Motor insurance pricing rewards effort at renewal and penalises inertia. A few actions produce most of the available saving.
Shop at every renewal
The single largest lever. Renewal quotes are frequently higher than what the same insurer offers a new customer, on the assumption you will accept.
Comparing takes twenty minutes and commonly saves a substantial percentage.
Get the details right
Mileage, which if overstated raises the premium unnecessarily. Estimate honestly rather than generously.
Where the car is kept overnight, since a driveway or garage differs from the street.
Occupation, where the description chosen can change the price meaningfully for the same job. Choosing accurately from the list matters.
Adjust the excess
A higher voluntary excess lowers the premium. Set it at an amount you could pay without difficulty.
Named drivers
Adding an experienced driver can lower the premium for a young driver. Naming the main driver as an additional driver to reduce cost is fraud and voids the policy.
Telematics
A device or app monitoring how you drive, in exchange for pricing based on your actual behaviour. Frequently the largest saving available for young drivers, and it means being monitored.
Pay annually if you can
Monthly payment is usually credit with interest attached, at rates that are often high.
What raises it unexpectedly
Small claims, where the premium increase over several years can exceed the payout. Modifications, including some that seem minor. And a lapse in cover, which loses your no-claims record.