Cheap Car Insurance Compare 200+ quotes & cashback

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Step 1: Follow the DOs & DON'Ts

Insurance premiums (the payments you make to insurers) depend on three things:

Chosen insurer, plus level of cover, plus your risk level

By reducing insurers' perception of your risk, you can reduce the price you'll pay.

Car insurance rates are set by actuaries, whose job is to calculate risk. Each insurer's price depends on two things; their underwriters' assessment of your particular risk focus, and then their own pricing model which dictates what customers they want to attract. See the following for ways to reduce your risk:

Watch the video guide
Courtesy of five tv. Originally from It Pays To Watch

(Jan 2009)

Step 2: Correctly combine comparison sites

This is the first incarnation of our new system, where we split the best buys section into different types of driver. We'd love your feedback on if it worked for you and if there's anything you would change.

Driver who's over 25, with no claims, 3 pts or fewer

Comparison sites zip your details to hosts of insurers' and brokers' websites, scraping their data off the screens to report back the cheapest. So be aware they often feed your personal details to insurers.

Yet they don't all compare the same sites, so the best strategy's to combine them. We've analysed the comparison sites, using a large range of monthly data, primarily focused on which ones produce the cheapest results, but also factoring in user feedback. (see How the order is picked ).

We also carried out our own research in obtaining quotations, the speed, how informative the process and end results are and what you need look out for...

Gives cheap quote 77% of time (in our sample)

Approx. time to get a quote 7 mins

GoComparetry it*

1. GoCompare.com...
Gets a cheap quote 77% of the time (in our sample)

  • Pros: Clearly shows the total compulsory & voluntary excess. Good function to 'customise quote'. Quotations page includes ticks showing the cover/add-ons provided. Option to compare up to 4 policy covers.

  • Cons: Voluntary excess defaults to £250 & limited options to amend (down to £100 or up to £250). Windscreen excess not stated. Assumptions are pre-ticked & contacted within 5 mins when not 'opting-out' of being contacted.

Top two of sample likely to give a cheap quote 91% of time.

Search takes
6 mins

MoneySupermarket.comtry it*

2. ...plus MoneySupermarket.com Increases chances of a cheap quote from sample to 91%

  • Pros: Quickest in input time. The total compulsory & voluntary excess clearly shown. Good option to compare policy covers. Simple filtering system. Confirmation email of the quotation received.

  • Cons:Assumptions automatically completed. Windscreen excess not stated. Edit quotations function not clear. Was contacted within 60 seconds by telephone for not 'opting-out' of marketing calls (and the opt-out option is not easy to find).


stop!

Check the big 'uns they miss ...

AvivaAviva*: Currently has a special offer for new customers who buy online. Until 30 May 2012 it is giving 15 weeks of free car insurance.

Direct LineDirect Line*: If you buy a policy by 31 May 2012, you will get 2 months worth of free car insurance, subject to a minimum premium. Also, quotes are valid for up to 90 days.

Top three of sample likely to give a cheap quote 95% of time

Another 6 mins to obtain a quotation

TescoCompare try it*

3. ... plus TescoCompare Increases chances of a cheap quote from sample to 95%

  • Pros: Good 'opt-out' options across the Tesco range. Clearly shows the cover provided and the additional premium to include add-ons such as breakdown, legal expenses or courtesy car. Earn Clubcard points.

  • Cons: Assumptions automatically completed. Windscreen excess not stated. No 'edit quotation' function - you need to use the 'back' button. No filtering option. More 'no quotes' than 'quotes'.

Top four of sample likely to give a cheap quote 98% of time.

Takes 8 mins to obtain a quotation

Confused.comtry it*

4. ... plus Confused.com Increases chances of cheapest quote from sample to 98%.

  • Pros: Good options to reduce the excess & clearly shows the total compulsory/voluntary excess. Simple filtering system. If you buy via Confused.com before 30 June 2012, you are able to claim 1,000 Nectar points.

  • Cons: Voluntary excess set at £250. Windscreen excess not stated & the option to edit quotations is not very clear or simple. The assumptions are pre-ticked. Was contacted when not 'opting-out' of being contacted.

Total...
(close to) 100% chance of cheapest quote, based on insurers comparison sites cover.

5. Boost chances to nearly 100%
Try to really nail down all the quotes

If you still haven't found a deal you're happy with or want to push the envelope there are some more options to try.

Plus try the following comparison sites if you have time - each takes around 5-10 minutes: Comparethemarket*, Beathatquote*, QuoteZone*.

