There are few better feelings than the freedom of driving on the open road. Sometimes, made even better when you are not quite sure where you are going! The scenery is beautiful and the road is clear, for once. There are only a few things that could spoil it. Your car is reliable and never lets you down, so it’s not going to be a breakdown.

The sound of your motor and the feel of the wheel is sublime as you twist and turn along B roads. The last thing you want to think about is whether you are fully covered or have that horrible feeling of being ripped off, so here are a few things that are good to know.

The right level of cover

Most people are familiar with the differing levels of cover defined as fully comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party. Not so well known is the fact that third-party car insurance is not necessarily cheaper than comprehensive cover.

Shop around

Today with so much consumer choice shopping around has never been easier. However, there is still room for negotiation.

Haggle!

If you are not planning on sticking with your current car insurance provider and you get a better quote elsewhere, ask them the question - Is that your best price? You might be surprised by what they could do for you!

Don’t pay monthly

Paying monthly is very convenient if you don’t have the funds to pay in a lump sum. Remember you are effectively borrowing the money at quite a high interest rate, if you pay monthly, so it will cost you more in the long run.

Get a black box fitted

A black box measures your mileage, speed, acceleration, braking and cornering as well as the times and roads you drive on. If you are a careful and cautious driver this may lead to a more competitively priced premium.

Increase your voluntary excess

As a general rule the higher the voluntary excess you pay the less your premium, a word of warning, be realistic if you do have an accident you will have to pay it so don’t make it too high!

Try and reduce your mileage

The less mileage you drive the less your premium will be. Always be as accurate as possible and if you think you are going to exceed your annual mileage inform your insurance provider immediately.

Car security

Most cars are now fitted with alarms as standard but fitting an immobilizer could reduce your premium as will off-street parking compared with street parking.

No-claims bonus

The more years you get under your belt without making a claim the cheaper your premium. If you are in a non-fault accident you still must inform your insurance provider and your premium may increase.

Protect your no-claims bonus

Some insurance companies give you the option of paying a bit extra to protect your no-claims bonus, so if you do claim your no-claims bonus will not be lost, in part or completely.

The right car

If you are just starting to drive and you want to save on car insurance buy a car that is cheaper to insure. Cars in insurance groups are cheaper the lower the number. Ranging from 1-50, if you are lucky enough and have the budget you may look at cars closer to fifty!

Need some advice on finding the right car insurance premium? Call for a quote.