Finding the best Deal

The simplest way to keep your motor insurance costs down is simply to shop around for a better deal. The difference between premiums quoted for the same cover by different insurers can be astonishing and, with increasing numbers of insurers vying for a place in the online market, you can often find significant discounts by shopping online. This website should give you a good idea of where to start looking but before you make the final decision, consider the following points.

No claims discount - You can make big savings by qualifying for an no-claims' discount, which is typically a saving of 30% on your next year's cover if you make no claims in your first year. Some insurers will also offer big discounts to customers with existing NCDs to try and get them to change policies.

Security - Reduce the risk of theft and you reduce the amount you pay for insurance. Car crime isn't having the same effect on premiums as it used to, so check with different insurers what difference fitting security measures would make to your premiums before you go ahead. However, if you can garage your car overnight, this almost always keeps costs down. Fitting an alarm or immobiliser can cut premiums, but make sure it conforms to government standards. Many insurers will slice 5% off a premium if the car has an insurer-approved alarm and immobiliser. An immobiliser costs between £75 and £150 but could cut the cost of car insurance by as much as £56 a year for an average motorist driving a family car.

Qualifications - Many insurers will reduce insurance by usually 10% if you take an advanced driving course. The government-backed Pass Plus training scheme aims to cut the accident rate among newly qualified drivers. Every year, thousands of drivers sign up for extra lessons to help make them safer on the roads. Insurers are rewarding their commitment with discounted premiums and specialist insurance schemes.

Fewer insured drivers - Restricting the drivers to yourself and one or two named others will be cheaper than an "any driver" arrangement. This could could cut the cost by up to 25%.

Limit your mileage - Look for policies that offer discounts if you drive fewer than the 8,000 - 12,000 miles per year average. This could knock up to around 15% off your premium.

Take a bigger excess - than the standard £50 or £100. Doubling the excess can knock about 15% off the premium.

Get married - More than half of Britain's insurers give a discount, typically 10%, if the named driver on your policy becomes your spouse. This is because insurers believe that married people generally make fewer claims because they are more likely to have children and so lead a more settled and sedate life. Other insurers such as Legal & General and Norwich Union are happy to offer discounts to both married couples and cohabitees. Pay your full premium - Many companies charge up to 10 % extra if you want to pay in instalments.