If you've used Beatthatquote before and you're awaiting your cash back, you can now submit a claim using the appropriate form.

QuoteZone: Slower as nothing's pre filled in. Try it: QuoteZone*
CompareTheMarket: Be careful of the £500 default excess. Try it:Comparethemarket*

Young Drivers Car Insurance has opened in a new tab

Driver with 4 or more points on their licence

If you've been caught once for an offence such as speeding, it's likely you'll have three penalty points on your driving licence. However, one strike doesn't change the order you should approach the comparisons - it's when you reach four points or more that you should change the way you act.

Comparison sites zip your details to hosts of insurers' and brokers' websites, scraping their data off the screens to report back the cheapest. So be aware they often feed your personal details to insurers.

Yet they don't all compare the same sites, so the best strategy's to combine them. We've analysed the comparison sites, using a large range of monthly data, primarily focused on which ones produce the cheapest results, but also factoring in user feedback. (see How the order is picked ).

We also carried out our own research in obtaining quotations, the speed, how informative the process and end results are and what you need look out for. To find the cheapest in as little time as possible, combine the comparisons in the following order...

Gives a cheap quote 89% of time (in our sample)

Approx. time to get a quote 7 mins

GoComparetry it*

1. GoCompare.com...
Gets a cheap quote 89% of the time (in our sample)

  • Pros: Clearly shows the total compulsory & voluntary excess. Good function to 'customise quote'. Quotations page includes ticks showing the cover/add-ons provided. Option to compare up to 4 policy covers.

  • Cons: Voluntary excess defaults to £250 & limited options to amend (down to £100 or up to £250). Windscreen excess not stated. Assumptions are pre-ticked & contacted within 5 mins when not 'opting-out' of being contacted.

Top two of sample likely to give cheapest quote likely to give a cheap quote 98% of time.

Search takes
8 mins

Confused.comtry it*

2. ...plus Confused.com Increases chances of a cheap quote from sample to 98%

  • Pros: Good options to reduce the excess & clearly shows the total compulsory/voluntary excess. Simple filtering system. If you buy via Confused.com before 30 June 2012, you are able to claim 1,000 Nectar points.

  • Cons: Voluntary excess set at £250. Windscreen excess not stated & the option to edit quotations is not very clear or simple. The assumptions are pre-ticked. Was contacted when not 'opting-out' of being contacted.

stop!

Check the big 'uns they miss ...

AvivaAviva*: Currently has a special offer for new customers who buy online. Until 30 May 2012 it is giving 15 weeks of free car insurance. Insure a 2nd car, and you could save up to 33% through its multi-car discount.

Direct lineDirect Line*: If you buy a policy by 31 May 2012, you will get 2 months worth of free car insurance, subject to a minimum premium. Also, quotes are valid for up to 90 days.

Top three of sample likely to give a cheap quote 99% of time

Another 6 mins to obtain a quotation

MoneySupermarket.com try it*

3. ... plus MoneySupermarket.com Increases chances of a cheap quote from sample to almost 99%

  • Pros: Quickest in input time. The total compulsory & voluntary excess clearly shown. Good option to compare policy covers. Simple filtering system. Confirmation email of the quotation received.

  • Cons: Assumptions automatically completed. Windscreen excess not stated. Edit quotations function not clear. Was contacted within 60 seconds by telephone for not 'opting-out' of marketing calls (and the opt-out option is not easy to find).

Top four of sample likely to give a cheap quote 99% of time.

Takes 6 mins to obtain a quotation

TescoCompare try it

4. ... plus TescoCompare Increases chances of cheapest quote from sample to 99%.

  • Pros: Good 'opt-out' options across the Tesco range. Clearly shows the cover provided and the additional premium to include add-ons such as breakdown, legal expenses or courtesy car. Earn Clubcard points.

  • Cons: Assumptions automatically completed. Windscreen excess not stated. No 'edit quotation' function - you need to use the 'back' button. No filtering option. More 'no quotes' than 'quotes'.

Total...
(close to) 100% chance of cheapest quote, based on insurers comparison sites cover.

5. Boost chances to nearly 100% Try to really nail down all the quotes

If you still haven't found a deal you're happy with or want to push the envelope there are some more options to try.

Plus try the following comparison sites if you have time - each takes around 5-10 minutes: CompareTheMarket*, Beathatquote*, QuoteZone*.

If you've used Beatthatquote before and you're awaiting your cash back, you can now submit a claim using the appropriate form.

