Friday, September 21, 2012

AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH FOR CAR INSURANCE COVER

Find Cheap Car Insurance quotes online with MoneySupermarket

It is not an easy time to be a motorist, with a recent study by MoneySupermarket.com revealing that 62% of motorists have been forced to alter their driving habits as a result of sky high fuel prices. The last thing that you need right now is to be being paying too much for car insurance.
Car insurance is after all a legal requirement, with the Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) regulations making it a legal requirement for every motorists to have their vehicle covered by a relevant insurance policy at all times. The only exemptions to this are vehicles which have been declared off the road, with a SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification) having been sent to the DVLA. Failing to comply with these regulations will result in financial penalties and potentially even court appearances.
There is no longer any way you can avoid this obligation, but there are still a number of actions you can take in order to may sure you are not paying too much for your car insurance policy.

Car Insurance Groups

Every car on the road in the UK has been classified into a car insurance group numbered between 1 and 50. These are decided upon by a Group Rating Panel, who differentiates vehicles based on the likely cost of repair, the value of the vehicle and its overall performance; with vehicles that are capable of higher performance levels being statistically more likely to be involved in accidents and hence attracting more expensive premiums.
The cars which are the cheapest to insure are normally classified in one of the lower car insurance groups (i.e. groups 1-3). It is therefore advised that you opt for a vehicle in one of these lower groups if you are keen to avoid paying too much for your car insurance cover.
For more information on car insurance groups and directions on where you can find the car insurance group to which your vehicle has been assigned, take advantage of our car insurance groups guide.

Modifications

The car insurance group which a vehicle has been assigned to will be completely irrelevant if any performance enhancing modifications have been made to the vehicle. This could include things such as alloy-wheels or spoilers which were not part of the original design of the vehicle. Insurers recognise that people who have made modifications to their vehicles are more likely to be involved in accidents and hence make car insurance claims.
It is therefore recommended that anyone who is aiming to avoid paying too much for car insurance avoid making these kinds of modification.
The exception to this rule is any modification which results in improve vehicle security such as alarms and/or immobilisers. These will obviously reduce the statistical likelihood of theft and the insurer will therefore be inclined to offer cheaper car insurance quotes on account of the fact that they will be less likely to be forced to fork out for claims.
There is more information on the impact of modifications on our modified car insurance page.

Keep tabs on your mileage

Insurance companies recognises that the more miles you complete, the statistically more likely to be involved in an accident and make a claim. You could therefore avoid paying too much for your premiums by keeping your stated mileage allowance to a minimum.
However, if you exceed your stated allowance your car insurance policy could be rendered void. It is a difficult balancing act to get right but can bring significant savings.

Park Safely

Where you park your car at night and during the day will also have an influence on car insurance quotes. Drivers who park their cars in less secure locations where they are exposed to the elements are likely to attract higher premiums due to the increases statistical likelihood of the vehicle being stolen or vandalised.
It is therefore recommended that you park your vehicle in a locked garage, or failing that a secure driveway, so as to ensure that you don't end up paying too much for your insurance.

Utilise our car insurance comparison site

You stand a better chance of avoiding paying too much for your cover by utilising car insurance comparison sites such as MoneySupermarket.com. We compare deals available through over 100 different car insurance companies, including some of the country's leading providers. It is all part of our aim to help you find the most competitive deals available.
Alternatively you could compare quotes on the go with our free car insurance comparison app which is available to iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android phone owners.

Compare car insurance quotes for American vehicles

How to save on insurance for American cars

A Cadillac or a Chevrolet, a Mustang or a Dodge, the number of cars imported from the US to the UK grows each year as more motorists try to live the American dream on the streets of Great Britain.
Sadly, the dream can turn into a nightmare when you try to buy insurance for an imported American car. Many mainstream insurers steer clear of cars that were not manufactured in the UK. A number of specialist firms can help, but the premiums are often higher for American imports than for cars that were made in Britain.

Why are American car insurance premiums so high?

The higher premiums partly reflect the potentially higher cost of claims. For example, it can be more expensive to repair an American car because you might have to import spare parts and find a specialist mechanic. Classic American car insurance prices can be particularly pricey as parts for classic American vehicles are often rare. It could therefore pay dividends to compare premiums available through classic car insurance companies or more specialist insurers who offer classic American car insurance cover.
Insurers are also wary of cars built to overseas specifications because they often have bigger engines than vehicles that are manufactured to European standards. And with fewer insurers willing to quote for American car cover, competition in the market is less fierce, so the cost rises.
Of course, it's all a bit tiresome for owners of American cars. Enthusiasts tend to take better care of their cherished vehicles than the average motorist, yet they still have to pay more for specialist American car insurance companies.

