Car Insurance
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Sunday, December 9, 2007
How To Cut Car Insurance Costs By More Than 10%
Fact: To drive legally in the UK, you are required to have car insurance to protect yourself and other drivers. It's one of the unavoidable expenses of owning and driving a vehicle on the road.
Whilst car insurance is a fact of life, high premiums are not. There are many ways to control the cost of your motor insurance premiums and even reverse recent increases in some cases. Here are just a few tips that can save you well over 10% on your car insurance this year.
1. Search online for the best quotes.
Often, car dealers work with a specific insurer "for your convenience". Before snatching the first motor insurance policy you find, do some research and shop around. Use a price comparison site to compare multiple policies side by side. Car insurance quotes can vary by hundreds of pounds for the exact same cover.
2. Buy online at the insurer's site.
Many, if not most, insurance companies offer hefty discounts when you buy your cover online. Why? They save money on time and agent commissions that way. It's standard to offer a 10% discount when you buy your car insurance online. While not everyone can buy online, there can be significant savings if you can and do.
3. Review when you renew.
Don't simply renew you policy when the time rolls around. Go over it to make sure that it still meets your needs and circumstances - and then request a new quote. Insurers will nearly always offer a lower quote when you're shopping around for policy than when they think they have you hooked.
4. Secure your car.
Since your premium is based on the risk of damage or loss of your car, every step you take to make your car more secure and safe will reduce your premium. Park it off street or in a garage, add a steering lock or an alarm and see your premiums go down.
5. Drive less.
The less you drive, the less your chance of being involved in an accident. If your mileage is lower than the norm, inform your insurer and find out if they offer a low mileage discount.
6. Be honest on your application.
While this technically will not lower your insurance premium, it can make a huge difference when you make a claim. It may be tempting to claim your auntie's suburban address as your garaging site and knock a few pounds off your premium - but if you need to make a claim, the insurance company could find out. If they prove you misrepresented the facts on your application, your claim will be declined and may end up liable for any damages from the accident to boot.
7. Pay in full at the start of the policy.
Check with your insurer to find out if you're charged more for paying in installments. In essence, when you pay in installments, you're taking a loan from the insurance company for your premium, and paying them back - with interest.
8. Pay by direct debit.
If you do choose to pay in installments, find out if your insurer discounts your premium when you pay by direct debit. Since direct debit greatly decreases the likelihood of late and missed payments, most insurers are happy to knock a few quid off the premium when you pay that way.
9. Add an extra driver to your policy.
In some cases, adding an additional driver to your policy will lower your premium, especially if that driver is older, female and has a good driving record.
10. Take a defensive driving course.
Many insurance companies will discount your premium if you complete a course in safe or defensive driving. In general, anything that reduces your accident or loss risk may lower your car insurance premiums.
About The Author
Simon Christopher
For more tips on controlling your car insurance premiums with customer reviews and buying guides to help you, go to http://www.uk-insurance-index.co.uk/car-insurance-companies-1.html.
Whilst car insurance is a fact of life, high premiums are not. There are many ways to control the cost of your motor insurance premiums and even reverse recent increases in some cases. Here are just a few tips that can save you well over 10% on your car insurance this year.
1. Search online for the best quotes.
Often, car dealers work with a specific insurer "for your convenience". Before snatching the first motor insurance policy you find, do some research and shop around. Use a price comparison site to compare multiple policies side by side. Car insurance quotes can vary by hundreds of pounds for the exact same cover.
2. Buy online at the insurer's site.
Many, if not most, insurance companies offer hefty discounts when you buy your cover online. Why? They save money on time and agent commissions that way. It's standard to offer a 10% discount when you buy your car insurance online. While not everyone can buy online, there can be significant savings if you can and do.
3. Review when you renew.
Don't simply renew you policy when the time rolls around. Go over it to make sure that it still meets your needs and circumstances - and then request a new quote. Insurers will nearly always offer a lower quote when you're shopping around for policy than when they think they have you hooked.
4. Secure your car.
Since your premium is based on the risk of damage or loss of your car, every step you take to make your car more secure and safe will reduce your premium. Park it off street or in a garage, add a steering lock or an alarm and see your premiums go down.
5. Drive less.
The less you drive, the less your chance of being involved in an accident. If your mileage is lower than the norm, inform your insurer and find out if they offer a low mileage discount.
6. Be honest on your application.
While this technically will not lower your insurance premium, it can make a huge difference when you make a claim. It may be tempting to claim your auntie's suburban address as your garaging site and knock a few pounds off your premium - but if you need to make a claim, the insurance company could find out. If they prove you misrepresented the facts on your application, your claim will be declined and may end up liable for any damages from the accident to boot.
7. Pay in full at the start of the policy.
Check with your insurer to find out if you're charged more for paying in installments. In essence, when you pay in installments, you're taking a loan from the insurance company for your premium, and paying them back - with interest.