QuoteZone: Slower as nothing's pre filled in. Try it: QuoteZone*
CompareTheMarket: Be careful of the £500 default excess. Try it: Comparethemarket*

Drivers who have made insurance claims in past

When getting a quote, you'll usually be asked if you made a claim on the insurance - following an accident or other required repairs.

If you have this is very likely to push up the price you're quoted. Remember though, if you do have an accident, even if you don't claim to keep your no-claims discount, the price of the policy can rise simply because you may be assessed as a higher risk in the future.

Step 1 - Combine the comparison sites in this order...

Comparison sites zip your details to hosts of insurers' and brokers' websites, scraping their data off the screens to report back the cheapest. So be aware they often feed your personal details to insurers.

Yet they don't all compare the same sites, so the best strategy's to combine them. We've analysed the comparison sites, using a large range of monthly data, primarily focused on which ones produce the cheapest results, but also factoring in user feedback. (see How the order is picked ).

We also carried out our own research in obtaining quotations, the speed, how informative the process and end results are and what you need look out for.

Gives cheap quote 78% of time (in our sample)

Approx. time to get a quote 7 mins

GoComparetry it*

1. GoCompare.com...
Gets a cheap quote 78% of the time (in our sample)

  • Pros: Clearly shows the total compulsory & voluntary excess. Good function to 'customise quote'. Quotations page includes ticks showing the cover/add-ons provided. Option to compare up to 4 policy covers.

  • Cons: Voluntary excess defaults to £250 & limited options to amend (down to £100 or up to £250). Windscreen excess not stated. Assumptions are pre-ticked & contacted within 5 mins when not 'opting-out' of being contacted.

Top two of sample likely to give a cheap quote 92% of time.

Search takes
8 mins

Confused.comtry it*

2. ...plus Confused.com Increases chances of a cheap quote from sample to 92%

  • Pros: Good options to reduce the excess & clearly shows the total compulsory/voluntary excess. Simple filtering system. If you buy via Confused.com before 30 June 2012, you are able to claim 1,000 Nectar points.

  • Cons: Voluntary excess set at £250. Windscreen excess not stated & the option to edit quotations is not very clear or simple. The assumptions are pre-ticked. Was contacted when not 'opting-out' of being contacted.

stop!

Check the big 'uns they miss ...

AvivaAviva*: Currently has a special offer for new customers who buy online. Until 30 May 2012 it is giving 15 weeks of free car insurance.

Direct lineDirect Line*: If you buy a policy by 31 May 2012, you will get 2 months worth of free car insurance, subject to a minimum premium. Also, quotes are valid for up to 90 days.

Top three of sample likely to give a cheap quote 96% of time

Another 6 mins to obtain a quotation

MoneySupermarket.com try it*

3. ... plus MoneySupermarket.com Increases chances of a cheap quote from sample to 96%

  • Pros: Quickest in input time. The total compulsory & voluntary excess clearly shown. Good option to compare policy covers. Simple filtering system. Confirmation email of the quotation received.

  • Cons: Assumptions automatically completed. Windscreen excess not stated. Edit quotations function not clear. Was contacted within 60 seconds by telephone for not 'opting-out' of marketing calls (and the opt-out option is not easy to find).

Top four of sample likely to give a cheap quote 99% of time.

Takes 6 mins to obtain a quotation

TescoCompare try it

4. ... plus TescoCompare Increases chances of cheapest quote from sample to 99%.

  • Pros: Good 'opt-out' options across the Tesco range. Clearly shows the cover provided and the additional premium to include add-ons such as breakdown, legal expenses or courtesy car. Earn Clubcard points.

  • Cons: Assumptions automatically completed. Windscreen excess not stated. No 'edit quotation' function - you need to use the 'back' button. No filtering option. More 'no quotes' than 'quotes'.

Total...
(close to) 100% chance of cheapest quote, based on insurers comparison sites cover.

5. Boost chances to nearly 100%Try to really nail down all the quotes

If you still haven't found a deal you're happy with or want to push the envelope there are some more options to try.

Plus try the following comparison sites if you have time - each takes around 5-10 minutes: Comparethemarket*, Beathatquote*, QuoteZone*.

If you've used Beatthatquote before and you're awaiting your cash back, you can now submit a claim using the appropriate form.