Check the policy exclusions

It's not even as if American car insurance cover is much different from conventional policies. Cover is usually broadly similar, though you should always check any exclusions, particularly if you want to take your car abroad, or use the vehicle as a wedding car.
It's also worth finding out whether the insurer will pay an agreed value for your car if it is written off in an accident. If not, you could end up with a payout that falls way below your expectations.

How to cut the cost of American car insurance

There are a number of ways to cut the cost of cover for an American car. You can often negotiate a lower premium if you agree to drive only a limited number of miles in a year, sometimes as few as 1,500. Many firms offer limited mileage policies, which can be ideal if your car is more of a hobby than a runabout. Perhaps you drive your car only at weekends or only during the summer months. If so, you will cover fewer miles and so are statistically less likely to be involved in an accident. Just make sure you don't breach the limit - at least not without telling the insurer.
It can pay to join a members club, with some firms offering premium discounts of up to 15% to motorists who join a recognised club for owners of American cars. Membership of a club is also a great way to get to know other car enthusiasts and find out about local events and activities.
American cars are popular targets for thieves and vandals, so you can reduce the cost of insurance if your car is secure. You should keep the car in a locked garage when it is not in use. And fit an approved alarm, immobiliser, or tracking device to deter thieves.
Try not to modify your car in any way as insurers tend to load premiums for modified cars.
Finally, MoneySupermarket's online comparison service is a quick and easy way to find cheap American car insurance quotes. It can help you find the right policy at the right price.

Compare car insurance quotes for American vehicles

How to save on insurance for American cars

A Cadillac or a Chevrolet, a Mustang or a Dodge, the number of cars imported from the US to the UK grows each year as more motorists try to live the American dream on the streets of Great Britain.
Sadly, the dream can turn into a nightmare when you try to buy insurance for an imported American car. Many mainstream insurers steer clear of cars that were not manufactured in the UK. A number of specialist firms can help, but the premiums are often higher for American imports than for cars that were made in Britain.

Why are American car insurance premiums so high?

The higher premiums partly reflect the potentially higher cost of claims. For example, it can be more expensive to repair an American car because you might have to import spare parts and find a specialist mechanic. Classic American car insurance prices can be particularly pricey as parts for classic American vehicles are often rare. It could therefore pay dividends to compare premiums available through classic car insurance companies or more specialist insurers who offer classic American car insurance cover.
Insurers are also wary of cars built to overseas specifications because they often have bigger engines than vehicles that are manufactured to European standards. And with fewer insurers willing to quote for American car cover, competition in the market is less fierce, so the cost rises.
Of course, it's all a bit tiresome for owners of American cars. Enthusiasts tend to take better care of their cherished vehicles than the average motorist, yet they still have to pay more for specialist American car insurance companies.

Check the policy exclusions

It's not even as if American car insurance cover is much different from conventional policies. Cover is usually broadly similar, though you should always check any exclusions, particularly if you want to take your car abroad, or use the vehicle as a wedding car.
It's also worth finding out whether the insurer will pay an agreed value for your car if it is written off in an accident. If not, you could end up with a payout that falls way below your expectations.

How to cut the cost of American car insurance

There are a number of ways to cut the cost of cover for an American car. You can often negotiate a lower premium if you agree to drive only a limited number of miles in a year, sometimes as few as 1,500. Many firms offer limited mileage policies, which can be ideal if your car is more of a hobby than a runabout. Perhaps you drive your car only at weekends or only during the summer months. If so, you will cover fewer miles and so are statistically less likely to be involved in an accident. Just make sure you don't breach the limit - at least not without telling the insurer.
It can pay to join a members club, with some firms offering premium discounts of up to 15% to motorists who join a recognised club for owners of American cars. Membership of a club is also a great way to get to know other car enthusiasts and find out about local events and activities.
American cars are popular targets for thieves and vandals, so you can reduce the cost of insurance if your car is secure. You should keep the car in a locked garage when it is not in use. And fit an approved alarm, immobiliser, or tracking device to deter thieves.
Try not to modify your car in any way as insurers tend to load premiums for modified cars.
Finally, MoneySupermarket's online comparison service is a quick and easy way to find cheap American car insurance quotes. It can help you find the right policy at the right price.

AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH FOR CAR INSURANCE COVER

Find Cheap Car Insurance quotes online with MoneySupermarket

It is not an easy time to be a motorist, with a recent study by MoneySupermarket.com revealing that 62% of motorists have been forced to alter their driving habits as a result of sky high fuel prices. The last thing that you need right now is to be being paying too much for car insurance.
Car insurance is after all a legal requirement, with the Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) regulations making it a legal requirement for every motorists to have their vehicle covered by a relevant insurance policy at all times. The only exemptions to this are vehicles which have been declared off the road, with a SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification) having been sent to the DVLA. Failing to comply with these regulations will result in financial penalties and potentially even court appearances.
There is no longer any way you can avoid this obligation, but there are still a number of actions you can take in order to may sure you are not paying too much for your car insurance policy.

Car Insurance Groups

Every car on the road in the UK has been classified into a car insurance group numbered between 1 and 50. These are decided upon by a Group Rating Panel, who differentiates vehicles based on the likely cost of repair, the value of the vehicle and its overall performance; with vehicles that are capable of higher performance levels being statistically more likely to be involved in accidents and hence attracting more expensive premiums.
The cars which are the cheapest to insure are normally classified in one of the lower car insurance groups (i.e. groups 1-3). It is therefore advised that you opt for a vehicle in one of these lower groups if you are keen to avoid paying too much for your car insurance cover.
For more information on car insurance groups and directions on where you can find the car insurance group to which your vehicle has been assigned, take advantage of our car insurance groups guide.

Modifications

The car insurance group which a vehicle has been assigned to will be completely irrelevant if any performance enhancing modifications have been made to the vehicle. This could include things such as alloy-wheels or spoilers which were not part of the original design of the vehicle. Insurers recognise that people who have made modifications to their vehicles are more likely to be involved in accidents and hence make car insurance claims.
It is therefore recommended that anyone who is aiming to avoid paying too much for car insurance avoid making these kinds of modification.
The exception to this rule is any modification which results in improve vehicle security such as alarms and/or immobilisers. These will obviously reduce the statistical likelihood of theft and the insurer will therefore be inclined to offer cheaper car insurance quotes on account of the fact that they will be less likely to be forced to fork out for claims.
There is more information on the impact of modifications on our modified car insurance page.

Keep tabs on your mileage

Insurance companies recognises that the more miles you complete, the statistically more likely to be involved in an accident and make a claim. You could therefore avoid paying too much for your premiums by keeping your stated mileage allowance to a minimum.
However, if you exceed your stated allowance your car insurance policy could be rendered void. It is a difficult balancing act to get right but can bring significant savings.

Park Safely

Where you park your car at night and during the day will also have an influence on car insurance quotes. Drivers who park their cars in less secure locations where they are exposed to the elements are likely to attract higher premiums due to the increases statistical likelihood of the vehicle being stolen or vandalised.
It is therefore recommended that you park your vehicle in a locked garage, or failing that a secure driveway, so as to ensure that you don't end up paying too much for your insurance.

Utilise our car insurance comparison site

You stand a better chance of avoiding paying too much for your cover by utilising car insurance comparison sites such as MoneySupermarket.com. We compare deals available through over 100 different car insurance companies, including some of the country's leading providers. It is all part of our aim to help you find the most competitive deals available.
Alternatively you could compare quotes on the go with our free car insurance comparison app which is available to iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android phone owners.

Compare car insurance quotes for 4x4 vehicles

Reduce the cost of 4x4 insurance

Drivers of 4x4 vehicles have felt the recent rise in fuel costs as much as anyone and this, coupled with expensive road tax and higher than average insurance costs, has made running a 4x4 a costly business.
Although there is not much that can be done about the cost of fuel and road tax, you could significantly cut the cost of your 4x4 car insurance by simply comparing quotes with MoneySupermarket.
In just a few clicks, MoneySupermarket can compare quotes from over 100 car insurance companies to find the best 4x4 car insurance deals available and save you money.

Why is 4x4 insurance more expensive?

