Guide to Keep Car Insurance Rates Low

Be secure: Fit a car alarm, an immobiliser or a tracking device to your car and your chances of theft are greatly reduced – something that insurers should recognise with a discount. However, it’s vital that you consult an insurer before installing security equipment to ensure you’re fitting a device that will earn you a discount.

Use your garage: Need a reason for a garage clearout? Several insurers will reduce premiums by around five per cent if you park in a garage every night.

Drive safely: Most insurers offer no-claims discounts – the more years you go without making a claim, the bigger the bonus. So drive safely and avoid accidents.

Obey the law: Just one driving offence can send your insurance costs spiralling whether you’ve been caught speeding, using a mobile phone behind the wheel or drink-driving. So stick to the rules of the road.

Pay up: Paying car insurance premiums annually instead of monthly will cut out interest charges.

Increase your excess: The excess (also known as the deductible) is the amount you pay should an accident occur. The higher this is set, the less you will pay on premiums.

Limit your mileage: Agreeing to drive less than 12,000 miles a year can cut premiums by around five per cent.

Improve your driving: Completing an advanced driving course, particularly the Pass Plus if you’re a new driver, can slash car insurance premiums by as much as 35 per cent.

Tie in your policy with more insurance: If you have home insurance, life insurance or another insurance policy on top of your car insurance then ask your insurer if there is a discount for taking out two policies under one umbrella.

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