Cheap car insurance for younger student drivers is getting harder and harder to find, so here are our top tips to reducing your annual car insurance premium in the year ahead.
So if you're wanting to know how to get cheaper car insurance for students in 2019, try some of these tips...
1. Look to change your provider every year
Never be loyal when it comes to car insurance. Don't except your renewal quote without first getting quotes from other providers, who will more than likely be able to offer a cheaper deal to you as a new customer.
Use comparison websites like MoneySupermarket or Confused to find the best deal available.
If you can find a cheaper quote, don't stop there, phone up your current provider and see if they can undercut it or at least match it: This method means you can get the absolute best price without the hassle of having to change to a new insurer.
2. Go direct to insurers
While comparison websites are a great place to start, remember that not every insurer is included: Do a bit of leg work and get quotes from those other providers, such as Direct Line.
3. Don't make assumptions
You shouldn't make any assumptions when getting cover: Third party isn't always cheaper than comprehensive, while more powerful and expensive cars may be cheaper to insure than typical 'boy racer' vehicles. Use comparison websites to see what gets the cheapest quotes before deciding on a vehicle and level of insurance.
4. Invest in a dashcam
Get a cheap dash cam for less than £40 and it can save much more on your premium. Furthermore, it could save even more cash if you're unlucky enough to be involved in an accident.
5. Look for multi-car discounts
If you have more than one car in your family or household, look for multi-car discounts. Direct line and Admiral are two insurers that (at the time of writing) offer such deals.
6. Add a named driver
Adding an additional named driver to your policy can help reduce costs, and it can be helpful if they ever need to borrow your car. But don't front: Make sure the main driver is you (or whoever drives the car the most). Lying about the main driver is known as fronting and will invalidate your insurance.
7. Increase your excess
Increasing your excess will decrease your annual premium, but remember this amount is what YOU will have to pay in the event of a claim, so make sure it's something you can actually afford in the unfortunate event you do need to pay it.
8. Don't make modifications
Don't add any modifications to your car, save for those that improve security such as an alarm, tracker or immobiliser. 'Speed' modifications such as spoilers are sure to boost your premium.
9. Drive less
The less you drive the less likely you are to have an accident, so cut back on your mileage to reduce your premium. Cutting back on the car trips will also reduce your fuel costs!
10. Watch out for unwanted extras
Insurers add all sorts of extra services when you get quotes, such as legal assistance, courtesy cars and breakdown cover. Make sure you note the breakdown of your premium and decide whether you actually need and want everything you are being sold!
11. Evaluate your job title
Some jobs are considered more risky than others, so consider how you describe your job title to insurers. You must not lie of course, but some jobs allow some flexibility when it comes to how you describe your role.
12. Pay up front
Paying in monthly installments will always cost more in the long run, so where possible try to pay in advance. it may mean having to stay in for a few weeks, but you'll be better for it in the end.
13. Prevent theft
Avoid having to make a claim for theft by keeping your car secure: Where possible, keep your car off the road, ideally in a secure car park or garage. Stop opportunist thieves by making sure to remove valuables such as phones, tablets and satnavs from your vehicle, or at least hiding them from view.
14. Drive well
The ultimate top tip to reducing your premium is to drive well, avoiding accidents and meaning you won't need to claim (or have claims made against you).
Main Photo by Monkey Business Images/REX