Car insurance costs are calculated by taking into account a number of factors such as the age of the driver, whether they have any convictions, how often they will be using the vehicle and where it will be kept overnight.
Another crucial factor in determining the policy price is the insurance group that the car has been placed into. These groups range from between one and 50 and the rule is that the lower the group, the lower the insurance cost.
The bad news for drivers of 4x4 vehicles is that theirs tend to sit amongst the higher groups.
This is mainly due to the fact that, should a 4x4 vehicle be involved in an accident, then the repair costs could be high as spare parts for these vehicles tend to be quite expensive.
In addition, due to their size and build quality, 4x4 vehicles are more likely to cause significant damage to any other property involved in an accident and this is reflected in the price of the premium.

Who needs 4x4 insurance?

In short, anyone that owns a 4x4 vehicle is required by law to have appropriate insurance cover unless they have declared the vehicle to be off the road and have a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) from the DVLA.
This is due to Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE), a set of regulations that make it a legal requirement for a registered keeper to have their vehicle insured at all times, whether or not they are driving it or keeping it on the public highway.
Failure to comply could result in a fixed penalty notice, court prosecution and seizure of the vehicle which could result in it being impounded and destroyed.

What types of 4x4 insurance are available?

As with other cars, when insuring your 4x4 vehicle there are three levels of cover available: third party, third party, fire and theft and fully comprehensive.
Third party is the minimum level of cover required by law but is probably not suitable if you drive a 4x4 as it only covers the cost of damage caused to other people's property and not the cost of repairs to your own vehicle.
Third party, fire and theft offers the same level of cover as third party but will also pay out if your vehicle is fire damaged or stolen.
Fully comprehensive covers the cost of any damage to your own vehicle as well as any damage incurred by others and arguably the most suitable for 4x4 drivers as it is unlikely that you will want to foot the bill for expensive repairs to your vehicle.

Find cheap 4x4 insurance quotes

Although 4x4 vehicles can be expensive to run, you can lower these costs by saving on your car insurance. There are a number ways in which you can obtain cheap 4x4 insurance quotes.
Limit your mileage
The less time you spend on the road, the less likely you are to have an accident and so many insurers will offer a lower priced premium to drivers who cover fewer miles. So it is worthwhile calculating the amount of miles you are likely to cover over the course of the year to see if this can bring your insurance costs down.
You may also want to consider ways in which you can cut your annual mileage, such as only using the car when necessary or car sharing for the commute to work, as this can save you money on your running costs as well as on your insurance.
Only get the cover you need

Many comprehensive policies will offer optional extras such as legal cover and courtesy cars that can bump up the price of your premium. So check your policy and take out anything that you will not need.
However, you must make sure that you still have the right level of cover for your circumstances and one consideration for 4x4 owners is that off-road use will not be included in all insurance packages. So if you plan on getting off the beaten track then make sure that you are covered for this as failure to do so will invalidate you policy.
Improve your security
There is a good chance that your 4x4 will have a factory fitted alarm and immobiliser, particularly if it is a newer model, but you can cut the cost of your premium further by adding a tracking device.
Before you fit any device you must check that it is approved by the insurance company to ensure you get a reduction in your policy price.
If possible you should also try to keep your 4x4 in a locked garage overnight or on a driveway as this can also bring down the cost of your car insurance.
Pay up front for your policy
Although it may be more convenient to pay for your policy in monthly instalments, it works out cheaper if you can pay for it all in one go.
This is because insurance companies will charge interest on policies that are paid for monthly and they may also charge admin fees so by paying up front you can avoid these fees.
Compare quotes and buy online
One of the easiest ways to save money on 4x4 car insurance is to shop around and by using MoneySupermarket you can instantly compare prices from over 100 insurers to find right cover at the right price.
Furthermore, some insurers will offer a discount to customers who buy online as these applications are cheaper to process so it is worth checking to see if you can save money in this way.
However, the most important thing to consider when choosing your 4x4 insurance is that you get the right level of cover to fit your needs. So be sure to shop around for the best price and the best cover to suit your needs.

Compare car insurance quotes for 4x4 vehicles

Reduce the cost of 4x4 insurance

Drivers of 4x4 vehicles have felt the recent rise in fuel costs as much as anyone and this, coupled with expensive road tax and higher than average insurance costs, has made running a 4x4 a costly business.
Although there is not much that can be done about the cost of fuel and road tax, you could significantly cut the cost of your 4x4 car insurance by simply comparing quotes with MoneySupermarket.
In just a few clicks, MoneySupermarket can compare quotes from over 100 car insurance companies to find the best 4x4 car insurance deals available and save you money.

