Do shop around to get the best price and deal
Don't be afraid to go back to an insurer and ask them to beat a quote from another company. Remember, they want your business
Do be scrupulously honest - any porkies will come back to haunt you. If your car has been heavily modified and you tell the insurance company it's stock standard, they won't pay any claim and may even take you to court for lying to them
Don't make a claim on your insurance for that slight scratch on the alloy wheel. It's cheaper to pay for it be fixed yourself as any claim is likely to bump up your premium next time around
Do ask about compulsory and voluntary excesses. Most policies will have a compulsory excess (you pay a fixed amount before the insurance company pays the outstanding balance of any claim). A voluntary excess is where you agree to pay a greater amount of any pay-out in return for a smaller premium
Do look after your no-claims bonus (NCB). It will help reduce your premium as the longer you go without making a claim, the safer a driver you are to the insurer
Consider a protected no-claims bonus that allows you to keep the full benefit of the NCB even if you make one or more claims
If you intend to travel abroad, tell your insurer as soon as possible. Many policies include cover for foreign holidays, but check it's included or you may have to pay more
Women are considered safer drivers than men by most insurance companies and there are some insurers who only deal with women. A good option for the laydeez, but shop around to make sure you're getting the best deal
Find out about extras on the insurance policy. Most insurers offer extra legal cover, breakdown cover, personal injury cover and protected no-claims bonus, but these can all add to the cost of your premium. Haggle and ask for them to be included in the price
Don't be frightened to take your business elsewhere to get a better deal
You can reduce your insurance premium by making yourself more attractive to insurers. Tell them if your car is garaged, has an alarm or tracking device, visible security such as a steering wheel lock, or if you've been on an advanced driving course.
