I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for ways to save some pennies, especially with baby number 2 on the way – life’s going to get expensive! We have 2 cars so insurance is a big out going for us.
If you’re not careful, car cover can end up costing you big. Luckily, there are some straightforward ways to keep your insurance expenses down. The following tips should help you reduce your premiums, giving you extra cash to spend on family essentials.
Compare quotes
One of the most common car insurance mistakes that people make is opting for the first deal they come across, or renewing with their existing provider without checking if better options are available. Especially if you’re busy, the thought of spending time researching the car cover market can seem unappealing to say the least. However, as long as you know how to search, the process shouldn’t take long – and it could dramatically reduce your costs. One of the most efficient ways to search is to use the services of a specialist broker. For example, by entering some basic information about yourself and your vehicle, you can get a chill.ie car insurance comparison in just a couple of minutes.
Increase security
It pays off to take the issue of security seriously. By fitting an approved immobiliser, alarm or tracking device, you can reduce the risk of vehicle theft. In turn, this should provide you with access to more competitive quotes. Parking in a garage or on a driveway rather than on the street can also help to lower your premium.
Opt for a higher excess
Opting for a higher voluntary excess is sometimes beneficial. Doing this means you agree to pay more towards the cost of accident repairs. Bear in mind though, you must be able to afford this cost if the worst happens and you need to make a claim.
Be careful with add-ons
Particularly if you’re in a rush when you’re selecting your policy, there’s a danger you’ll end up with a host of add-ons that you don’t really need. From courtesy car cover to a protected no claims bonus and legal assistance insurance, there are a range of extras on offer. Read the small print of your policy carefully to ensure that you aren’t paying for add-ons you don’t want.
Reduce your miles
Many of the trips you make in your car may be essential, but if there are times you climb behind the wheel when there are other transport options available, it could be worth rethinking your journey planning. By reducing the number of miles you clock up each year, you can bring your insurance costs down. So taking the bus or train, or doing short journeys on foot or by bike, could help you access more competitive cover. Be honest though; if you lie about your annual mileage, you could invalidate your insurance.
Consider getting a black box
Taking out a telematics, or ‘black box’, policy may help you to lower your insurance costs too. Cover providers that offer these policies install systems in customers’ cars that monitor speed, mileage and other important variables. If you’re a cautious driver, having a black box policy could save you a significant amount.
Use a cashback site
Once you’ve done your research and found the best quote, get onto a cash back site and see if you can save yourself a little bit more. I use topcashback and have accumulated a couple of hundred pounds over the years which can be paid direct into your bank account. It only takes a couple of minutes to do and you’d be surprised what cutback deals there are out there.
If you’ve been less than impressed by the insurance premiums you’ve been offered in the past, it’s worth paying attention to these simple but effective suggestions. You might be surprised by how much money you can save.
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*Collaborative post
