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Car Insurance

Factors that affect your car insurance rates

Ever wondered how insurers calculate the cost of your premiums? If so, you’re not alone. Insurance pricing is a bit of a mystery for many, making shopping around for car insurance quite difficult. However, it helps to know the factors that affect your car insurance rates so that you can make an informed decision on your policy and insurance provider for cheap car insurance for new drivers.

To help you get started, here are three factors that affect your premiums.

1. The make and model of your car

Certain types of vehicles cost more to insure. For instance, expensive cars such as Teslas cost your insurer a lot if you make a claim and your car is written off, which makes your premiums higher. Modifying your vehicle, whether for performance or cosmetic reasons, can also lead to higher insurance rates. So, check with your insurer first before altering your car.

If you’re looking to renew your car insurance or want to buy a new car, check what insurance group your car is in to give you a rough idea of how much you’ll pay.

2. Your driving habits

Generally, this includes:

• Your driving record: If you’re a responsible driver and have a clean driving record, your premiums are more likely to be lower than that of a reckless driver. However, if you’ve never had insurance before and are new to driving, expect to pay more.
• How much you drive: Using your vehicle more and driving for longer distances exposes you to more risk, increasing your insurance rates. So, if you only use your car on the weekends, your insurance rates won’t be as high as a person who drives to work daily.

3. Where you live

Before giving you a quote, insurance providers look at a range of statistics from your area, including how busy it is, the crime rate, general driving behaviour, and the average number of fraudulent claims filed each year.

If the general risk of accidents in your area is high or you live near/in a city centre, you’ll likely pay more.

Now that you know some of the factors that affect your car insurance rates, it’s time to compare quotes from different providers. Simply browse our website to find your car insurance provider today.

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Car Insurance

Tips and tricks towards cheaper car insurance

Cars can be expensive to buy and maintain, with insurance in some cases almost costing as much as the car itself! At Compare Insurance, we have compiled our expertise to create this small blog post to share our tips towards cheap car insurance for young drivers.

Consider the type of car you are buying:

It is easy when buying a car to become too invested in its appearance. But we urge you to put your practical head on and consider the type of car you are thinking about buying. Rather than something flashy, it may be worth considering smaller models, such as a Mitsubishi Pajero, if this car is still compatible with your daily needs.

Ensure that your driving record is as clean as possible:

Throughout your driving life, accidents will happen. Yet, it is worth bearing in mind that the safer you drive, the lower the potential is for insurance costs to tot up due to a busy driving record. Issues such as speeding or several parking fines can contribute to your record, and ultimately drive up insurance premiums. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your driving record is as clean as possible.

Use comparison websites:

Sometimes, to find the best deal you have to shop around. By using insurance comparison websites, it becomes much easier to find the best deal and discounts available to you. This is so you can tailor the experience to your exact needs for an accurate quote.

Install safety technology:

This can be anything from a black box to record your speed, or a dashcam camera to film accidents. By installing pieces of safety technology, you can reduce your insurance costs. It allows the insurance company to have more faith in how your drive, driving down your premiums. These gadgets are handy to have on the car if you do come into some trouble which was not your fault. They can act as evidence to the insurance company that the accident was not your fault, leading to faster cash payouts.

For more information surrounding cheaper car insurance, contact our friendly and professional team at Compare Insurance today.

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Car Insurance

Car insurance extras: Which do you need?

When comparing third party car insurance online, the cheapest policies tend to be the ones without additional features. Unfortunately, these may not provide the right level of cover and protection. That’s why it’s vital to check what’s automatically included in your policy and what you might need to pay extra for.

To help you get the right cover, here’s all you need to know about car insurance extras.

What are car insurance extras?

These are cover benefits that insurers can add to your policy at an extra cost. They include:

• Breakdown cover
• Legal cover
• Courtesy car cover
• Cover for driving abroad
• Personal accident cover

Some policies offer more benefits as standard than others. So, it’s worth comparing different policies to find what suits you.

Which do you need?

Generally, the add-ons you choose depend on your budget and needs. For example, adding personal accident cover to your policy can raise your premiums from £10, 000 to £100, 000, so you have to afford the extra cost.

Alternatively, if you want to save money and need extra protection against uninsured losses, you may need legal cover. This protects you against the legal expenses you incur after an accident that wasn’t your fault.

