MoneyFox

There are a number of ways to save money on your car insurance, using a combination of the tips below can make a substantial difference to the price you could be quoted.

1. Always shop around – and buy online for the lowest price. Use price comparison websites, but also get quotes from companies that aren’t included on those sites, such as Direct Line.
2. If your car is fitted with an immobiliser, make sure the insurance company knows about it, it can reduce the risk of theft and lower your premium.
3. Make sure you give an accurate estimate of the number of miles you drive in a year. If you tell the insurer you drive 10,000 miles a year when you only do 5,000, you could be paying more than you need to.
4. Make sure you’re only covering what you need.  For example if you own an old banger that’s only worth a few hundred pounds it’s pointless paying extra for comprehensive insurance, when third party insurance should be good enough.
5. Add your partner as a named driver. Some insurers will give you a lower quote if you add another named driver to the policy, particularly if you’re a man adding your wife to the policy.
6. Check your occupation. When you fill in the quote form you will be asked for your occupation, usually from a list of choices. If there isn’t one that appropriate you should choose the closest to what you do. Often there could be more than one you could choose from, so get quotes for all the jobs that could apply to you, you may be surprised how much the prices differ.
7. Do you really need legal cover? Legal cover can add a substantial amount to the cost of your insurance. Don’t get it if you don’t think the benefits are worth the cost.
8. Increase your excess. The excess is the amount you have to pay as part of a claim against your insurance. Increasing this can reduce the cost of your policy. You need to decide if the reduced cost is worth the extra cost to you in the event you need to make a claim.
9. Don’t lie in an attempt to save money. You may be tempted to do this, but your insurance policy could be invalid if you have given false information