8. Pay by direct debit.
If you do choose to pay in installments, find out if your insurer discounts your premium when you pay by direct debit. Since direct debit greatly decreases the likelihood of late and missed payments, most insurers are happy to knock a few quid off the premium when you pay that way.
9. Add an extra driver to your policy.
In some cases, adding an additional driver to your policy will lower your premium, especially if that driver is older, female and has a good driving record.
10. Take a defensive driving course.
Many insurance companies will discount your premium if you complete a course in safe or defensive driving. In general, anything that reduces your accident or loss risk may lower your car insurance premiums.
About The Author
Simon Christopher
For more tips on controlling your car insurance premiums with customer reviews and buying guides to help you, go to http://www.uk-insurance-index.co.uk/car-insurance-companies-1.html.
Labels: car insurance
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Car Insurance Gives Necessary Protection To Your Car
When you have a car, car insurance uk comes as a corollary to it. And yet a car insurance may sound like luxury to many or rather an unnecessary expenditure, but then it is something you should not forgo, because when you are out on the roads, you need a cover.
There are many factors that have an impact over your policy. Drivers, who have had a record of an accident in the past, are naturally expected to have a tougher time getting cheap car insurance uk at the desired premiums.
Age plays a big part in determining what premium you may have to pay. For instance, a young driver in the age group of 18-25 is more likely to have a much difficult time in getting an insurance policy at desirably low premiums, whereas an older driver with a safe driving record is expected to be a potential candidate for an insurance policy with greater flexibility. A younger driver is generally seen as less safe an investment than an older driver who can also stand eligible for a no-claim bonus, that is, if s/he has not felt the need to claim bonus for several years.
The good thing about car insurance uk is that there are a variety of options available like most other policies to suit the needs of most people. So when you research well, you are to sure to come upon a policy that seems custom-designed for you. Of course, for this, you need to analyze the clauses and compare the quotes of the different policies to determine which suits you best, because what suits someone else's situation and circumstances, may not be fit for you. It is not really a good idea to just accept the first quote you receive, without clarifying its technical aspects. Even then, the more you look, the clearer your mind would be to take such an important decision as an insurance.
By: Elvin
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Allan Elvin is an MBA in Finance and has a rich experience of writing on topics related to finance. He professes special interest and expertise in Car Insurance UK and in guiding you on its various details.
There are many factors that have an impact over your policy. Drivers, who have had a record of an accident in the past, are naturally expected to have a tougher time getting cheap car insurance uk at the desired premiums.
Age plays a big part in determining what premium you may have to pay. For instance, a young driver in the age group of 18-25 is more likely to have a much difficult time in getting an insurance policy at desirably low premiums, whereas an older driver with a safe driving record is expected to be a potential candidate for an insurance policy with greater flexibility. A younger driver is generally seen as less safe an investment than an older driver who can also stand eligible for a no-claim bonus, that is, if s/he has not felt the need to claim bonus for several years.
The good thing about car insurance uk is that there are a variety of options available like most other policies to suit the needs of most people. So when you research well, you are to sure to come upon a policy that seems custom-designed for you. Of course, for this, you need to analyze the clauses and compare the quotes of the different policies to determine which suits you best, because what suits someone else's situation and circumstances, may not be fit for you. It is not really a good idea to just accept the first quote you receive, without clarifying its technical aspects. Even then, the more you look, the clearer your mind would be to take such an important decision as an insurance.
By: Elvin
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Allan Elvin is an MBA in Finance and has a rich experience of writing on topics related to finance. He professes special interest and expertise in Car Insurance UK and in guiding you on its various details.
Labels: car insurance
Monday, July 30, 2007
Car Insurance Discounts
Trying to save money wherever you can is important to us all. Insurance should be no different. Do not assume that your agent knows everything about you and your vehicle. Car insurance - CarInsurance.com goes out of their way to find all the possible discounts that are available to each customer.
Drivers should take advantage of all discounts that many providers offer, that can significantly reduce the cost of car insurance. Understanding discounts and how they can affect auto insurance premiums can help smart shoppers make better decisions about their coverage and possibly save themselves some money in the process.
Read below to identify possible discounts that could help you save on auto car insurance this year. Other than discounts, there may be some other ways for you to save on your car insurance premiums. We will go over several discounts that can help with your current situation.
First, there are car insurance discounts for Auto Safety features. Certain states will give you discounts for anti-lock breaks. Make sure you know if it is two or four wheel anti-lock break vehicle. Automatic seatbelts and airbags are frequently discounted on your car insurance premiums. In most states, a defensive driver class discount may apply. If the principal driver usually 55 years old or older has completed an approved defensive driving class a discount could apply. Keep in mind that most states will only approve this class if it is voluntary meaning that it was not the result of a violation or infraction.
Some insurers will give you a discount for having multiple vehicles. In some cases, this will only apply if you have two or more drivers. If you have a clean driving record, meaning you do not have any tickets, accidents or suspensions in the last three years (some companies require five years) then you could be eligible for a safe driver's discount.
