It’s likely that you’ve seen stories in the media surrounding the topic of rising car insurance, with everything from Brexit, rising fraudulent claims and increased technology, amongst others to blame.
Although car insurance prices can vary due to a number of reasons, we thought it would be handy for you to know some of the factors that could affect the price you receive - from age and driving experience to where you live and your claims history - we give you the lowdown on what could drive your price.
We take a look the factors that affect the price that you’re quoted:
Your age and driving experience
As you get older and you’ve held your driving licence for longer, you’re considered to be more experienced on the roads. Some believe that statistically you’re less likely to be involved in an accident so you can expect to pay a lower price. Younger drivers, aged between 17 and 25, typically face paying the highest premiums. Many insurers now offer younger driver cover to help them get on the road.
Older drivers are seen to be a higher risk because the chance of you being involved in an accident increases in later life.
Your job
Your career might mean that you spend more time driving your car for business use or you use it to commute to work during the week. It’s important you select the right level of cover and that you provide an accurate estimated annual mileage.
Two similar job titles can provide two very different prices so make sure to be as accurate as you can when entering your job title.
Where you live
Whether you live on or off base, may affect the cost of your insurance.
If you live in a built-up area where the risk of accidents is generally greater, then you’ll pay more for your car insurance. It might be a well-known accident blackspot or have a dangerous road junction in your town, or you could live near a road with high levels of vehicle crime.
It can vary between nearby postcodes. A car owner who lives on a busy main road may have to pay higher prices because more accidents have been reported there than in the cul-de-sac round the corner.
Your claims history
If you’ve made a claim within the last five years this will have an impact on the price you will pay.
Your car
A little run about is not only cheaper to run but also cheaper to insure for most people. A larger engine or newer car is typically more expensive to repair. They are also more attractive to car thieves so you can expect to pay more to insure it.
Alarms, immobilisers and other built-in security devices may help reduce your premium. Thatcham Research, the motor insurers’ automotive research centre, has some handy tips on their website.
Points on your driving licence
If you have points on your driving licence, this will have an affect on the price you will pay.
The type of cover
You'd think that the higher the level of cover you go for, the more you’ll pay but this isn’t always the case. It’s worth checking the price for each level of cover on offer as well as making sure the one you select meets your needs.
Increase your excess
You can reduce your premium by increasing the voluntary excess to an amount you’re able to pay on top of the compulsory excess if you need to make a claim.
Your gender
This used to be a factor, but in 2012 the EU ruled that companies could no longer consider your gender when providing a quote for a product or service so this no longer affects your price.
It's not all about you...
It’s also important to remember that your insurance policy doesn’t just provide cover for your car – it’s also there to protect other road users against accidents you might cause.
Forces Mutual offers car insurance tailored to military personnel and their families. For more information about our car insurance and how you could benefit, click here or call 00 800 00 01 02 03
Forces Mutual Car Insurance is provided by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc.
PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England & Wales No. 1073408. Registered office: Alexandra House, Queen Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6QS. Universal International Freephone Number (UIFN) - local connection charges may apply, please check with your telephone provider. For your security, all calls are recorded and may be monitored.