Article by Adi
Cheap Car Insurance Tips
Whether you’re a new driver or a seasoned veteran, finding cheap car insurance can often prove difficult. In recent times, car insurance premiums have rocketed and you may be quite surprised when it comes renewing that you have to fork out even more than before! So how can I get cheap car insurance, I hear you plead?
Insurance Groups
Well, if you are first time driver, forget the two seater sports car. The best way to get cheap car insurance is to choose a car that is in a low insurance group – this will reduce your premiums dramatically. It?s also a good idea to avoid the twin exhausts, tinted windows and optional alloy wheels as all these ‘extras’ will bump up your motor insurance.
Get Specialist Insurance
If you already own a car then your next plan should be to shop around. A good tip is to look for car insurance companies that cater for your personal circumstance. Did you know that female drivers can get cheaper car insurance by getting insured with ‘women only’ insurers? These companies reward you with reduced premiums and often throw in extras like free handbag insurance.
If you are a young driver or new driver, desperately hunting for affordable car insurance, then consider getting quotes from specialist firms who cater for the younger market. They have experience insuring drivers with little experience and can often offer great, competitive quotes.
Penalty Points
What about if I have penalty points or motoring offences? Fear not! Despite what you may have heard, you can still find cheap insurance even if you have points on your license. There are a huge number of car insurance companies who cater for drivers who have been disqualified or have points. It is worth shopping around and getting a list of quotes from specialist brokers as premiums can vary dramatically.
Always Shop Around!
Regardless of your gender, situation or age, it is an excellent idea to shop around before you part with your hard earned cash. Don’t accept the first car insurance quote given to you – prices vary and the more you shop around the better the deal you’re going to find.
The Basics of Car Insurance
If you’re new to car insurance it can seem like a complicated subject, but once you get past all the hype and marketing of the insurance companies, it’s really quite simple. Motor insurance comes in three basic forms, which will be your starting point when deciding which policy to take out.
Third Party
This is the simplest, cheapest form of insurance you can buy, and it’s also required by law for every vehicle on the road. Basically, a policy of this kind means that if you cause an accident, then any damage caused to someone else’s vehicle will be paid for and they won’t be left out of pocket.
With third party insurance, damage to your own car will not be covered, nor will you be able to claim if your vehicle is stolen.
Third Party, Fire And Theft
This kind of policy is one step up from simple third party. As well as covering damage you cause to another vehicle, your own car is covered against theft or damage caused by fire. This insurance isn’t much more expensive than the most basic kind, and so most people choose it in preference as it gives better cover for little extra cost.
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive car insurance is quite a bit more expensive than third party, as it will also cover any damage to your own car in an accident that was your own fault. You’ll also be covered for damage caused by someone else if that person’s insurance can’t be claimed on – for example, in a ‘hit and run’ accident.
Many comprehensive policies go even further, covering your in-car audio systems for example, or providing free windscreen replacement, roadside assistance, and even accomodation and transport if your car is put out of action. Naturally, these features will tend to bump up the price, so only include them on your policy if they’re likely to be of use to you.
What’s Commonly Included in a Fully Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy
If you wish to be covered for almost every eventuality then fully comprehensive insurance is the way to go. This type of car insurance means that you are covered for damage, not only to another person’s car but your own too.
Full Insurance Protection
Comprehensive insurance provides peace of mind that if you were to cause an accident you wouldn’t lose out financially (apart from the excess). Generally speaking, fully comprehensive car insurance also comes with legal protection and injury cover which means that you will also be protected if you were to cause injury to yourself or another person.
Many of the optional extras you can choose to include in third party insurance comes as standard with a comprehensive policy. Most insurers will offer windscreen cover as standard, they will also include a courtesy car. This is a great benefit, especially if you need access to a car for work.
Replacement Car
Similarly, if your car were to be written off, then the insurer should replace the car or offer money to the same value as the car. This is an excellent benefit, especially if you drive an expensive car and simply wouldn’t be able to afford it if the worst was to happen.
Cover Levels
What may vary slightly from one insurer to the next is the level of cover. Some may only offer
