The Dos And Don'ts Of Car Insurance To Save You Money
When it comes to car insurance it can sometimes feel like you’re stuck on a roundabout going around and around.
There are endless possibilities to take into consideration and, to be honest, it may feel like there’s too much choice. It can be very daunting, especially if you’re a first-time driver or if you’re thinking about changing your insurer, but here at Bristol Street Motors we’ve got the do’s and don’ts to remember when it comes to thinking about car insurance.
Don’t rush – shop around!
You may be eager to get on the road and live life at full throttle, but car insurance is not a race! You need to shop around and make sure you find the best deal for you. There are plenty of companies like Go Compare, Compare the Market and Money Supermarket that are there to help you find the right car insurance for you.
Remember: slow and steady always wins the race, and you’ll be saving yourself some serious dollar if you do take your time when choosing which insurer to go with.
Do choose the right level of cover
There are three levels of car insurance cover that you need to understand before deciding which is best for you.
Third Party is the first option. If you have an accident, it will cover the damage to the other person and their car, but it does not cover you. So really think carefully before opting for this. If it’s your first car and, like many, it’s a little banger that you can afford to replace, then this could be the option for you. However, most of the time it is actually cheaper to choose full cover!
Third party, fire and theft is the second option which features the same principles of third party but includes cover for yourself if your car is stolen or damaged by fire.
But the insurance cover we would definitely recommend is fully comprehensive. This way you know you can claim for a variety of issues including, accident repairs, vandalism and accidental damage, making your overall driving experience more relaxed and enjoyable knowing you’re fully covered.
Don’t lie to reduce cost
When filling out your insurance application, make sure you tell the truth. We know sometimes we wish we were younger than we actually are (yes, you still look 25 don’t worry) but by not filling in your form honestly you are committing insurance fraud and you won’t be covered if you do try and put a claim in!
Do put the right main driver down
If you’ve just passed your test, you can feel a bit like a rabbit in the headlights when you see how much your insurance is going to be! Many parents declare themselves as the main driver on their child’s car to help lower the cost. However, this illegal act could leave you with a hefty fine of £5000 and six points on your brand-new license – it’s just not worth it, guys!
Do stick to your mileage
And so, the adventure begins... well, with slight restrictions. It’s easy to think the world is your oyster once you’re on the road, but HIT THOSE BRAKES! When you take out insurance you need to give an estimation of the miles you do. If for some reason you go significantly over your estimated mileage, your car insurance could be invalidated. So be proactive; inform your insurer if you know you’re taking your mileage up a gear.
Do consider a black box policy
A black box records your driving data, including information like speed, braking, the time of day you drive, and how sharply you turn corners, and transmits the information to your insurance provider. All of these factors can be seen as indicators of how likely you are to pose a risk to the insurance provider. Low-risk drivers are viewed as less likely to make a claim and are therefore rewarded with cheaper car insurance.
Black boxes are commonly associated with younger or first-time drivers; however, any one can get them and they can even make your car insurance cheaper – provided that you are a careful driver.
Now that you’re accustomed to the dos and don’ts of car insurance, you’re all set to have the drive of your life. Not only will you save money, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the ride, knowing you’re covered correctly. However, we all know that accidents do happen, so once you’ve put in your claim, why not head over to Bristol Street Motors and experience the first-class accident and repair services that we have to offer.
Image Credit: ALAMY