Car insurance and popcorn
When you think about it, car insurance really is like popcorn: It’s not exactly the most exciting purchase anyone can make, but it’s something that almost everyone needs to buy at some point. Let's face it, who can sit through a three hour film without a bag of the best honey roasted popcorn?
And just like that bag of movie snacks, car insurance is something that costs quite a lot when you have little choice about whether or not to buy it.
The good news is that although there are few ways of saving money on your film or TV snacks, there are several ways to keep your monthly car insurance premium as low as possible whilst still keeping yourself covered in case of an accident. Here are some of the best ways to save money on car insurance without sacrificing much.
Shop around and compare rates
First and foremost, shop around and compare rates. Whether you’re switching providers or shopping around for your first car insurance policy, comparing rates is the best way to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. It might seem like a hassle, but it can save you hundreds of pounds in the long run. If you’re shopping around for your first car insurance policy, make sure you understand what each part of the policy means. If you’re switching providers, you’ll want to make sure the new policy is comparable to what you have now. For example, if your current policy covers you for any vehicle not belonging to you but the new policy doesn't, you might want to rethink the change.
Ask your current provider for a discount
If you’ve been a loyal customer for a while and have no reason to believe you’re getting ripped off, call the provider and ask for a discount. Some providers offer a loyalty discount for customers who have been with them for a certain amount of time. Others offer a discount for drivers who meet certain criteria. For example, some providers will offer a discount to customers who take an advanced driving course. When you call to ask for a discount, you have nothing to lose. Worst case scenario is that they say no. But if you’ve been a good customer and have no reason to believe you’re paying too much, it can’t hurt to ask.
Add an anti-theft device to your car
If you’re paying for comprehensive coverage, you may want to consider adding an anti-theft device to your car. These devices cost between £50 and £300, depending on the type you choose. However, they may lower your car insurance rate by 5-15%, which will more than make up for their cost in no time. Of course, it’s always important to remember that no device is 100% effective. However, if you’re driving a car that’s particularly easy to break into, an anti-theft device might be a good idea.
Drive a safer, more reliable car
If you have the option to trade in your current car for a safer, more reliable one, you should absolutely do it. The more reliable your car is, the less likely it is to break down, which can save you hundreds of pounds in repairs. Plus, you can lower your car insurance rate considerably if you replace your old car with a newer, safer one. Before you go out and buy a brand new car, though, make sure you have the budget for it. Newer cars lose a lot of value the moment they are driven out of the showroom, after all.
Change when and where you drive
If you’re spending a lot of time on the road and driving through high-crime areas, you might want to consider changing when and where you drive. If you drive often for work or other obligations, it’s always important to be safe on the road. However, driving during less busy hours or in less risky areas can lower your risk of getting into an accident, which will in turn lower your car insurance rate. While it may not seem like much, changing when and where you drive can make a big difference over time.
Final Words
Car insurance is something that everyone needs to have, but it can be difficult to find the right policy at a price you can afford. If you shop around, ask your current provider for a discount, and change when and where you drive, you can lower your car insurance rate, saving you money in the long run. All it takes is a little bit of effort, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the right policy for you.
Then you can probably afford the best popcorn that's available, rather than that cheap stuff that sticks to your teeth.