The price of car insurance – and especially modified car insurance – is creeping up to such an extent that more and more people are now giving serious consideration to selling off their pride and joy and turning to public transport instead. If you are struggling to afford to stay on the road then at least you can find some solace in the fact that you’re not alone.
So, what can you do to get cheaper cover? Read on to find out…
Surf the web
Image courtesy of Mike L
Regular visitors to Discount Tart will know how highly we rate the Internet when it comes to unearthing a bargain or two and it’s no different when it comes to getting car insurance at a reduced price. There are plenty of price comparison websites available for motorists to log on to, input all their details and then get a real range of quotes from countless companies. With it being such a competitive market, you’re well placed as the consumer to take advantage of insurers constantly undercutting their rivals. Another interesting feature on these types of websites is the fact that it makes clear the difference in prices if you pay in one lump sum or if you opt to pay on a monthly basis, with the former usually a few hundred pounds cheaper.
Take care on the roads
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No matter how competent you think you are behind the wheel, the chances are high that you still get distracted from time to time. And what happens if you have a crash and are forced to claim? Or you’re found guilty of committing a crime on the roads? Yes, you guessed it, the price of insurance rockets and you may be slapped with a fine and maybe even points on your license. Recent research has suggested that anyone convicted of driving without due care and attention – and just under 16,500 people are in Britain every year – will pay an average of £202 more for car insurance annually, although that figure could rise to as much as £402 in some cases. This just goes to show what could happen if you lose concentration and the benefits of always playing it safe. By avoiding harsh accelerating and braking and sticking to speed limits you can also mitigate the general wear and tear on your vehicle, which should in turn save you money.
Get security conscious
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An alarm or immobilizer on your car will not only put off any potential car thieves, but also lower the price of car insurance. Where you park during both the day and night is another factor that insurers take into account. If you’ve got a drive or garage then make sure you use them. Failure to do so could prove crucial in the event of having to make a claim.
Stay off the roads
Image courtesy of Grant McDonald
Okay, this might initially seem a little drastic, but reducing your mileage means that it works out cheaper overall to get your car covered – so that’s cheaper to insure and, indeed, cheaper to run.
Increase your excess
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There’s a certain risk factor associated with raising your excess, yet it can be offset by the fact that it should lead to a discounted insurance premium. Obviously, make sure first that you can afford to pay the excess should you need to before you start making radical changes to your policy. Perhaps the best thing to do is to talk to the insurer first to see what they recommend and if you live in a household with more than one vehicle ask about the possibility of starting a multi-car policy.