QuoteZone: Slower as nothing's pre filled in. Try it: QuoteZone*
CompareTheMarket: Be careful of the £500 default excess. Try it: Comparethemarket*

Step 2: Protect or BOOST your no claims bonus (NCB)

Not a right load of help if you need to renew right now, but to ease the pain of future years, take some time to consider looking after your precious no claims bonus.

For every year you don't claim on the insurance policy you get a discount. This makes a substantial difference to the overall cost. If you do claim, you usually knock two years off this discount, deliberately encouraging people not to claim.

There are two main options...

Pay for a protected NCB

The vast majority of insurers offer this; you pay more each year but if you need to make a claim it doesn't affect the NCB discount you get. Be aware though, if you move to a different insurer in future, they may not honour the deal you had with you last one!

Accelerate how quick you build up your NCB

The innovative Admiral* Bonus Accelerator policy gives you one year's no claims bonus after just ten months of being insured. Totted up over the years this can speed up how quick you hit the big discount territory.

However, always choose based on the price you pay now. Factoring in a slightly higher premium today for a reduced one in future is fine - but don't pay way over the odds, as the benefits in years ahead AREN'T guaranteed.

Drivers who want to insure multiple cars

If you've two or more vehicles between family members or friends in your household (Vans could be included in this but Bikes usually aren't), some providers offer discounts if you insure them all together. Comparison sites don't have the technology to do these searches, so you need to compare manually.

Step 1 - Get a benchmark multi-car quote

Admiral multi-car insuranceGet up to 23% discount

Admiral

Most multi-car discounts require you to get separate policies for each vehicle, but with Admiral* multi-car, you buy one insurance policy and it covers up to five different cars.

The discount increases depending on how many cars you want cover for....

Number of vehicles insured
Multi-car discount
1
Up to 10%
2
Up to 10%
3
Up to 23%
4
Up to 23%

Step 2 - Check each car separately on comparisons

Now's the time to use as many screenscrapers as you can, in the following order. Frustratingly you'll need to go through for each car separately as they can't handle multi-car quotations. Once you've done that, add them all up and see if the total beats your quote from Admiral.

Yet they don't all compare the same sites, so the best strategy's to combine them. We've analysed the comparison sites, using a large range of monthly data, primarily focused on which ones produce the cheapest results, but also factoring in user feedback. (see How the order is picked ).

We also carried out our own research in obtaining quotations, the speed, how informative the process and end results are and what you need look out for.

Gives cheap quote 75% of time (in our sample)

Approx. time to get a quote 7 mins

GoComparetry it*

1. GoCompare.com...
Gets a cheap quote 75% of the time (in our sample)

  • Pros: Clearly shows the total compulsory & voluntary excess. Good function to 'customise quote'. Quotations page includes ticks showing the cover/add-ons provided. Option to compare up to 4 policy covers.

  • Cons: Voluntary excess defaults to £250 & limited options to amend (down to £100 or up to £250). Windscreen excess not stated. Assumptions are pre-ticked & contacted within 5 mins when not 'opting-out' of being contacted.

Top two of sample likely to give a cheap quote 88% of time.

Search takes
6 mins

MoneySupermarket.comtry it*

2. ...plus MoneySupermarket.com Increases chances of a cheap quote from sample to 88%

  • Pros: Quickest in input time. The total compulsory & voluntary excess clearly shown. Good option to compare policy covers. Simple filtering system. Confirmation email of the quotation received.

  • Cons: Assumptions automatically completed. Windscreen excess not stated. Edit quotations function not clear. Was contacted within 60 seconds by telephone for not 'opting-out' of marketing calls (and the opt-out option is not easy to find).


stop!

Check the big 'uns they miss ...

AvivaAviva*: Currently has a special offer for new customers who buy online. Until 30 May 2012 it is giving 15 weeks of free car insurance. Insure a 2nd car, and you could save up to 33% extra.

Direct lineDirect Line*: If you buy a policy by 31 May 2012, you will get 2 months worth of free car insurance, subject to a minimum premium. Also, quotes are valid for up to 90 days. Insure a 2nd car and you could get up to 15% extra off.

Top four of sample likely to give a cheap quote 94% of time.

Takes 6 mins to obtain a quotation

TescoCompare try it

3. ... plus TescoCompare Increases chances of cheapest quote from sample to 94%.

  • Pros: Good 'opt-out' options across the Tesco range. Clearly shows the cover provided and the additional premium to include add-ons such as breakdown, legal expenses or courtesy car. Earn Clubcard points.

  • Cons: Assumptions automatically completed. Windscreen excess not stated. No 'edit quotation' function - you need to use the 'back' button. No filtering option. More 'no quotes' than 'quotes'.