Many companies will reward you with staying with the same car insurance company for many years without any accidents reported. They will offer you a renewal discount. It makes sense, you have carried car insurance with a company for several years, and have not had an accident, your car insurance company likes you and wants to reward and keep your business. Some companies honor you with a discount if you had prior limits on your previous policy. They discount you because they understand you are a better risk.
Conversely, if you do decided to change insurers a proof of prior car insurance discount may apply. Most insurers request at least 6 months of consecutive insurance from the previous insurer. If you are a full-time student who meets certain grade requirements and are unmarried and usually under 25 years of age (some states the age is 21) you could be eligible for a good student discount. If you own a home, including condominium, town home, or mobile home, which is used as a principal residence, a discount could apply. Military personnel either currently active or retired from any branch of the US military a discount could apply. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, a discount car insurance could apply.
You could lower the cost of your car insurance in other ways.
For people who own older cars, it may not be necessary or cost-effective to protect them with collision and comprehensive coverage. By comparing the book value of your vehicle and the premium that the insurer has offered, you may find that it cost as much for the car insurance as it does for the vehicle. If the car is worth less than $2,000, you will probably spend more insuring it than it is worth. The whole idea of driving an older car is to save money, so why not get what is coming to you.
In addition, keep in mind that the type of vehicle you buy could greatly affect your premium. A flashy red sports car is usually going to cost more to insure than a mid sized sedan. This is also true of vehicles that are on the list of most stolen. There are many ways that policyholders can save on their car insurance. Knowing more about auto policies and premiums can help consumers take advantage of less obvious discounts while ensuring that they have the appropriate protection for their vehicles. The last way to save is to assume more risk. If you chose higher deductible on your Personal Injury Protection or Comprehensive and collision coverage will lower your premium as well. The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay before your car insurance company begins paying the rest.
Understanding how discounts affect your car insurance rates is important to save you money.
by: Tim Register, www.carinsurance.com
Drivers should take advantage of all discounts that many providers offer, that can significantly reduce the cost of car insurance. Understanding discounts and how they can affect auto insurance premiums can help smart shoppers make better decisions about their coverage and possibly save themselves some money in the process.
Read below to identify possible discounts that could help you save on auto car insurance this year. Other than discounts, there may be some other ways for you to save on your car insurance premiums. We will go over several discounts that can help with your current situation.
First, there are car insurance discounts for Auto Safety features. Certain states will give you discounts for anti-lock breaks. Make sure you know if it is two or four wheel anti-lock break vehicle. Automatic seatbelts and airbags are frequently discounted on your car insurance premiums. In most states, a defensive driver class discount may apply. If the principal driver usually 55 years old or older has completed an approved defensive driving class a discount could apply. Keep in mind that most states will only approve this class if it is voluntary meaning that it was not the result of a violation or infraction.
Some insurers will give you a discount for having multiple vehicles. In some cases, this will only apply if you have two or more drivers. If you have a clean driving record, meaning you do not have any tickets, accidents or suspensions in the last three years (some companies require five years) then you could be eligible for a safe driver's discount.
Many companies will reward you with staying with the same car insurance company for many years without any accidents reported. They will offer you a renewal discount. It makes sense, you have carried car insurance with a company for several years, and have not had an accident, your car insurance company likes you and wants to reward and keep your business. Some companies honor you with a discount if you had prior limits on your previous policy. They discount you because they understand you are a better risk.
Conversely, if you do decided to change insurers a proof of prior car insurance discount may apply. Most insurers request at least 6 months of consecutive insurance from the previous insurer. If you are a full-time student who meets certain grade requirements and are unmarried and usually under 25 years of age (some states the age is 21) you could be eligible for a good student discount. If you own a home, including condominium, town home, or mobile home, which is used as a principal residence, a discount could apply. Military personnel either currently active or retired from any branch of the US military a discount could apply. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, a discount car insurance could apply.
You could lower the cost of your car insurance in other ways.
For people who own older cars, it may not be necessary or cost-effective to protect them with collision and comprehensive coverage. By comparing the book value of your vehicle and the premium that the insurer has offered, you may find that it cost as much for the car insurance as it does for the vehicle. If the car is worth less than $2,000, you will probably spend more insuring it than it is worth. The whole idea of driving an older car is to save money, so why not get what is coming to you.
In addition, keep in mind that the type of vehicle you buy could greatly affect your premium. A flashy red sports car is usually going to cost more to insure than a mid sized sedan. This is also true of vehicles that are on the list of most stolen. There are many ways that policyholders can save on their car insurance. Knowing more about auto policies and premiums can help consumers take advantage of less obvious discounts while ensuring that they have the appropriate protection for their vehicles. The last way to save is to assume more risk. If you chose higher deductible on your Personal Injury Protection or Comprehensive and collision coverage will lower your premium as well. The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay before your car insurance company begins paying the rest.
Understanding how discounts affect your car insurance rates is important to save you money.
by: Tim Register, www.carinsurance.com
Labels: car insurance