If your car is unreliable and breaks down often, you might want to consider adding a breakdown cover to provide you with roadside assistance and recovery services. You can add it as an extra or purchase it as a standalone policy.

If you rely on your car every day, consider buying a courtesy car cover, which provides you with an alternative vehicle if your current one is unavailable following an accident. But, to get a courtesy car, there are some conditions you have to follow, including using an approved garage for repairs. So, speak to your insurer first to know the terms and conditions required.

Ultimately, assess your needs before adding any extras to your policy. They may seem like an unnecessary expense at first, but their benefits far outweigh their costs.

Don’t know where to start with your car insurance extras? Compare Insurance is happy to help. Browse our website today to compare auto insurance quotes online and quotes from different providers.

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Car Insurance Health Insurance Travel Insurance

When is the best time to search for cheaper insurance quotes?

Whether it’s home, car, travel, or health insurance we all want to enjoy the benefits of low cost car insurance. Searching for them is now easier than ever, but it’s important to know when you should start your search to give yourself the best chance of finding the best deal. For this, you’ll need to understand your existing insurance contract’s terms.

When should you start searching?

The best time to start searching for health, home, or car insurance is when your existing policy is about to come to an end. When you sign an insurance policy you’re committed for a period of time. Sometimes it can be monthly, but usually, it’s annually. When you’re coming to the end of your policy term you can begin looking around for cheaper quotes to see if you could save money. If you find a better deal elsewhere, you can present the evidence to your existing insurer and they may well try and match or beat it, or offer you other incentives to stay. Even if they don’t, you know you have a new insurer to go to who can provide you with cheaper cover.

If you don’t have an existing insurance policy you can start looking for cheap quotes whenever you like. If you’re looking for travel insurance it pays to start getting your quotes as soon as possible. As long as you know the dates you’re travelling from and your travelling plans are confirmed, you can arrange travel insurance cover.

How do you find the best quotes?

So finding the right quotes is best done at different times, depending on the type of insurance you’re looking for and the status of your existing cover. But when the time is right the best way to find those quotes is always the same – using a specialist insurance comparison website. By using a website like Compare Insurance, you’ll have access to quotes from a range of industry-leading insurers, all displayed in an easy to understand manner so you can choose the best quote for you.

Find cover that suits expat travel insurance today.

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Car Insurance Health Insurance Travel Insurance

How can you make sure you’re saving money on your insurance quotes?

Everyone wants to save money on their insurance. Whether it’s cheap temporary car insurance, home insurance, or medical insurance, it’s best to avoid paying more than you should for your premiums. With everyone requiring an individual level of cover, it can be difficult to know how much you should be paying. So, how can you make sure you’re getting the best possible deal on your premiums?

The simple way to save money

The easiest way to save money on your insurance premiums is to make sure that you use a specialist comparison website to compare insurance quotes from a range of different providers. Whether you’re looking for home, car, travel, or health insurance, you will be able to have a variety of quotes delivered to you in the space of seconds.

All you need to do is input a few personal details and some information relating to the type of cover that you’re looking for. With that, you’ll be able to ensure that all of the insurance quotes you’re getting are for the same level of coverage. This will give you an even playing field to determine who is going to be able to provide the best value for money.

Understanding your needs

Something you should think about before you start comparing insurance quotes is what specific level of cover you really need. The better you understand your own requirements, the easier it will be for you to tailor the insurance package you’re getting quotes for. With a website like Compare Insurance, you’ll be able to enter your personal details and the level of cover that you need, so think about things such as how comprehensive you want your coverage to be, the kinds of things you want it to cover, and even things you might be at risk of claiming for.

You can always save more money

There is always a cheaper insurance package out there, as long as you’re willing to find it. Make the process easier and simpler by using a comparison website to take the hard work out. Get started with Compare Insurance today and get annual multi trip travel insurance in minutes.

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Car Insurance

Three questions to ask before getting car insurance

Finding cheap full coverage auto insurance for you can be challenging and confusing. There are a lot of different types to compare and, often, a lot of different prices to wade through. So, here are three simple questions to ask to help you pick the best car insurance for you:

1) What are you using your car for?