Top four of sample likely to give a cheap quote 98% of time.

Takes 8 mins to obtain a quotation

Confused.comtry it*

4. ... plus Confused.com Increases chances of cheapest quote from sample to 98%.

  • Pros: Good options to reduce the excess & clearly shows the total compulsory/voluntary excess. Simple filtering system. If you buy via Confused.com before 30 June 2012, you are able to claim 1,000 Nectar points.

  • Cons: Voluntary excess set at £250. Windscreen excess not stated & the option to edit quotations is not very clear or simple. The assumptions are pre-ticked. Was contacted when not 'opting-out' of being contacted.

Total...
(close to) 100% chance of cheapest quote, based on insurers comparison sites cover.

5. Boost chances to nearly 100%
Try to really nail down all the quotes

If you still haven't found a deal you're happy with or want to push the envelope there are some more options to try.

Plus try the following comparison sites if you have time - each takes around 5-10 minutes: Comparethemarket*, Beathatquote*, QuoteZone*.

If you've used Beatthatquote before and you're awaiting your cash back, you can now submit a claim using the appropriate form.

QuoteZone: Slower as nothing's pre filled in. Try it: QuoteZone*
CompareTheMarket: Be careful of the £500 default excess. Try it: Comparethemarket*

Step 3 - Check separate policies with the big insurers

Finally, a handful of insurers may give discounts if you open up multiple, but separate, car insurance policies with them for members of your household. Try as many of the following as you've time for

Aviva

Churchill* gives up to up to 15% off first year, 5% in the second, online and via phone.

Privilege

Privilege* gives up to 10% off

Drivers with company cars, registered in their name

Comparison sites always assume that YOU own the car that you are trying to insure. However many are in the position of driving a car owned by their employer, but registered so that they must insure and tax it.

This means comparison sites, while useful for benchmarking, don't do the trick here. First, try a couple of specialists, then see how prices from the comparisons stack up

LV=* Online quotes for company-owned carsLV

The only insurer we could find who give quotes online for vehicles owned by companies is LV=*.

Go through the quote process and it'll ask who owns the car. Then the quote you get will be in this basis. This by no means translates to LV= being the cheapest choice - but is very useful to get any idea of what you should be paying

Specialist brokers and insurersTime for phone based legwork

This is a good time to look to the old-fashioned route - insurance brokers. Before the online comparison boom, brokers - who can only look at a smaller range of insurers - will be able to dig into the detail, and tell you if a policy covers company cars.

It's worth phoning up as many of the following as you can, and having a chat (it's free - they're paid via commission): Adrian Flux, Alan Boswell, Giles Insurance, Endsleigh*, Swinton*, Footman James.

If you're staying power isn't worn thin, to further hone the price, again try telephoning these insurers: AA*, Admiral*, Churchill*, Diamond, Direct Line*.

Use comparisons to see how good the price is

Comparison sites zip your details to hosts of insurers' and brokers' websites, scraping their data off the screens to report back the cheapest. So be aware they often feed your personal details to insurers.

You won't be able to buy many of the policies you find, but it's a worthwhile exercise to check the final price you pay isn't wildly out of orbit.

Yet they don't all compare the same sites, so the best strategy's to combine them. We've analysed the comparison sites, using a large range of monthly data, primarily focused on which ones produce the cheapest results, but also factoring in user feedback. (see How the order is picked ).

We also carried out our own research in obtaining quotations, the speed, how informative the process and end results are and what you need look out for.

Gives cheap quote 77% of time (in our sample)

Approx. time to get a quote 7 mins

GoComparetry it*

1. GoCompare.com...
Gets a cheap quote 77% of the time (in our sample)

  • Pros: Clearly shows the total compulsory & voluntary excess. Good function to 'customise quote'. Quotations page includes ticks showing the cover/add-ons provided. Option to compare up to 4 policy covers.

  • Cons: Voluntary excess defaults to £250 & limited options to amend (down to £100 or up to £250). Windscreen excess not stated. Assumptions are pre-ticked & contacted within 5 mins when not 'opting-out' of being contacted.

Top two of sample likely to give a cheap quote 91% of time.

Search takes
6 mins

MoneySupermarkettry it*

2. ...plus MoneySupermarket.com Increases chances of a cheap quote from sample to 91%

  • Pros: Quickest in input time. The total compulsory & voluntary excess clearly shown. Good option to compare policy covers. Simple filtering system. Confirmation email of the quotation received.

