Get smart about car insurance
Knowledge is power and when it comes to car insurance, knowledge can save you money. insurance.co.uk is dedicated to giving you all the information so that you can make an informed decision when insuring your car. It pays to shop around and compare car insurance quotes so that you get the best deal for your money.
Money Saving Tips
Finding cheap car insurance doesn't mean you should cut corners. Here are a few simple tips to show you how you can save money on your car insurance premiums.
- Smaller car engines = cheaper premiums. Not only do cars with smaller engines cost less, they are cheaper to run and cost less to insure
- No Claims Bonus
Be rewarded with discounts when you build up your no claims history.
NCB is earned generally for every year that a driver has insurance on a car without making a claim.
- Add Additional Drivers
Be rewarded with discounts when you build up your no claims history.
Adding named drivers on your policy with a clean record will cost you less than drivers that are; under 25, bad claimants, or have a driving conviction.
- Use public transport
Using your car less reduces the mileage and decreases your risk of being involved in an accident. This has a positive impact on your car insurance premium. So if you can walk or use public transport instead of driving, it's worth it.
- Increase Voluntary Excess
By increasing your voluntary excess, you can lower your car insurance premium.
- Secure Parking
A car parked in a locked garage, car park or driveway overnight has a lower premium than a car parked on the road. It decreases the risk of theft and/or damage.
Fitting an alarm, immobiliser and/or tracker could also reduce the risk of theft.
- Do your homework
Compare car insurance quotes. insurance.co.uk provides quick and easy quotes online, and allows you to compare on price, policy benefits or service. So you get the right policy for you.
Car Insurance for Under 25's
It's a well-known fact that driver's under the age of 25 are seen as a higher risk for car insurers due to a perceived lack of experience and ‘no claim' history. So if you fall into this category and you want cheap car insurance, buy a car with a smaller engine i.e. 1.1 or 1.2 Litre engine. This will lower your premium. And remember, any modifications you make, can increase your car insurance premiums.
Travel Tips
UK car insurance is essential when travelling abroad. The law states that all drivers must have minimum cover for European Union member states. Check European cover is included in your policy. If so, an International Motor Insurance Certificate can be obtained from your insurer and should be stored with all important documents on your travels.
Things to remember
- Service your car
Make sure your car is in perfect working order before you leave including the tyres.
- Breakdown Service Cover
For real peace of mind when you travel arrange breakdown service cover before you go to ensure that in the unfortunate event of a breakdown, you get quick and effective roadside assistance.
- Travel Documents
You must carry with you at all times: your Drivers Licence, Motor Insurance Certificate and Passport. Keep these documents together in a safe place.
- Display your GB sticker correctly
If not displayed on your number plate as a GB/Euro symbol, you could be fined.
- Drive on the correct side of the road
Always check before you leave that you know which side of the road you must travel on.
- Road signs
It helps to research the road regulations in your destination country before you leave so that you understand the road signs and rules en route.
- Speed limits
Check speed limits for both town and country in your destination country to avoid fines.
- Adjust your headlights
Each country has specific headlight specifications.
- Toll Roads
Check for toll roads on your planned route and keep small change in the car, as some toll roads are unmanned.
Keep your insurer informed
Even the smallest modification to your car can affect your car insurance. Failure to notify your car insurer of modifications no matter how minor, could leave you in a tight spot, as your insurance may not be valid.
Notice of Intent
It is essential that you notify your car insurer if you intend to do any of the following to/with your car:
- Modifications
- Replace your car with a different one
- Change of usage i.e. personal use, business use
- Add another driver to your policy
- Travel outside the UK
Urgent Notice
You should notify your car insurer immediately when you or any driver named on your policy:
- Is involved an accident regardless of how minor
- Change residential address
- Change email address
- Change occupation
- Change in UK permanent residency
- Is disqualified from driving or have your licence revoked
Renewing your Insurance
It is important to be completely honest with your insurer when renewing your car insurance. Full disclosure of information relating to your driving record and any driver named on your policy is required including:
- Motoring convictions or fixed penalties
- Pending prosecutions
- Accident, theft, or loss regardless of blame