By How do you choose the best car insurance policy as a driver in UK?
Car insurance is a vital to have when driving in the UK as it can protect you against all kinds of eventualities.
It’s important that you’re aware of the different types of policies available so you can determine which one is best suited to you.
Follow the tips below on how to choose the best car insurance policy.
Types of Car Insurance Policies
There are three main types of car insurance policies available; each offering different levels of cover depending on your needs.
Third party
Third party car insurance is usually the most basic type and therefore generally the most affordable. It is the legal minimum level of car insurance that a car must have; it covers other road users if you damage their property or injure them with your vehicle.
Third party, fire and theft
This type of third-party policy will cover your car if it becomes damaged as a result of fire or theft.
Fully comprehensive
Fully comprehensive car insurance does exactly what it says on the tin; it provides you with the most extensive form of cover.
Related: How to Get Car Insurance Loan in UK
You’ll be covered for things such as damage to your car that is your fault, accidental damage and often cover for driving other people’s cars.
Policy extras
Like with all other types of insurance, car insurance policies don’t offer cover for absolutely everything; therefore you might be expected to purchase some things as optional extra add-ons.
- Legal expenses
- Breakdown cover
- Cover for a courtesy car
- Personal belongings
Compare policy prices, premiums and excess
When it comes to choosing the best car insurance policy, there are numerous things you should take into consideration.
One of those things is to compare prices from many different car insurance providers. While they might all claim to offer you ‘unbeatable quotes’, ‘best prices in the industry’ and a ‘no claims bonus’, it’s important that you conduct thorough research before you make your decision.
Related: How Much Auto Insurance Do I Need?
You should also remember to check the provider’s excess charges, as well as whether you have to pay monthly or annually; each of these factors will determine the cost of what you pay for your car insurance.
Lower your risk
A great way to save on your car insurance and get the best policy possible is by reducing your risk when driving.
This involves ensuring that your car is locked and stowed safely away at night, driving with caution and always abiding the rules of the road and taking the necessary precautions such as fitting a security alarm in your car.
The safer that your car is deemed to be, the less you’ll have to pay for your car insurance.
Other ways you can lower your risk is by driving a car that’s in a low insurance group, giving accurate readings and details of your annual mileage and driving safely at all times.
Lower the overall price you pay
Car insurance can often be incredibly expensive, but as it’s so important to have, it’s a good idea to be aware of the ways that you can lower the overall price you pay for your policy.
Related: 4 Major Factors That Influence Your Car Insurance Rates
Paying for your car insurance annually as opposed to monthly can dramatically reduce the amount you pay. If you pay in monthly instalments, you’ll be expected to pay an interest charge every month, which means you end up paying much more than you should. By paying in one lump sum once a year, you’ll significantly reduce the amount you pay.
You can also pay to protect your no claims bonus if you change car insurance providers; most providers won’t let you do it for free, which means you’ll lose out on it.
The higher your voluntary excess on your car insurance, the lower your premiums will be. As long as you meet the minimum threshold payment of your insurance excess as set out by your provider, you’re usually free to pay as much as you want for your excess.
This is a great way to reduce your premiums, but you should only do so if you’re confident that you’ll be able to meet the excess fee, should you need to make a claim.
Conclusion – how to choose the best car insurance policy
Car insurance can be a remarkably expensive investment to make, but it’s also one of the most important to ensure you’re covered and protected when driving.
Make sure you shop around to find the best car insurance policy and reduce your risk as much as possible to avoid paying more than necessary.