  • Cons: Assumptions automatically completed. Windscreen excess not stated. Edit quotations function not clear. Was contacted within 60 seconds by telephone for not 'opting-out' of marketing calls (and the opt-out option is not easy to find).

stop!

Check the big 'uns they miss ...

AvivaAviva*: Currently has a special offer for new customers who buy online. Until 30 May 2012 it is giving 15 weeks of free car insurance.

Direct lineDirect Line*: If you buy a policy by 31 May 2012, you will get 2 months worth of free car insurance, subject to a minimum premium. Also, quotes are valid for up to 90 days.

Top three of sample likely to give a cheap quote 95% of time

Another 6 mins to obtain a quotation

TescoCompare try it*

3. ... plus TescoCompare Increases chances of a cheap quote from sample to 95%

  • Pros: Good 'opt-out' options across the Tesco range. Clearly shows the cover provided and the additional premium to include add-ons such as breakdown, legal expenses or courtesy car. Earn Clubcard points.

  • Cons: Assumptions automatically completed. Windscreen excess not stated. No 'edit quotation' function - you need to use the 'back' button. No filtering option. More 'no quotes' than 'quotes'.

Top four of sample likely to give a cheap quote 98% of time.

Takes 8 mins to obtain a quotation

Confused.comtry it*

4. ... plus Confused.com Increases chances of cheapest quote from sample to 98%.

  • Pros: Good options to reduce the excess & clearly shows the total compulsory/voluntary excess. Simple filtering system. If you buy via Confused.com before 30 June 2012, you are able to claim 1,000 Nectar points.

  • Cons: Voluntary excess set at £250. Windscreen excess not stated & the option to edit quotations is not very clear or simple. The assumptions are pre-ticked. Was contacted when not 'opting-out' of being contacted.

Total...
(close to) 100% chance of cheapest quote, based on insurers comparison sites cover.

5. Boost chances to nearly 100% Try to really nail down all the quotes

If you still haven't found a deal you're happy with or want to push the envelope there are some more options to try.

Plus try the following comparison sites if you have time - each takes around 5-10 minutes: Comparethemarket*, Beathatquote*, QuoteZone*.

If you've used Beatthatquote before and you're awaiting your cash back, you can now submit a claim using the appropriate form.

QuoteZone: Slower as nothing's pre filled in. Try it: QuoteZone*
CompareTheMarket: Be careful of the £500 default excess. Try it: Comparethemarket*

Based on a full survey carried out roughly every month, last done in April 2012 using March 2012 data. We compare quotes from CompareTheMarket, Confused, GoCompare, Moneysupermarket & TescoCompare.

Always double check the policy terms...

Once you've found the cheapest quotes from the screenscrapers, make two important checks:

  • Double check the quotes

    Click through to the insurance provider's own website to double check the quotes, as to speed up searches some comparison sites make a few assumptions (see what to check).

  • Examine the policy's coverage

    Check whether its suitable. So if you want free car hire if your car is being fixed, is it included?

    While you're there, it's worth playing with the policy details to see if you can finesse the price down. Look at the excess, and whether adding drivers cuts the cost.

    This tool by Find* allows you to check the coverage of two different policies side by side.

What happens if my insurer goes bust?

Insurance providers regulated in the UK are covered by the same Government-backed Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) as banks, meaning if they go into default, you're protected.

Comparison sites include many providers, the vast majority of which are regulated. A small number aren't, for example Markerstudy which is regulated in Gibraltar (meaning you'll need to claim from there if it's your insurer and it goes bust). So it's always worth checking yourself if you're concerned.

In the unlikely event a regulated insurer does go bust, the FSCS will try to find another provider to take over or issue a substitute policy. However, if you've ongoing claims, or need to claim before a new insurer is found, the FSCS should ensure you're covered. For more, see the Insurance section of the Savings Safety guide.

Step 3: Check special policies

Once you've tried the comparison sites, it's worth trying these extra ways to see if they undercut your best price.

Lock-in quotes up to 3 months ahead

Some insurers will hold the price of the quotation for up 90 days. This means that if you obtain a quote 2 or 3 months before your renewal is due, you've locked in a price in case premiums rise in the near future.

Direct Line* and Churchill* hold prices for 90 days, while Aviva*, AA* & Post Office* give quotes valid for 60 days. Remember, the prices are subject to your details not changing. Set up a Tart Alert to remind you when it's going to expire.

