Do I need car insurance?
Yes — you need car insurance to drive legally.
To cover costs of your own car, you’ll need a high level of cover.
Expert car insurance tips and guides
What are the cheapest cars to insure? A look at affordable options this year.
Save money on your car insurance. Practical ways to lower your premium.
Is my car insured? How to check if your car is currently insured.
MOT checklist and guide. Everything you need to know about the MOT process.
Top tips for new drivers. 12 helpful tips for staying safe on the road.
How can I get lower car insurance costs?
Here are some ways to save money on your car insurance:
1. Increase your voluntary excess
Agreeing to pay a higher voluntary excess can reduce your premium. Just make sure you can afford the total excess if you need to claim.
2. Pay annually instead of monthly
Paying upfront is usually cheaper, as paying monthly often includes extra interest.
3. Consider a black box policy
If you prove you’re a safe driver, telematics (black box) insurance can lead to lower renewal costs.
4. Build your no-claims discount
Each year you avoid making a claim adds to your discount.
5. Boost your car’s security
Installing an alarm or tracker may help lower your premium.
6. Choose a car that’s cheaper to insure
Cars in lower insurance groups often come with lower premiums.
7. Remove unnecessary cover
Optional extras like windscreen cover or no-claims protection add cost. Review what you really need.
8. Compare quotes online
Comparing quotes from different insurers can help you find a better rate
Hidden Factors That Can Affect Your Auto Insurance Premiums
1. Parking location and security features may influence cost
Where you leave your car at night matters. Cars parked in a locked garage typically cost less to insure than those left on the street. Insurers calculate risk based on theft, vandalism, and even weather exposure.
2. How often you switch vehicles
Frequently changing cars or updating your registration information might signal instability to some insurers. This could slightly impact your premiums, as consistency is often seen as a lower-risk factor.
3. Your job title
Insurance companies use job titles to predict how likely you are to file a claim. Interestingly, small changes in how you describe your job (e.g., “writer” vs. “content creator”) can sometimes affect your quote, even if your actual role is the same.
Future Trends in Auto Insurance
- Pay-per-mile policies
For people who drive infrequently, some insurers now offer pricing based on how many miles you drive, tracked through a device or app. This is ideal for students, city residents, or remote workers.
2. Climate-based adjustments
As weather events become more extreme, insurers may increasingly consider local weather patterns when setting pricing and coverage.