Fortunately, there are ways to make tangible savings, which could reduce your insurance bill by hundreds of pounds this coming year. Here we pick out six proven methods of cutting back on costs – without sacrificing the cover you need.
1. Work out what insurance cover you need
You won't benefit from overpaying for cover you don't need. However, on the flip side, skimping on cover to cut costs could be even more of a waste of money, if you can't claim when you need to.
With most kinds of insurance, you'll be faced with a range of cover levels and optional extras. Rather than risk being overwhelmed by the choices presented to you during an insurance search, it can help to write out a list of essential features vs nice-to-have and to calculate the level of cover you need in advance.
Think about things like:
2. Don't rule out more comprehensive cover
Saving money on insurance doesn't have to mean skimping on quality.
Insurers all compete for different groups of customers – so an essential option from one firm may well cost more than a premium policy from a rival that wants your business more.
And even with the same insurer, third party and third party, fire and theft car insurance policies (which only cover damage you cause other road users and, in some cases, fire and theft affecting your own car) can sometimes cost more than comprehensive cover (which also covers accidental damage to your car). This may seem counterintuitive, but it's because insurers are aware that those who opt for less cover are more likely to make a claim .
Bear in mind also that costs may not be confined to the up-front insurance premium. Policies with lower levels of cover, or higher excesses, will leave you paying more if you claim. This could end up costing you more than the saving made in picking a cheaper policy over a slightly more expensive one, so weigh up the saving over this risk.
Find out more3. Start shopping around early for insurance
Generally speaking, buying insurance early (and certainly not buying last-minute) can save you money.
4. Don't default to insurance autorenewal
Most kinds of insurance use 'personal pricing', which means everyone gets their own price based on their personal circumstances and level of risk. For some, this can be an advantage – if you haven't made a previous claim, you may get a discount, for example.
The only way to get an idea of how competitive your insurer's prices are is to shop around. We think you should shop around at every renewal, to see how your insurer's quote compares with rivals.
In your renewal notice, your existing car and home insurers should clearly tell you what you paid the previous year (or would have paid with your current level of cover, if you've made any changes). This can help you spot if there have been any substantial changes. However, even if their renewal quote seems reasonable, you may still find that another provider offers equivalent cover for less.
Find out more:5. Haggle with your existing insurer
If you're happy with your existing provider and don't want to switch, it doesn't mean you have to accept the renewal quote. Insurers don't like to boast about how receptive they are to haggling – and not all are. But our research repeatedly finds that many are willing to negotiate their prices if you're not happy with their latest offer.
It needn't be an overly adversarial process. If the price has risen, simply phone the insurer and politely ask to discuss why it's risen – and let it know you're considering switching. If you've researched lower prices from rival insurers for similar policies, this will support your argument.
Find out more:6. Consider specialist travel cover
If you're trying to cover your travel plans but have medical conditions, these could be adding substantially to your price. For some, these can make travel insurance virtually unaffordable. Some insurers and brokers specialise in covering people with pre-existing medical conditions, but they aren't always easy to track down.
Find out more:Which? Limited is registered in England and Wales to 2 Marylebone Road, London NW1 4DF, company number 00677665 and is an Introducer Appointed Representative (FRN 610689) of the following:
1. Inspop.com Ltd for the introduction of non-investment motor, home, travel and pet insurance, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide advice and arrange non-investment motor, home, travel and pet insurance products (FRN310635). Inspop.com Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide advice and arrange non-investment motor, home, travel and pet insurance products (FRN310635) and is registered in England and Wales to Greyfriars House, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff, South Wales, CF10 3AL, company number 03857130. Confused.com is a trading name of Inspop.com Ltd.
2. LifeSearch Partners Limited (FRN656479), for the introduction of Pure Protection Contracts and Private Health Insurance, who are authorised and regulated by the FCA to provide advice and arrange Pure Protection Contracts and Private Health Insurance Contracts. LifeSearch Partners Ltd is registered in England and Wales to 3000a Parkway, Whiteley, Hampshire, PO15 7FX, company number 03412386.
3. HUB Financial Solutions, for the introduction of equity release advice, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’) to provide advice and guidance on financial products for those who have retired or are approaching retirement (FCA Firm Reference Number: 455713). HUB Financial Solutions is registered in England and Wales to
Enterprise House, Bancroft Road, Reigate, Surrey RH12 7RP, company number 05125701.
4. Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers Ltd (FRN 301), for the introduction of non-investment landlord insurances, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide advice and arrange insurance contracts. Alan Boswell insurance brokers Ltd is registered in England at Prospect House, Rouen Rd, Norwich NR1 1RE, company number 02591252.
Other financial services:
Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), Unit 26 (2.06), Newark Works, 2 Foundry Lane, Bath BA2 3GZ. London & Country are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
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source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/how-to-get-cheap-insurance-in-2025-aayMl8d9Aqyu