Why is 4x4 insurance more expensive?

Car insurance costs are calculated by taking into account a number of factors such as the age of the driver, whether they have any convictions, how often they will be using the vehicle and where it will be kept overnight.
Another crucial factor in determining the policy price is the insurance group that the car has been placed into. These groups range from between one and 50 and the rule is that the lower the group, the lower the insurance cost.
The bad news for drivers of 4x4 vehicles is that theirs tend to sit amongst the higher groups.
This is mainly due to the fact that, should a 4x4 vehicle be involved in an accident, then the repair costs could be high as spare parts for these vehicles tend to be quite expensive.
In addition, due to their size and build quality, 4x4 vehicles are more likely to cause significant damage to any other property involved in an accident and this is reflected in the price of the premium.

Who needs 4x4 insurance?

In short, anyone that owns a 4x4 vehicle is required by law to have appropriate insurance cover unless they have declared the vehicle to be off the road and have a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) from the DVLA.
This is due to Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE), a set of regulations that make it a legal requirement for a registered keeper to have their vehicle insured at all times, whether or not they are driving it or keeping it on the public highway.
Failure to comply could result in a fixed penalty notice, court prosecution and seizure of the vehicle which could result in it being impounded and destroyed.

What types of 4x4 insurance are available?

As with other cars, when insuring your 4x4 vehicle there are three levels of cover available: third party, third party, fire and theft and fully comprehensive.
Third party is the minimum level of cover required by law but is probably not suitable if you drive a 4x4 as it only covers the cost of damage caused to other people's property and not the cost of repairs to your own vehicle.
Third party, fire and theft offers the same level of cover as third party but will also pay out if your vehicle is fire damaged or stolen.
Fully comprehensive covers the cost of any damage to your own vehicle as well as any damage incurred by others and arguably the most suitable for 4x4 drivers as it is unlikely that you will want to foot the bill for expensive repairs to your vehicle.

Find cheap 4x4 insurance quotes

Although 4x4 vehicles can be expensive to run, you can lower these costs by saving on your car insurance. There are a number ways in which you can obtain cheap 4x4 insurance quotes.
Limit your mileage
The less time you spend on the road, the less likely you are to have an accident and so many insurers will offer a lower priced premium to drivers who cover fewer miles. So it is worthwhile calculating the amount of miles you are likely to cover over the course of the year to see if this can bring your insurance costs down.
You may also want to consider ways in which you can cut your annual mileage, such as only using the car when necessary or car sharing for the commute to work, as this can save you money on your running costs as well as on your insurance.
Only get the cover you need

Many comprehensive policies will offer optional extras such as legal cover and courtesy cars that can bump up the price of your premium. So check your policy and take out anything that you will not need.
However, you must make sure that you still have the right level of cover for your circumstances and one consideration for 4x4 owners is that off-road use will not be included in all insurance packages. So if you plan on getting off the beaten track then make sure that you are covered for this as failure to do so will invalidate you policy.
Improve your security
There is a good chance that your 4x4 will have a factory fitted alarm and immobiliser, particularly if it is a newer model, but you can cut the cost of your premium further by adding a tracking device.
Before you fit any device you must check that it is approved by the insurance company to ensure you get a reduction in your policy price.
If possible you should also try to keep your 4x4 in a locked garage overnight or on a driveway as this can also bring down the cost of your car insurance.
Pay up front for your policy
Although it may be more convenient to pay for your policy in monthly instalments, it works out cheaper if you can pay for it all in one go.
This is because insurance companies will charge interest on policies that are paid for monthly and they may also charge admin fees so by paying up front you can avoid these fees.
Compare quotes and buy online
One of the easiest ways to save money on 4x4 car insurance is to shop around and by using MoneySupermarket you can instantly compare prices from over 100 insurers to find right cover at the right price.
Furthermore, some insurers will offer a discount to customers who buy online as these applications are cheaper to process so it is worth checking to see if you can save money in this way.
However, the most important thing to consider when choosing your 4x4 insurance is that you get the right level of cover to fit your needs. So be sure to shop around for the best price and the best cover to suit your needs.

Find cheaper car insurance with our money saving tips

MoneySupermarket.com car insurance money saving tips

Car ownership is expensive. You not only have to buy a car, but you also have to tax and insure your vehicle - not to mention fill the tank with petrol.
Insurance can take a big chunk out of any driving budget, with young drivers paying a lot more than the average because they are statistically more likely to claim. So MoneySupermarket has drawn up a list of money-saving tips to cut down the cost of cover and help you find cheaper car insurance quotes.

