When you’re ready for an insurance quote there’s not much you can do to change the outcome as it’s based on your previous driving history and individual circumstances. However there are certain ways that you can lower your premium making it more affordable for yourself.

If you are ever in doubt you should always declare any changes made to your vehicle, if you were to leave them, have a crash and the assessor notices that your vehicle isn’t exactly how described on your insurance policy then it will be void and you will be liable for any repairs and face further punishment in the form of a fine or even imprisonment. If you decide you want to make any modifications to your car, give your insurance company a ring and check with them if it will affect your current policy and in what ways.

Here are a few ways in which you can reduce the cost of your premium:

Fit an approved alarm and/or immobiliser

Investing money in upgrading your cars security system will give you a discount if you have installed a Thatcham rated alarm/immobiliser. Check before you go crazy on buying a top of the range alarm as some companies only offer a small discount but having a decent alarm on your car will give you the peace of mind of knowing your valuables or safer.

Abide by the law and watch your speed!

Although it’s easier said then done you should be careful when driving and watch your speed. Especially as the police are clamping down on people speeding, one speeding fine may go unnoticed but if you get excessive points on your license then they will affect the amount you have to pay severely.

Minimise the amount of named drivers

This one is pretty obvious but the more people on your insurance the more chance of an accident occurring. For example if you have 3 years no claim and you add someone with 0 years no claims then this will bump up your premium due to the other person. Adding inexperienced people can do you more harm then good because if they were to have an accident then it’s your no claims bonus that will be ruined.

Build up no claims bonus

Each successful claim free year that you have you will be awarded a no claims bonus. These will drop your yearly premium so it’s always best to drive safely and build them up. Once you get to 4 years no claims you have the chance to protect them for an extra cost, this means that if the worst was to happen then at least you wouldn’t lose you bonus. If you was to have an accident don’t just jump in and claim, check how much it will cost to fix it, compare it with your excess and then find the best solution to your problem.

Don’t run up your miles

Each insurer will ask roughly how many miles you will be doing within the year, try to be as accurate as you can so that you are not liable for giving false information. The lower the mileage the lower the premium tends to be as your spending less time on the road. Although you may think it’s hard for the insurance company to find out but your mileage is clocked at every mot you have and is put on a central database so you have to be careful that you don’t massively under estimate it.