The right insurance can help cut cost of motoring

The latest Budget has ensured motoring costs will continue to rise, but Britain's drivers could cut motor insurance costs with some simple choices says American Express Motor Insurance.

The latest American Express survey2 results asked 10,000 customers if recent rising petrol costs had altered driving behaviour.

20% said that the rising costs of petrol had made them change their driving habits; 15% drive less; 10% had changed to a more economical car; 1% used more public transport.

However the same survey revealed that only 57% of drivers shopped around for their motor insurance.

Joanne Field, Marketing Manager, American Express Motor Insurance: "The cost of motoring seems to rise year on year and whilst there is little motorists can do to cut the cost of fuel or road tax, insurance is one area where real savings can be made." AMERICAN EXPRESS TOP TIPS: 1.

SHOP AROUND - No matter what you drive or where you live, the best way to save money on motor insurance is to shop around.

A panel of insurers will always check the market to offer a competitive deal - American Express Motor Insurance for example saves the average motorist up to ?109 off their insurance.4 Most insurers will offer an additional discount for purchasing on line.

American Express offers a 5% discount.

2.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT COVER - Do not be swayed into buying a higher level of cover than you need.

Depending on the value of your car, you will need either fully comprehensive, third party fire and theft or just third party.

Remember when comparing quotes to check whether the policies are offering cover which is like for like.

3.

INCREASE YOUR VOLUNTARY EXCESS - Most policies come with a standard excess, but some insurers allow you to choose a higher, voluntary excess which, in turn, creates additional discount on your premium.

For example, a 33 year old female driver living in Croydon and driving an X reg Toyota Avensis can save an additional 8% on the overall premium by increasing the excess from £50 to £1003.

4.

PROTECT YOUR NO CLAIMS BONUS - A hard earned no claims bonus can save pounds off your insurance and may well be worth protecting.

5.

COMPARE LIKE FOR LIKE POLICIES - Be sure you are comparing like for like, sometimes insurers exclude items such as a courtesy car to keep the premiums lower.

Make sure you choose the right cover for you.

6.

DON'T ATTRACT THIEVES - Think carefully, before modifying or customising your car - features like alloy wheels and spoilers can be attractive to thieves and can increase your insurance premiums.

7.

KEEP YOUR CAR SAFE - Many insurers offer discounts for secure parking, alarms and immobilisers fitted to cars.

An approved category one immobiliser fitted by VSIB engineers can cut up to 10% off premiums.

8.

PARK OFF ROAD - Extra discounts are offered to motorists who park either on a driveway or in a garage overnight.

9.

ANNUAL MILEAGE - Drivers who have low annual mileage may be offered extra discounts.

10.

POINTS MEAN POUNDS - Speeding points, motoring offences including using your mobile can all raise the cost of insurance.

Motorists who drive wisely will have cheaper car insurance.

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