When looking at how you use your car, there are usually three different options to consider: domestic, commuting, or business. Domestic simply means using your car for non-work related purposes. Commuting means you will be using your car to get to and from work, which can mean your insurance will be slightly higher as it’s likely you’ll be travelling more often and potentially during rush hour. Finally, if you are using your car to travel to meetings, to deliver goods or for other work-related activities, that is classed as using your car for business. How you use your car also may have a bearing on how many miles you travel per year, which will also impact your car insurance quote.

2) How much cover do you need?

Another important question to consider is how much cover you need from your car insurance. You can choose between comprehensive, which is the highest level of cover, or third party, which is the minimum legal requirement. Comprehensive cover costs more than a third party policy but it covers you and the damage you may cause to other motorists. In contrast, third party cover only protects other motorists. Comprehensive cover can also cover medical expenses, fire damage, theft, and repairs.

3) What is your budget?

Last but not least, determine what your budget is before you try and choose your car insurance. Different levels of cover will cost different amounts, so it’s best to determine how much coverage you need or can afford. There are a few ways you can try and reduce the cost of your car insurance, so there is a way to find car insurance to suit your budget.

The best way to make sure you find the right car insurance for teens for you is to compare your options. Our handy comparison tools and team of experts will be able to help you pick the best choice in no time.

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Car Insurance Health Insurance Travel Insurance

Found a better insurance quote? What should you do next?

Whether it’s home, health, medical, travel, or car insurance, it’s important to regularly check the marketplace for quotes. Many people make the mistake of getting locked into insurance premiums because they think getting new quotes is a long and difficult process. It isn’t with a specialist insurance comparison website like Compare Insurance, as you can get a range of quotes in seconds.

But when you’ve got them, what should you do about it?

Let your insurance company know

When you find a better quote, you should tell your insurance company. It’s essential that no matter what kind of insurance policy you’re searching for that you find like for like quotes. If you can find a lower quote from another company to provide the same level of cover you’re currently getting, let your insurance company know about it. They will either try and match that offer, or they will try and offer some other incentives to keep you as a customer of theirs. In the worst-case scenario, they may do nothing, but that means you still have the option of swapping to the cheaper provider or a better health plan. This means it’s a win/win scenario for you, whichever way you look at it.

When should you look for new quotes?

It makes the most sense to start trying to find new insurance quotes towards the end of your insurance coverage period. If you signed a contract for a certain amount of time and at a certain price, there’s not much that can be done about it. When your time for renewal gets closer, however, you should start thinking about finding quotes from other insurance providers. This means you have more leverage when it comes to negotiating a fresh deal with your current provider, and it also makes it easier to transfer to a new insurance provider.

How do you find new insurance quotes?

Finding the best holiday insurance insurance quotes couldn’t be easier. All you need is a specialist comparison tool like you’ll find at Compare Insurance. Just put in your details and the kind of cover you’re looking for, and in seconds you’ll have a range of insurance quotes from many different providers. Get in touch with our team today to learn more.

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Car Insurance

Why is fully comprehensive car insurance so popular still?

Car insurance is an essential that everyone must have to legally drive around. There are a few options to think about here and fully comprehensive cover is enduringly popular still. While other types of policy (such as 3rd party) might look appealing, fully comprehensive cover comes with some unique benefits. But what are they and what does this sort of top car insurance companies include?

What is fully comprehensive insurance?

Before we look at why so many people choose this type of cover, it is worth clarifying what it comes with. As the name suggests, this type of car insurance gives the most protection to your vehicle. If you take out this sort of policy, you get protection for any damage you cause to other people and other vehicles plus cover if your car is stolen or damaged in a fire. It also gives cover to the car driver and pays out for damage to your own car.

But why do so many people choose this auto insurance still?

Peace of mind

Although insuring your car is a legal necessity, it also gives peace of mind when out on the road. Fully comprehensive cover is the highest level you can get and this means you can get behind the wheel without any worries. You know that you are covered in any eventuality and have protection to fall back on – whatever may happen. This allows you to focus solely on driving and not worry about something happening which your insurance will not cover.

