Car insurance is a motoring cost that all drivers have to bear. We’d like to think that our car insurance premiums always remain at the same price or lower. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
These days, there is no such thing as loyalty when it comes to car insurance renewals. Have your insurers sent you a hefty renewal premium? Instead of paying the price they ask for, take some time out to get a better deal. Confused? This handy guide will show you how. Let’s get started!
Check your mileage
It’s easy to tell insurance companies that you travel 12,000 miles a year. That is “average” mileage. But your travel mileage will always change each year. If you do less than that amount, find out exactly how many miles a year you travel.
Few people know this nugget of information, but premiums are cheaper if you declare lower mileage each year. Because you are lowering your risk, they can pass on any savings to you.
The best way to learn how many miles you do per year is to make a note somewhere. In some nations, such as the UK, most cars have to undergo an annual inspection. Each time the car goes for inspection, the mileage gets written down on the test certificate.
Does that happen in your country? If so, just calculate your previous year’s mileage from your last two test certificates.
Add other drivers to your policy
Are you married or living with your partner? Or do you live at home with your parents? If the answer to one of those questions is a “yes” you can add your spouse, partner or parents to your insurance policy!
As long as you aren’t declaring they are the main driver of your car, they will help to lower your insurance premiums. If you don’t believe me, get a couple of online quotes from the same insurer; one with and one without them on your policy. You will then see how it makes a difference!
Get plenty of quotes from other insurers
The Internet makes it possible to get car insurance quotes from scores of companies. There are some websites that offer “comparison” services, getting many quotes at the same time for you.
Spend time getting quotes, so that you know whether your existing insurer is trying to overcharge you for your renewal or not.
Get an online quote from your insurer
A hidden gem that insurers won’t tell you is that their website will often give you a cheaper quote than the one they send to you in the post!
When you get online quotes, start off by getting one from your insurance company first.
Consider getting a different car
Sometimes it is the car that causes you to have high premiums, not your driving history or even where you live. If you have a rare or expensive car, consider getting a different one.
The Web is full of online car dealerships, such as www.easternwestern.co.uk. Find out what’s available and within your budget. You might surprise yourself by upgrading to a better car and saving a whole heap of cash.
Thanks for reading today’s article. Do comment if you’d like to add to this list of helpful hints!
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