whether it’s got the protection you need.
Depending on the car you drive or your personal circumstances, you could get insured by a specialist insurance company. There are firms which specialise in car insurance for drivers of performance or classic cars, while some companies offer insurance policies specifically for women. There are also companies which reward older, more experienced drivers with generous discounts, providing they are free of driving convictions and have a no-claims history.
You should also always check the exclusions (the circumstances which will make your claim invalid). These can vary from insurer to insurer, so make sure you have a clear idea.
There are various other practical ways you can reduce the cost of your car insurance policy, as follows:
- Bolster your security
There might be an initial investment, but increasing the security measures of your car will mean that it’s less likely to fall victim to theft. But make sure any device you invest in is approved by automotive insurers group Thatcham.
- Drive with care
Having a driving history which is free of convictions and insurance claims makes a big contribution to getting a cheap deal, so stick to the speed limit and always drive with caution.
- Increase your excess
Agreeing to a higher excess (the contribution you make towards any claim) will have the effect of reducing what you pay for your policy. But always make sure that the figure that you agree to is at a level you can easily afford should you need to make a claim.
- Limit your mileage
Agreeing to an annual mileage limit will reduce the likelihood of being in an accident, and as such reduce your premium.
- Pay annually
If you’ve got the ready cash, it makes sense to pay for your insurance with a one-off payment. It will bypass the interest incurred on spreading the payment out.
- Avoid modifications
Insurers will increase the price of your insurance if you make any modifications to your car’s interior or exterior, so keep to factory specification. Insurers see modified cars as more being appealing to thieves and take into account that the upgraded equipment costs more to replace.
-Lock it away
If you have access to a garage, make sure you use it and notify your insurer that you do so, as it will dramatically reduce the risk of your being stolen or broken into.