{"id":76,"date":"2023-03-09T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-09T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk\/blog\/?p=76"},"modified":"2026-02-23T16:52:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T16:52:15","slug":"reduce-car-insurance-costs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/car\/reduce-car-insurance-costs\/","title":{"rendered":"How to get cheaper car insurance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Motor insurance rarely comes cheap, but there are a few simple ways you can reduce your car insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experts at Sterling have offered their guidance for saving money on your annual insurance<\/a> and three bonus tips on saving money if you are a young or newly qualified driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Compare car insurance prices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shop around to get a better deal on your motor insurance, or better still let someone else do the work for you by going to a specialist broker such as Sterling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brokers at Sterling will compare policies and prices quoted by dozens of insurance providers to find you the best deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Independent advice suggests you should get at least three quotes before taking a motor insurance policy \u2013 Sterling has access to a panel of insurance providers to consult in order to find the cheapest and best cover for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Buy a car in a low insurance group<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Consider <\/strong>buying a car in a low insurance category, especially if you are a young or newly qualified driver<\/a>. Despite what you may think, low insurance category band cars are not necessarily old bangers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a recent survey the top 15 cheapest cars to insure for new drivers were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Volkswagen Polo<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Hyundai i10<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Volkswagen Up<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Kia Picanto<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Dacia Sandero<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Ford Fiesta<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Seat Ibiza<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Renault Clio<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Skoda Fabia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Kia Rio<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. Toyota Aygo X<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  12. Nissan Micra<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  13. Fiat 500<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  14. MG3<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  15. Fiat Panda<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    3. Increase your excess<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    A voluntary excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim, should you need to make one. Increasing the voluntary excess on your policy can reduce your premium. Remember your voluntary excess is usually coupled with a compulsory excess that\u2019s set by your insurance company. So make sure you add the two figures together when calculating the total amount you\u2019d have to pay in the event of making that claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Pay up-front<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Insurance companies make money by offering customers deferred payment options, perhaps over three, six or ten months. Deferred payments can be helpful, but if you can afford to, pay your annual premium in a lump sum to avoid the interest charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. Don\u2019t do it online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Call
    Call centre staff at Sterling Insurance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    If you request an online insurance quote, it will be computer generated. That\u2019s great and relatively cost free for the insurance company, but not so good for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you phone a broker like Sterling, you will talk to someone who can assess the risks of the car you want covered and of you personally. They will come up with a unique quote and can even offer helpful advice on how you could save money on your premium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. Plan ahead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Don\u2019t leave your insurance until the last minute. If you are running out of time you are more likely to go for the first deal that\u2019s offered, whether it\u2019s the best value for money or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And avoid taking out a new insurance policy in December. In the past four years, the cost of typical car cover has been 13% higher in December compared to the monthly average for the rest of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    7. Check your credit score<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you have a poor credit history you present a greater risk of making a claim, meaning you will pay more for your insurance cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    8. Join a car club<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Sterling offers up to 20% discount on the insurance premium for members of owners clubs and forums. The money you save could actually pay for your club membership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    9. Invest in security<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    You can save money if you upgrade the security of your car by getting an alarm, immobiliser, tracker or dash cam fitted. And make the most of the security already available by keeping the car garaged when it is not in use. Parking your car off-road will lower the risk of your vehicle being damaged or stolen. If you have access to a driveway, a parking spot or a garage, make sure you inform your insurer.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    10. Agree a limited mileage deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The more miles your vehicle covers, the greater the risk and the more expensive your annual insurance premium will be. Calculate your anticipated mileage and if it is less than 7,500 miles, contact your insurer to see if you can get a low mileage discount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But be honest. If you purposely underestimate your mileage to get a cheaper deal and your insurer finds out, the insurer may declare your policy invalid and refuse to pay a claim, should you need to make one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    11. Get the right cover for you<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"save<\/figure>\n\n\n\n