When it comes to buying your car insurance without a doubt the cheapest deals can be found online, this is simply due to the fact that companies who sell car insurance online dont have the overheads that high street companies do or have to have large amounts of staff and so can pass these savings onto you by offering cheaper premiums and incentives.
Not only can you get the cheapest premiums but you can do so all from the comfort of your own home, you are able to shop online at a time that suits you 247. Along with this you can also take full advantage of being able to get almost instant quotes and also compare a huge range of premium costs with a lot of companies at the same time. By doing this you ensure that you get the policy that you need while making the most savings. Another added benefit to shopping online for your car insurance is the amount of information you can find when it comes to the many different types of policy available.
The type of policy that you buy for your car insurance covers you for exactly the same as it would had you bought it from the high street, the only difference is that you make savings. When making a comparison check for the cheapest premiums it is essential that you make sure you know what the policy involves.
Some companies throw in incentives to get to sign with them such as offering free breakdown cover for a specified amount of time or similar offers and this is where you are able to make the biggest savings.
Bear in mind that if a policy is exceptionally cheap them it will probably only cover the very bare essentials and somewhere in the small print it could state that you will have to add additional cover. This is when the cheapest isnt always the best, as having to add on cover can boost up the premium considerably.
Before making comparisons for premiums you will of course have to know what type of car insurance you require and of course what that cover will give you. There are two main types of insurance and these are fully comprehensive which is the most expensive as it generally covers just about everything and third party which covers for incidents such as the theft of your car.
There are many other additional components when it comes to car insurance and you would be wise to check the options that are available. Of course the cover you need will depend on such as your age, type and size of car and how old the car is.
Many factors influence the premium for your Motor insurance policy. Your insurer will have asked you many questions whilst producing your quote – some of which will affect your premium and some will not. Below we discuss the key variables that are within the policyholder’s control.
Location
A big influence on the cost of your car insurance is where you live. The chance of your car being broken into or stolen is a key concern for the insurer. More urban areas traditionally facing greater risk of theft and therefore tend to be more expensive than countryside locations.
Excess
By agreeing to pay a greater excess on each claim you can reduce your car insurance premiums. This is because you are reducing the liability of the insurer and therefore in return they are able to offer you a lower premium.
Your Vehicle
The cheaper and slower your vehicle the lower your premiums are likely to be. If you are looking to buy a new vehicle make sure you fully consider the cost of insurance you may be able to buy the car but can you afford to run it?
Consolidating policies
By insuring a number of vehicles with the same insurer, or by trying to take out home and life insurance through your car insurer, you may be able to secure a bulk buy discount.
Parking
Where you park your vehicle overnight is also very important to the insurers. If it is kept in a locked garage, you should be offered a lower premium than if you leave it unattended in the street.
Mileage
You can control your insurance premiums by restricting your annual mileage. However, be aware that if you exceed the restricted number of miles you’ll then become uninsured!
Security
Security devices that prevent or hinder theft may also reduce your premium. Common examples include alarms and immobilisers, however, be aware that as we improve the quality of our security devices the thieves just become better at bypassing them.
No Claims Discount
Save up your no claims discount by avoiding making small claims upon your policy. After a set number of years, 4 or 5 typically, you’ll often be offered the option to pay an additional small premium to protect your no claims bonus. This can prove very helpful if you subsequently end up having an accident.
Your Sex.
Women are statistically less likely to have an accident and, if they do, it’s less likely to be serious. Because of these statistics women benefit from lower premiums. It is also worth noting that if you represent one half of a couple you should consider having the female as the primary driver with the male as the second driver.
Advanced driving skills
By taking an advanced driving course you may also be able to reduce your premiums. The Institute for Advanced Motorists and the Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents each offer membership which provides you with discounts for both the cost of driving courses and your car insurance premiums. Two key variables NOT within the policyholder’s control.
Your Age
The older you are, the less likely you are to make a claim. As a result insurance companies charge lower premiums for more mature drivers.
One final piece of advice.
A large percentage of car insurance is now sold on the Internet. That’s because it’s convenient and cheap. Many insurers now give a further 10%-15% discount if you buy online.