Better value overall

There is no doubt that this type of insurance will cost more to take out at first. But it can actually work out better value – especially if you shop around for the best deals. You might think taking out a less expensive annual policy saves you money but it won’t if an accident happens which it does not give protection for! Comprehensive insurance, however, covers you against most things and can save you money on paying out for expensive repairs.

Can come with handy extras

Some fully comprehensive policies will come with cool extras, as a reward for taking out the highest level of cover. These might be things you would have to pay for separately otherwise or not be able to afford. While all policies differ, things like breakdown cover are common add-ons. As with getting the best value, the key is to shop around and find a fully comp policy with the extras you want.

Shop for car insurance with Compare Insurance

As noted above, shopping around to get cheap car insurance online is a smart move. Here at Compare Insurance, we bring together all the best deals from all the top insurers in one handy place. Browse our site for the best deals today or contact us for more help.

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Car Insurance

What you need to know about car insurance for new drivers

There is nothing like the exhilaration of finally passing your driving test and knowing that the roads are your oyster. The thrill of searching for your first car of your own is an exhilarating feeling. However, the ecstasy can be tempered when considering the costs that may be associated with the best auto insurance companies for new drivers.

As newer drivers tend to be considered more of a risk by insurance companies, car insurance premiums can be higher for those who have only recently passed their test. Younger drivers under 25 may also find that premiums are higher than for older drivers who have just passed their driving tests. Furthermore, new drivers will not have been able to build up a No Claims Discount, which would otherwise reduce their premiums.

So, what are some ways to find the best deals on car insurance for newer drivers?

Opt for a car that is less expensive to insure

Some cars are more expensive to insure regardless of how long you have been driving or the age of the driver. Before you purchase a car, use a comparison site to check the potential costs of your insurance premiums.

Choose black box insurance

A black box is a small device that is installed in a car and monitors the safety of the driving and the amount of mileage done. Generally, black box insurance can be cheaper than other types of insurance and is a great option to consider for new drivers looking for affordable premiums.

Select a larger excess

Most insurance policies come with a standard excess which is the amount that you would need to pay in the event of a claim before the insurance company covers the rest of the claim. In choosing a larger voluntary excess, you would have to pay more if you needed to claim but you may also decrease the cost of your insurance premiums, saving money.

Use a trusted comparison site

Using an insurance comparison site can help you to find the best deals for you. This will allow you to find an affordable quote that ticks all the right boxes in what you are looking for. With a range of options to choose from, a comparison site makes it significantly easier to select the type of insurance that you want within your budget.

For all your insurance comparison needs, please visit us at Compare Insurance and insure my car.

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Car Insurance

Which type of car insurance is best for you?

The world of car insurance brokers can be confusing for the uninitiated. With an array of choices, including comprehensive cover, third party, fire and theft and third party insurance, it may prove daunting when you come to select which is the best for you. When you also add black box policies and decisions about excesses into the mix, that can complicate it even more.

This helpful guide simplifies the process, allowing you to pick the perfect cover to suit your needs and car insurance cost.

Third party

This type is the minimum standard of cover required under the law. It covers injuries to others, including any passengers or damage to other people’s vehicles that you cause.

Third Party, Fire and Theft

Similar to Third Party insurance, this covers damage to your car in the event of a fire, theft and, with some policies, any damage caused if there is attempted theft of your car.

Comprehensive cover

Comprehensive cover includes all the benefits of Third Party, Fire and Theft, with the bonus of paying for claims if other people are injured, or their cars are damaged in an accident you are involved in. This type of insurance will cover medical expenses too. Additionally, it generally covers accidental damage to your vehicle and allows you to claim if the contents of your car get stolen.

What is “black box” cover?

Black box insurance works by installing telematics equipment into your car. This equipment monitors your driving behaviours. It will record data such as the safety and speed of your driving, how well you take corners, the times when you are on the road and the length of your journeys. Based on this information, the cost of your insurance is calculated. Safer drivers will save money.

All about the excess

The excess is the amount of money you pay out of your own pocket if you need to make a claim. Excess can be compulsory, in which case it is determined by the insurance company and will be a set amount that you will have to pay before the insurer pays for the rest of the claim. However, it can also be voluntary, and you can decide how much you want to pay in the event of a claim. Generally, the higher the voluntary excess, the lower your premiums will be.

To find the right car insurance policy for you, contact us at Compare Insurance.

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