Tips for cheaper insurance?

[swerve]

I've just paid a pretty penny to insure my car (£1700!? for a 1.3 corolla) Does anyone know any tips to get the insurance cheaper in the future?

[Colin]

Build up no claims and don't get any convictions! what age are you to be paying so much? and what is your driving history?

[swerve]

I'm 19, passed my test March last year (1st time with 15 minors ) and have been a named driver on my mums policy since then.

Last year a lady in a 4x4 rear ended me at a roundabout and wrote off my first car, so I always have to put that down as a claim :/ She admitted responsibility mind and I got an insurance pay out.

I was paying about £800 per year while on my mums policy.

[Colin]

is your mum a named drive on your policy now? that brought mine down afew hundred when i was younger.

[waveman1500]

Join a car club and get a classic policy.

[andyf]

Good tip, can make a massive difference. But you can only get a classic policy if it is not your main car.

[waveman1500]

Sept 6, 2010 13:11:00 GMT andyf said:

Good tip, can make a massive difference. But you can only get a classic policy if it is not your main car.

My main car is on a classic policy, and always has been. I do live in Australia though...

[MrBen]

Sept 6, 2010 13:11:00 GMT andyf said:

Good tip, can make a massive difference. But you can only get a classic policy if it is not your main car.

Not necessarily true, some classic policies can cover the main car. One downside of classic policies is that on many you don't build up a no claims bonus (NCB), which can cause issues if you then buy a non-classic car.

OP, there is no magic answer, as others have mentioned, gaining NCB is a key factor as 4 years equates to a 60 or 65% discount, so that takes the premium to less than half, plus as you get nearer 25 the loadings you are paying due to your age will reduce significantly.

[Dorset_Clive]

Could it be worth getting some advanced driver training? IAM, RoSPA/RoDaR, Pass Plus, or even HPC if you can afford it?

[steveo3002]

limited milage , add a random older female to the policy , then have a play around on the comparison sites as some vary the price if you change where you park it etc and its not always cheaper in a garage ( f knows why)

you can also play around with your job title (staying honest of corse)

[swerve]

I tried putting mum on as a named driver, it came up a couple of hundred quid more on ctm. I'm a Chef and a Student, theres not really much I can do to jiggle it about! I would go on a classic policy but I'm not sure the car, being manufactured in 1991 is old enough. I did explore the possibilty of it, but they all came up dearer than just having a normal policy. Plus I could really do with building up some ncb.

[valman]

Sept 6, 2010 13:11:00 GMT andyf said:

Good tip, can make a massive difference. But you can only get a classic policy if it is not your main car.

i have to disagree here - footman james know my car is my only and main car used everyday and still give me a good price (17, passed half hour before calling up) 924 squid to insure a 1.4 volvo

[ThePollitt]

Sept 6, 2010 16:15:16 GMT valman said:

Sept 6, 2010 13:11:00 GMT andyf said:

Good tip, can make a massive difference. But you can only get a classic policy if it is not your main car.

I have to disagree here - footman james know my car is my only and main car used everyday and still give me a good price (17, passed half hour before calling up) 924 squid to insure a 1.4 volvo

Seconded. I'm with FJ and they have the Z down as a main car. I'm fully comp, earn no claims AND I'm covered to drive other cars third party.

As for the initial post, I'd say reduced mileage, put your mum on it and go for the most basic cover.

Chris

[pauldaf44]

Ive got both cars on the same policy with FJ TPFT with breakdown assistance. I'm 20 and my last insurance renewal was £695. Mileage is limited to 6000 a year per car. I don't own a modern and FJ know that.

[93fxdl]

a couple of stupid ideas based on the criteria that sets your premium levels
move house as your address will have an effect on your premiums
change your job as careers such as model and publican are heavily loaded

many moons ago there was an episode of top gear in which quentin wilson was rabbiting on about the porche 928 being a cheap supercar, and how insurance could be cheap and they gave an example but there were a few bits of info they just skimmed over
the first being they used norfolk (that well known area of sink estates and serious crime) as an address
second they used an odd phrase "select profession"
so what these select professions are i don't know but a magistrate may be one
also some companies may give a discount for owners club membership
ttfn glenn

[steveo3002]

Sept 6, 2010 13:36:25 GMT swerve said:

I tried putting mum on as a named driver, it came up a couple of hundred quid more on ctm. I'm a Chef and a Student, theres not really much I can do to jiggle it about! I would go on a classic policy but I'm not sure the car, being manufactured in 1991 is old enough. I did explore the possibilty of it, but they all came up dearer than just having a normal policy. Plus I could really do with building up some ncb.

try a random old dorris in a safe postcode area , bank teller or some nice job thats low risk

[mk1fiestahorry]

saying you have an alarm or imobiliser can bring it down.
although your suppose to prove you actually have it and have had the mechanic who fitted it sign it off...(unless it was installed before you got the car, so you don't know who the mechanic is ;-) )
don't know if thats completely true though...

[Mad Max]

Sounds odd but I saved a packet last year by going fully comp. Never bothered before but my dad worked in insurance for 25 yrs and suggested it. The companies see it perhaps as less risk if youre asking for more cover. Really though its all about the no-claims. I'm 24 and have my toyota paseo daily and my mini (on a classic limited mileage policy) both insured for less than 600.

[Roobeh]

Quinn Direct (who I will be changing soon) wan't to make me pay over 2k on my micra! only a 1.0. Well you're only young once I guess.

^{(And they keep saying I owe them money when I don't )}

[surprisingskoda]

Sept 6, 2010 21:04:30 GMT Roobeh said:

Quinn Direct (who I will be changing soon) wan't to make me pay over 2k on my micra! only a 1.0. Well you're only young once I guess.

^{(And they keep saying I owe them money when I don't )}

QD have been perpetually on the brink of closure since 2007. Only the mega-wealthy family that bankrolls it has prevented it going under - too many cheap quotes on youngsters in grey imports has finally come back to haunt them.