Pay when you drive

A tracking device is fitted to your car to monitor when you drive - so the more you drive, the more you pay (though of course, it's also likely to depend on your personal risk profile).

Coverbox. A pay as you drive scheme from Coverbox* has per mile charges that vary according to the time of day or night when you drive.

For low mileage drivers these can cut costs, especially if you don't drive at night (11pm - 5am) when the costs per mile jump.

Try a local broker

Some groups, eg, those in areas of high crime or with lots of penalty points, can find it incredibly difficult to find cheap insurance cover as they are considered too high a risk. Try speaking one-on-one to a local insurance broker about your individual circumstances to see if they can find you a decent policy (search on the British Insurance Brokers Association website).

Temporary car insurance

Its possible to get temporary insurance for one to 28 days, such as to to drive a friend's car, protecting their policy and no claims bonus. Budgets Temporary Insurance, Insure Daily, TempCover.com* and RAC are among some of the available policies.

Don't miss out on updates to this guide Get MoneySavingExpert's free, spam-free weekly email full of guides & loopholes

Step 4: Grab hidden cashback & discounts

By now you'll know the cheapest available provider. However you may be able to cut the cost even further.

The top cashback deals

Once you know who your cheapest provider is, you need to check there aren't any hidden cashback deals, as these can be as high as £100. If your second or third cheapest quotes weren't too much more expensive see if cashback's available for them too, and find the overall winner.

The step-by-step list below takes you through a variety of options to improve your deal.

Check 1: Cashback websites

These sites carry paid links from some retailers and financial services providers. In other words if you click through them and get a product they get paid. They then give you some of this cash which means you get the same product, but a cut of its revenue.

Don't choose based only on cashback, see it as a bonus once you've picked the right cover...

Those new to cashback sites should ensure they read the Top Cashback Sites guide for pros and cons before using them. Otherwise use the Cashback Sites Maximiser tool to find the highest payer for each insurer.

Things you need to know before doing this...

  • Never count the cash as yours until it's in your bank account. This cashback is never 100% guaranteed, there can be issues with tracking and allocating the payment, plus many cashback sites are small companies with limited backing, and you've no protection if anything happens to them.
  • Withdraw the cashback as soon as you're allowed. Money held in your cashback site account has no protection at all if that company went bust, so always withdraw it as soon as you're eligible.
  • Clear your cookies. While it shouldn't be a problem, if you've used comparison sites beforehand, there is a minor risk that the cashback may not track due to cookies - so its good practice to clear those first (read About Cookies).

Check 2: Get cashback via comparison sites

If cashback sites don't list your insurer, try a comparison site that pays cashback if you compare then get a policy via their sites.

MoneyExpert pays £25 (although currently its sister, SimplySwitch*, is topping the offer up to £40 if you go via its site and enter the code SIMPLYCAR).

Again though, it's more important to get the right policy than a bit of cashback, so ensure that first.

However, you must make sure you tick all the right boxes to claim this cashback, and understand that the comparison sites pay this bonus directly - not the insurers - so you are reliant on their ability to pay. Please read the quick cashback section above for full pros and cons.

Check 3: Special deals

If you can't get cashback it's worth noting a few companies have special deals not always mentioned by comparison services. These currently include (listed alphabetically):

AA

If you opt to buy a motor policy via the AA*, you will automatically be given free AA Breakdown cover for the first year if you are a new AA customer.

Aviva

Aviva* currently has a special offer for new customers who buy online. Until 30 May 2012 it is giving 15 weeks of free car insurance. Insure a 2nd car, and you could save up to 33% through its multi-car discount.

Be Wiser

Insurance broker Be Wiser* is giving free RAC membership for policies bought via its website.

Churchill

Buy Churchill* motor insurance by 30 June 2012, and you will receive 12 month's cover for the price of 10, and quotations will be valid for up to 90 days. A minimum premium will apply and sorry, not available in Northern Ireland.

Confused.com

Until, 30 June 2012, buy a motor policy via Confused.com* and you'll get 1,000 Nectar points (worth £5). A claim form needs to be completed within 60 days of taking out the policy to validate your points. Other T&Cs apply.

Direct Line

If you buy a Direct Line* policy by 31 May 2012, you will get 2 months worth of free car insurance, subject to a minimum premium. Also, quotes are valid for up to 90 days.

Natwest

If you are a NatWest* current account holder, you will receive a 15% discount for taking out a new car insurance policy. Also, if you are already a NatWest home insurance customer, you will get a further 10% off.

