How to Get Cheap Car Insurance in the UK
Car insurance is a legal requirement in the UK, but that doesn’t mean you have to overpay. Whether you’re a first-time driver or someone who’s been on the road for decades, understanding how to get cheap car insurance can save you hundreds of pounds each year.
This guide outlines the most effective ways to reduce your premium legally, without cutting corners or sacrificing the cover you need.
Compare Quotes Early – Not Last Minute
One of the most common mistakes people make is leaving their insurance renewal to the last few days. Insurers often see last-minute buyers as higher risk, leading to inflated premiums.
The best time to get a quote is around 20 to 26 days before your policy renewal date. According to multiple comparison platforms, this window is when insurers offer their most competitive prices. Leaving it too late can cost you significantly more.
Use comparison tools like:
These platforms allow you to compare quotes from multiple insurers quickly, ensuring you don’t miss better deals.
Choose the Right Level of Cover
Contrary to popular belief, fully comprehensive insurance is often cheaper than third-party or third-party, fire and theft policies. This is because drivers opting for lower cover levels are statistically more likely to make a claim.
Always get quotes for all cover types before deciding. Just because you want to pay less doesn’t mean you should reduce your cover blindly.
Increase Your Voluntary Excess
Your excess is the amount you agree to pay towards any claim. Increasing your voluntary excess can reduce your premium—but only up to a point.
If you can afford to pay a higher excess in the event of an accident (e.g., £250–£500), insurers will see you as less likely to claim for minor issues, leading to lower quotes.
However, don’t set your excess so high that you can’t afford to pay it if needed.
Add a Named Driver – But Not as a Front
Adding an experienced driver (such as a parent or partner with a clean record) can bring your premium down—especially for younger or newly qualified drivers.
Just ensure the main driver listed is the one who actually drives the car most often. Listing someone else as the primary driver when they’re not is known as fronting, which is illegal and can invalidate your insurance.
Pay Annually Instead of Monthly
Paying monthly for your car insurance may seem convenient, but it usually comes with additional interest charges—effectively making it more expensive.
If you can afford to, pay your full premium annually. This can save you between 10% and 20% compared to spreading the cost over 12 months.
Improve Your Car’s Security
Insurers reward drivers who reduce the risk of theft or damage to their vehicles. Consider:
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Installing a Thatcham-approved alarm or immobiliser
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Parking off-street or in a secure garage
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Using a steering wheel lock or tracker device
When filling out your insurance quote, always give accurate details about where your car is parked overnight. A more secure location typically results in lower premiums.
Use a Telematics or Black Box Policy
A telematics policy—also known as black box insurance—tracks your driving habits using a device installed in your car or a smartphone app.
If you drive safely, stick to speed limits, and avoid harsh braking or acceleration, the insurer may offer cheaper premiums and additional discounts over time.
These policies are especially useful for:
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Young drivers
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Drivers with little or no history
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Those with past claims who want to prove improved driving
Build and Protect Your No Claims Discount (NCD)
The longer you drive without making a claim, the more your No Claims Discount grows. Most insurers offer discounts up to 60–70% for drivers with five or more claim-free years.
Consider paying a little extra to protect your NCD, especially if it’s five years or more. This ensures that if you need to make a claim, your hard-earned discount stays intact.
Avoid Modifying Your Car
While modifications may look good or improve performance, they can also increase your premium. This includes:
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Alloy wheels
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Body kits or spoilers
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Suspension upgrades
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Engine modifications
Even small changes can bump up your insurance if they increase the risk of theft, accidents, or repair costs.
Always declare modifications honestly. Failure to do so can invalidate your policy.
Don’t Auto-Renew Without Checking
Auto-renewals may be convenient, but they’re rarely the cheapest option. Insurers often rely on loyalty or forgetfulness, raising your premium year after year.
Even if you’re happy with your current insurer, run a few quotes elsewhere before letting your policy auto-renew. Then, call your provider and ask them to match or beat your best alternative. You’d be surprised how often they’ll reduce the price.
Use Your Job Title Carefully
The way you describe your job can affect your premium. For example, “journalist” may return a higher quote than “writer” or “content creator”, even though the job is the same in practice.
Never lie, but try different acceptable variations of your job title to see if it affects your quote. Most comparison sites allow this flexibility in the occupation drop-down lists.
Consider a Lower Insurance Group Vehicle
Cars are categorised into insurance groups from 1 to 50, with group 1 being the cheapest to insure. If you’re considering changing vehicles, aim for one in a lower group.
Cars in lower groups typically have:
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Smaller engines
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Lower repair costs
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Fewer modifications
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Good safety ratings
Examples of cheap-to-insure vehicles include the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Hyundai i10, and Toyota Aygo.
Keep Your Mileage Accurate
The fewer miles you drive annually, the lower your risk of being in an accident—and the cheaper your premium may be.
Don’t overestimate your annual mileage. Use past MOT or service records to estimate a realistic number and keep it accurate when getting quotes.
Also, avoid setting your mileage too low if it’s unrealistic, as insurers may challenge it during a claim.
Check for Cashback and Voucher Deals
Many price comparison sites and insurers offer cashback or voucher incentives. Before committing, check:
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TopCashback
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Quidco
You may be able to receive £30–£80 back just for purchasing through one of these platforms.
Conclusion
Getting cheap car insurance in the UK doesn’t mean cutting corners—it’s about being smart, accurate, and proactive. By shopping around early, adjusting your cover level, and optimising your vehicle details, you can significantly lower your premium.
Combine multiple strategies—like adding a safe named driver, installing a black box, increasing your excess, and improving security—to maximise your savings without compromising protection.
Car insurance is one of the biggest motoring expenses, but it’s also one of the most flexible. Take control of the process, stay informed, and make sure you’re never paying more than you need to.