Gemma thought she had the perfect insurance plan. She paid her premiums on time and trusted her provider to have her back. Then disaster struck. When she filed a claim, the company delayed, denied, and made excuses. She spent hours on calls, dealing with unhelpful agents and endless paperwork. Stress piled up as bills kept coming. She felt trapped, helpless, and cheated. But she refused to give up. With the right strategy and persistence, she turned the tables and got what she deserved. This is her story—a warning, a lesson, and a guide for anyone facing the same struggle.
Gathering Insurance Tips and Tricks
Different companies offer different prices. Never settle for the first quote. Get at least three quotes from different insurers. Use online comparison tools for quick results. Check both big companies and smaller ones. Some local insurers offer better deals. Compare not just the price but also the coverage. A cheaper plan is useless if it doesn’t cover what you need. Always read the details before choosing.
Increase Your Deductible
A higher deductible means lower monthly costs. This is the amount you pay before insurance starts covering expenses. If you can afford a higher upfront cost, this can save you money in the long run. Check your budget before making changes. Make sure you have enough savings to cover the deductible if needed. This works best for people who don’t file claims often.
Bundle Your Policies
Insurance companies offer discounts if you buy multiple policies from them. Combine car, home, or renters insurance for lower prices. Some companies even offer discounts for bundling life insurance. Always check if the total cost is actually cheaper. Sometimes, separate policies from different companies can be more affordable. Ask your provider about bundling options and compare with others.
Ask About Discounts
Insurance companies offer many discounts, but they don’t always mention them. Ask about safe driver, good student, military, or senior discounts. Some companies give lower rates for installing security devices in cars or homes. Others reward low mileage or loyalty. Check every possible option to save money. Even small discounts can add up over time.
Improve Your Credit Score
Many insurers use credit scores to set rates. A higher score can mean lower costs. Pay bills on time, reduce debt, and check your credit report for errors. If your score improves, ask your insurer for a better rate. Some states don’t allow credit-based pricing, but many do. It’s worth checking how this affects your policy.
Pay in Full
Many companies charge extra for monthly payments. Paying your premium in full can save you money. Some insurers offer discounts for yearly or six-month payments. If paying in full isn’t an option, ask if setting up automatic payments lowers your rate. Even small savings add up over time.
Drive Safely and Avoid Claims
Accidents and claims increase your insurance costs. Safe drivers get better rates. Some insurers offer programs that track driving habits and give discounts for good behavior. If your driving record improves, ask your insurer to review your rate. Defensive driving courses can also help lower costs. Check if your insurance company offers discounts for taking one.
Review Your Policy Every Year
Insurance needs change over time. Your rate may increase even if nothing changes. Always review your policy before renewal. Compare new quotes to see if you can get a better deal. Ask your current provider for a lower rate. If you qualify for new discounts, apply them. Regular reviews help you avoid overpaying.
Emma’s Three Insurance Hacks
Firstly, I’ve got three from Emma. She’s speaking from experience.
- Clear Your Search History and Cookies
Each time you search for insurance online, clear your search history or cookies. If you just search on an individual insurance company, they’ll be able to track that you’ve previously searched for insurance, and each time you search again, you’ll get more expensive quotes. - Add an Experienced Driver as the Main Driver
Try having an experienced driver’s name as the main driver and you as the added driver. That can certainly bring the price down. However, if you are the main driver of the car, you need to put yourself down as the main driver. - Install a Dash Cam
Get a dash cam fitted, and that should bring your price down. If you’re speaking to an insurance broker or company over the phone, let them know that you’ve got a dash cam fitted, and nine times out of ten, they’ll give you a cheaper price for it.
Stanley’s Tips for Lower Insurance Rates
Stanley also has some great insights.
- Try Different Job Titles
Different job roles have different insurance rates. Builders are quite high in insurance, while other jobs might have lower rates. Again, you can’t lie to your insurance company, but tweaking how you describe your role within the bounds of truth can save money. - Add Family Members or Flatmates with Good Insurance History
It doesn’t have to be just family members. If your flatmate is going to drive the car and they’ve got a good insurance history, adding them can help reduce your premium. - Use Multiple Comparison Sites
Sites like Confused.com, Compare the Market, and MoneySuperMarket all have different deals with different insurance companies. Even if it just saves you a small amount, it’s worth it.
Start Your Policy in Advance
Insurance companies charge more for policies that start immediately. If you plan ahead, you can save money. Buying a policy today for a future start date often gets you a lower rate. Some companies give discounts if you set your start date weeks in advance. If buying a car, you can leave it at the dealership and start insurance later. This simple trick can reduce your yearly costs. Always check how much you can save before choosing a start date.
Avoid Last-Minute Policies
Buying insurance at the last minute usually costs more. Insurers see it as a risk. They assume urgent buyers might have had previous coverage issues. Plan ahead whenever possible. Get quotes early and compare prices. Even setting your start date a week later can lower your premium. If you already have a car, don’t let your policy expire before renewing. A little planning can lead to big savings.
Set Your Start Date Wisely
The date you choose affects your rate. If you can wait, start your policy at least a month later. Some companies offer lower prices for policies set in advance. This works best when buying a new car. Insure it now, but schedule coverage to start later. If switching insurers, set the new policy start date before the old one ends. This avoids gaps in coverage and keeps costs low.
Understanding Excess and How to Use It
When you buy an insurance policy, you will set an excess amount—this could be £100, £200, or even £500. If you have an accident, you will pay this excess before your insurer covers the rest. Raising your excess can lower your premium, but offsetting it with excess protection can help avoid large out-of-pocket costs
Lower Your Mileage
Driving fewer miles can lower your insurance costs. If you drive 5,000-6,000 miles a year, report 5,000 for a better rate. But don’t go too low, or your insurance could be voided. Some companies check your odometer if you file a claim. Many insurers offer low-mileage discounts, so update your policy if you drive less. Pay-per-mile insurance is also an option. Always track your mileage correctly to avoid problems and save money.
Martin Lewis’ Job Title Trick
Consider Leasing Instead of Buying
If you’re a young driver, consider leasing instead of buying. Many leasing companies include insurance in their packages, potentially saving you money in the long run.
Create a New Email Address for Your Quote
Even if you clear your cookies, insurance companies track your email. If you’re ready to buy, create a new email, enter the same details, and you could save money.
Pass Plus No Longer Worth It
Pass Plus used to lower insurance costs, but insurers no longer trust it since driving instructors can sign off on it without a real test. It likely won’t save you enough to justify the cost.
Before buying a car, check its insurance group.Examples include Fiat Panda, Ford KA, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Nissan Micra, and VW Up.
Install a Safety Device
Installing an immobilizer or alarm, if your car doesn’t already have one, can reduce your insurance costs. Always inform your insurer if you add one.
Ask About Discounts
Many companies offer discounts for young drivers, new drivers, NHS workers, Armed Forces, and Emergency Services employees. It doesn’t hurt to ask!
Join a Professional Association
Joining a driving or road safety association can qualify you for insurance discounts. Many of these memberships are free or inexpensive.
Pay Annually Instead of Monthly
Paying annually instead of monthly can save you hundreds of pounds over the year. If you can afford to, always pay the full amount upfront.
Conclusion
Saving on insurance is possible with the right steps. Compare quotes, increase your deductible, and ask for discounts. Plan your policy start date wisely and be honest about your mileage. Bundling policies and paying in full can also reduce costs. Safe driving and reviewing your policy yearly help keep rates low. Small changes can lead to big savings over time. Always check your options before renewing. With careful planning, you can get the best coverage at the lowest price.