The law requires you buy car insurance. So if you must get cover, how can you reduce costs? Here’s seven easy ways to get the best possible car insurance deal.

* Multiple quotes

Get multiple quotes – use the internet and call a few brokers. It’s easy to gather some good comparison quotes. Remember to get different types of quotes e.g. one from a direct-sell insurance company; another from an offline broker who keeps a database of quotes; and a couple from the internet. Cheapest might not mean best. Will they pay out if you make a claim? How financially secure? How reputable? Check around with family and friends, and look for online reviews.

* Different type of car

Insurance costs vary depending on car type. Obviously, that £100k sports model costs more to insure than your average runabout. If you’re planning to buy a new car, check insurance costs before you buy.

* Age and value of car

Maybe you’re buying a used car? Maybe your car saw better days a few years ago, and now values much lower? So why pay for high-priced car insurance? In particular, do you still need fully comprehensive coverage? A good rule of thumb multiplies insurance premium by 10, and compares that figure with your car value. So if you’re quoted a £1000 premium and your car is worth less than £10,000 you may want to think if comprehensive represents good value. If you drop collision and/or comprehensive coverage, you should get big savings.

* Higher deductibles (excess charges)

Most car insurance companies use deductibles to keep policy cost down. Deductibles, or excess charges, show what you pay before your car insurance policy kicks in. Try requesting quotes with different levels of deductibles, and see how your quotes vary.

Most internet quote forms contain a box where you can specify preferred level of deductibles. Ask your broker his recommended level. For example, going from £250 to £500 deductible can slash your insurance costs by 20% or more. Go to £1000 and you save a lot of money. But you must pay the deductible if you need to make a claim!

* Multiple insurances

This might come under the ‘Get Multiple Quotes’ heading, but it’s still worth mentioning separately. You usually get an insurance break if you buy multiple policies with the same insurer. This might mean multiple vehicles, or homeowner and car insurance. Either way it’s worth asking about multi-policy discounts.

* Low mileage

More and more people work at home. No more commuting. Fewer business trips. Low mileage on your car. Maybe you do travel to work, but car how about a pool? Either way, look for low mileage discounts.

* Good Driving Record

A good driving record always reduces your car insurance costs. Keep a clean drivers license. Don’t speed, don’t drive dangerously, and you’ll save money (apart from other benefits!)

* Bonus tip

Extra tips, include fitting an anti-theft device to your car, going on an advanced driver training course and using daytime running lights. If you’re a university student away from home, consider adding yourself to your parents’ policy.

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