Insurancewide.com issues 10 simple tips to save on car insurance

In response to two industry research studies this week on car insurance premium levels, James Harrison, chief executive of Insurancewide.com has issued the following advice to insurance seekers:

Shop around for car insurance quotes before signing on the dotted line for your new car. Look for a competitive premium and a relevant (not just cheap) policy that covers you for the things that matter to you. Don’t just consider the price alone as quality of the insurance is also very important especially when it comes to making a claim.

Be sure to compare policies on a like for like basis. Consider the excesses and exclusions carefully. A cheaper policy may be hiding a high excess and limited cover. Some insurers no longer include ‘Driving Others Cars’ as standard while others do not include a courtesy car. Read the policy carefully to ensure you have cover for all eventualities.

Car insurers often offer better discounts if you choose to buy your car insurance policy online.

Respect the rules of the road. Drive carefully, avoid claims and convictions and you will build up your no-claims bonus. In return, insurers will reward you with lower premiums.

Keeping your car secure will help to drive down your car insurance premiums. If you have access to a garage, make the effort to use it rather than parking your car on the roadside. Alarms and immobilisers will act as a deterrent to thieves. Always remove detachable stereos and valuable items from the vehicle.

Pay your premium in full each year if you can afford to. This way you will avoid the high APR’s that many insurers charge for monthly instalments.

Inform your insurer if your annual mileage is low. If you use your car to commute to work, expect more expensive premiums.

Younger drivers should avoid buying expensive high performance cars. Instead they should invest in a smaller cheaper car to start with. This way they can build up their no-claims discount and benefit from cheaper premiums later on.

Never twist the truth when getting a quote for your car insurance. Insurers can refuse to settle a claim if the information you have initially provided them with is found to be untrue.

Keep your insurer informed of any changes in your driver profile. You are obliged to inform your insurer of any convictions, changes of address or modifications to your vehicle – all of which can affect the premium you pay.