Save time and money on your car insurance

Choose your car with care

Insurers divide cars into 50 groups according to various factors including their engine size and the likely cost of repairs. The higher the insurance group, the higher the premium. So if you are buying a new car, it pays to check its rating. You can find out details of car insurance groups at www.thatcham.org.
And don't modify your car with spoilers or fancy wheel trims because many insurers will load the premium. For more information on this visit our modified car insurance page.

Limit your mileage

If you drive your car only on local roads at the weekend, you are statistically less likely to be involved in an accident than someone who commutes along a busy motorway every day.
Talk to your insurer about your driving habits because a low mileage usually leads to a low premium. Our car insurance comparison tool features a useful calculator to help you work out how many miles you drive each year. But make sure the figures are accurate because you could invalidate your policy if you breach the agreed mileage limit.

Pay as you go insurance

Motorists who drive relatively few miles or are willing to avoiding driving during a rush hour could cut the cost of their premiums with pay as you go car insurance.
With pay as you go, the insurer will fit a tracking device or 'black box' to your car to monitor your driving habits so that you pay only for the insurance you need. Pay as you go cover can be particularly useful for young people who often cannot afford standard insurance.

Drive with care

Points on your licence mean pounds on your premium, so obey the rules of the road. If you have committed a serious traffic offence, you could find it difficult to buy cover at all.

Increase your excess

Most policies carry a standard compulsory excess of about £150, which is the amount you must pay towards any claim. If you agree to a bigger voluntary excess, you will normally be rewarded with a lower premium. Just make sure you can afford the higher amount should you have to make a claim.

Don't claim

Drivers who don't make claims can build up a no-claims discount (NCD). The NCD can be valuable, knocking more than 50% off your premium after five consecutive claim-free years. If you have a minor accident, it can therefore work out cheaper to pay for the repairs yourself and safeguard your NCD. You can also pay to protect your NCD - and the cost is often worthwhile.

Check your cover

There are three types of motor insurance policy: Fully Comprehensive, Third Party, Fire & Theft and Third Party. Third Party is the most basic and the legal minimum to drive on a UK road. It covers the policyholder for any injury or damage to another person or their property. Third Party Fire & Theft is a step up and includes loss or damage to your car as a result of fire or theft. Then there's the more common Fully Comprehensive, which offers a broad range of cover including damage to your own vehicle if you are involved in an accident.
It can be cheaper to opt for a more basic level of cover - and it might be a sensible option if you are a young driver with a car that isn't worth very much. But you should always compare all policy types, because the cost of comprehensive cover sometimes stacks up well against the more limited third party fire & theft.
For more detailed information check out our guides to the different types of car insurance policies.

Cut out the frills

Many comprehensive policies offer a range of optional extras such as legal expenses and courtesy cars, but they come at a price. It's a good idea to work out which, if any, additional benefits you need so that you don't pay for unnecessary cover.

Buy online

Many insurers offer a discount to customers who buy their insurance online because the applications are cheaper to process. It's also a good idea to pay for your policy up front if possible. Monthly installments are convenient but they are usually more expensive because of interest charges and admin fees.

Make your car more secure

Motorists who make it tricky for thieves to steal their vehicle often pay less for their car insurance. So fit your car with an approved alarm and immobilizer. If you have a more expensive car, the insurer might insist that you install a sophisticated tracking device.

Watch where you park

More than half of vehicle thefts occur at night, so keep your car in a securely locked garage overnight. If that's not possible, at least try and park the car off the road, perhaps in a drive way.

Enhance your driving skills

The Driving Standards Agency's Pass Plus course is aimed at newly qualified drivers and covers various aspects of motoring, including night and motorway driving. It's not free, but if you complete the course, you could earn a reduction on your premium of up to 35%. If you are considering completing this course, please take advantage of our pass plus insurance page.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists also runs driving courses to boost driving skills and so reduce the statistical likelihood of an accident.

Search online for the best deal

It's tempting to stick with your current insurer when your policy comes up for renewal, but it might not be the best deal. Motorists should always shop around for quotes and they can compare deals from a wide range of insurance companies on MoneySupermarket's price comparison website. It's quick, easy - and it's free.