Online car insurance

A report by the Association of British Insurers estimated that in 2010, over 50 per cent of new car insurance policies in the UK were purchased online and this trend is only set to continue as more people use the Internet to shop for essentials. Purchasing online car insurance has plenty of benefits but can be a daunting prospect. Here is a look at some of the ways you can save money, and some of the things to avoid.

Research, research, research

When it comes to buying online car insurance, there is no substitute for research. Because there are a plethora of different companies and a multitude of options offered by each provider, finding the right policy can quickly become confusing. Spend time firstly researching the market to compare what each company or policy offers; then consider what you will need from your policy.

Get the right policy for your car

If your car is relatively old or not worth a lot of money, it makes little sense investing in a fully comprehensive policy as the benefits you would receive in the event of a claim would amount to less than the cost of the premium. Conversely, if your car is worth a lot of money, purchasing a cheap or basic policy might save you money initially but in the event of an accident or the need to make a claim, you may find yourself liable for a greater amount than you realised.

Optional extras

A typical insurance policy will include few additional benefits aside from cover, but by spending a little time and perhaps a little extra money, you can be sure that you’re covered for eventualities besides a collision or theft. Many insurance companies will offer plenty of extra basic options including breakdown cover or windscreen replacement. If your job or personal life involves plenty of travel, many insurance companies will offer the possibility of European driving.

Some insurance providers may offer some or all of these features as standard but can come with restrictions or reduced cover such as European driving limited to 30 days and only third party cover. Again, make sure to read all the terms and conditions of your policy to ensure you don’t find yourself caught out when it matters.

How to get the best deal online

While buying online car insurance is quickly becoming the most common way of purchasing insurance, many people dislike the idea because of how long it can take repeatedly inputting your details to a long list of providers. Fortunately, by using a car insurance comparison site, you can slash this time down to just a fraction and even find a great discount; just specify your desired features and input your details just once and the sites will filter down the market to just the quotes which can cater to your needs.