Top tips for getting a cheaper car insurance quote

Fit an alarmFit an approved alarm and immobiliser, such as a Thatcham 1 or Thatcham 2. All improvements to security should help to lower your car insurance costs. Some insurers could even insist on sophisticated tracking devices before they will insure expensive cars.
Change your excessChange the excess you are prepared to pay on any claim to reduce the premium. With voluntary excess the more you are willing to cover yourself in the event of an accident the lower your premium.
Check your mileageCheck your mileage to make sure you are not paying extra for miles you are not covering in your car. If, for example, you change jobs and have a shorter commute to work you could be saving money. Try and work out how many miles you will genuinely cover - but don't get it wrong as inaccuracy could jeopardise your claim.
Minimise your optional extrasOnly select to have a courtesy car or legal expenses if you really need them, as they may increase your premium. The less your motor insurance company has to provide in the event of an accident, the lower your costs.
Be careful where you parkKeep your car parked in a locked garage overnight if you can - this can help reduce the premium. More than 50% of vehicle thefts occur during the night so if your car is safely locked away it makes sense that your insurance costs will be reduced as a consequence. If you don't have access to a garage, then parking on a driveway is generally considered a lower risk than parking on the road. It's less likely that vandalism, theft or accidental damage will occur when you're off the highway.
Pass Plus
If you're a new driver looking to get your first car and car insurance we'd highly recommend that you take your Pass Plus in order to reduce your premiums. The Pass Plus certificate can only be obtained within the first year of passing your practical driving test.
You'll be taking 6 lessons where you'll become competent in the following areas:
Driving in town
Driving out of town
Driving in all Weathers
Driving at night
Driving on a dual carriageway
Driving on a motorway
There is no test to take at the end of the course. When your instructor is satisfied with your performance you will receive a certificate from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).
This certificate you will earn you large discounts with a whole host of insurance companies participating in the Pass Plus scheme.

Women’s car insurance

Until a decade or so ago, the issue of cheap car insurance for women drivers was not high on most insurers’ agenda.
Today, women can enjoy some excellent motor insurance deals. But as with all these things, it makes sense to shop around. Find out how to get the best rates below.
Women may still face discrimination in certain areas of their lives, but one area where this definitely does not appear to be happening is over the cost of their car insurance.
Premiums for women drivers tend to be lower than they are for men, especially up to the age of about 45. Thereafter they level off.
The reasons why female car insurance is cheaper than men’s are simple: premiums are based on a wide range of statistics which show they are much safer drivers than men.
Government figures show that over 92% of convictions for driving offences in the UK are for men.
Men are responsible for 98% of all convictions for dangerous driving.
Women drivers tend to drive more slowly, carefully and shorter distances than men.
Although women tend to have as many accidents as men, they are less likely to be serious. Therefore their overall claims experience is better than those of their male counterparts.
Cheaper Car Insurance For Female Drivers
So how can women get the best car insurance deals? Much of the advice available in our main car insurance guide applies equally to women drivers. Here are a few extra tips to help you keep car insurance premiums as cheap as possible:
Consider a car that has a small engine or is in a low insurance group.
If you have only just passed your test, consider taking out your own cover rather than piggybacking on your parents: you can build up a no-claims bonus that much quicker – in the second year your costs could fall by up to 30%.
Avoid modifications, such as alloy wheels, extra spoilers or racing exhausts.
Look out for additional security features, such as locks and immobilisers as these will help minimise your premiums.
If you only tend to drive occasionally, look for policies that offer discounts for lower mileages. It’s also worth getting quotes from insurers that specialise in covering female drivers.
If you are an older driver, try to avoid putting your children on your policy.

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