Sainsburys

Sainsbury's* Nectar cardholders who buy a comprehensive motor policy by 9 July 2012 will receive a 20% online discount. This is in addition to receiving double Nectar points for a year on Sainsbury's shopping and fuel.

Tesco

New customers with a clubcard, who buy an online policy from Tesco* by the 3 July 2012, will receive an online discount of upto 20% and be entitled to a free Black & Decker Dustbuster. T&C's do apply.

Haggle on your car insurance!

The car insurance market is very competitive and companies are desperate to retain business. So once you've got your overall cheapest price, get on the phone and try to haggle. There's often massive price flexibility, but be fully armed with the screenscrapers' cheapest quotes and any available cashback first.

The first port of call should be your existing insurer. If it can beat or even match the best quote it saves the hassle of switching policy. If that doesn't work and you're still in the mood, take it to a broker. For more haggling tips read the full Haggle On The High Street guide.

Step 5: Remember next year

alarm clock picture

Fortunately, providing you drive well and don't have any accidents, your insurance premium should get cheaper after the first year. However, don't automatically stick with the same provider - it may not still be cheapest.

Apply for cover from your existing insurer as a new customer and its likely you'll be given a cheaper price. This is because car insurers, like any company, will happily profit from apathy if they can.

Insurers must send out renewal notifications at least 28 days before renewal, though this doesn't leave much time, and you can end up rushing to find a cheaper price.

To avoid being forced to decide quickly, put a warning in your diary six weeks before your renewal date, so there's plenty of time to sort out a new provider. Alternatively use the free Tart Alert which sends a reminder text or email.

Warning! Women's car insurance to rise

An EU court ruling - that from Dec 2012 gender can't be factored into insurance prices - means that as women under 40 pay much less than men under 40, they need to expect gradual rises until then. See the MSE news story Insurance costs to soar for full info.

Get paid to be a mystery shopper

You could also sign up to Consumer Intelligence, a consumer research company, which pays several hundred people a month near renewal up to £50 to carry out comparisons. Importantly, you don't need to buy insurance from any of the companies you've contacted. See the It's a Mystery forum thread for full details.

The current record result

This technique often produces huge savings. Those who normally just accept their insurers' renewal regularly see £100s shaved off the cost. And significant numbers of MoneySavers report getting deals for under £100.

The Record... 96p for a year's fully comprehensive cover

In October 2009, civil servant and grandmother Barbara Wakerell smashed the old £14 record for using this car insurance system (see MSE News: 96p car insurance).

  • Policy Price: For Barbara the cheapest was £120.96 from Swinton Insurance for a fully comprehensive policy, with protected no claims bonus, and including a courtesy car.

  • Insurer cashback: The company had its own £70 cashback promo on.

  • Cashback site: She then got a further £50 via using a cashback site.

All added together, that meant the total cost of the insurance was just 96p. She said: "I'm always looking for a bargain so when I found my car insurance for £120.96 I thought I was doing well. But when I also got £120 cashback I realised I had done really, really well. Can anyone beat that?"

Have you used this guides techniques to save on car insurance? If so, please feedback in the Car Ins Super Deals forum discussion.

Car insurance Q&A

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What the * means above

In the main body of the article two types of links are listed. The first, which all have a * within the main body of the articles, help MoneySavingExpert.com stay free to use, as they're 'affiliated links' which invisibly take you usually via affiliate linkage or commercial money sites, which then pay this site. It's worth noting this means the third party used may be named on any credit agreements.

The second type doesn't help and therefore doesn't have a *. You shouldn't notice any difference, the links don't impact the product at all and the editorial line (the things we write) is NEVER impacted by the revenue - we aim to look at all available products. If it isn't possible to get an affiliate link for the best product, it is still included in exactly the same way. For more details read how this site is financed.

Important FSA Note. Referring people to insurers or insurance intermediaries can in some circumstances require FSA authorisation. For this reason, Martin Lewis of Shepherd's Studios, Rockley Road, Shepherd's Bush, London W14 0DA is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Duplicate links of the * links above for the sake of transparency, but this version doesn't help MoneySavingExpert.com: AA, Admiral, Aviva, Be Wiser, Beatthatquote, Churchill, Compare the market, Confused.com, Coverbox, Direct Line, Find, GoCompare, MoneyExpert, MoneySupermarket, Nationwide, NatWest, Post Office, Privilege, Quotezone, RBS, Sainsbury's, SimplySwitch, TempCover, Tesco

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