There are a number of things you cannot change. Being older is a massive benefit. Having no claims in the last seven years is huge too. But there are some things you can do:
- Have a cheaper, low-power car, under 1L. Preferably a common make and model, so that repair costs are lower. Not too new – but not so old that it’s becoming rare either.
- Make sure the car has an alarm or immobilizer, or both. Most are factory-fitted now, but you can add after-market ones.
- Take an Advanced Driving Course (and pass!). However, only some insurers will make use of that.
- Make sure you can park off-road, preferably in a garage, at night.
- Have access to another vehicle. This tends to lower insurance costs – I suppose because you are not always driving that one.
- Limit your mileage. If you only do 5000 miles a year, you can get a cheaper policy – but only some insurers do this.
- Have a voluntary excess – money you have to pay towards any claim. Increasing this lowers costs, but at the risk of you having to spend out more if you ever need to make a claim on it.
- Live somewhere with a lower crime and accident rate. Bit of a big ask to get lower insurance, but it’s worth paying attention to. The countryside tends to be much cheaper than the city.
- Lastly: get lots of quotes. Car insurance is pretty competitive, and if you can find a good intro offer or an insurer that specializes in people in your circumstances. Don’t just go for the brokers – many of the direct-to-consumer ones will not be on them.
Author: Jonathan Elder, lives in Hampshire, UK
Source: Quora