Petrol prices seem always to be rising, making it vital that drivers get the best deal on their motoring costs and save money where they can.
Here are 10 tips on saving money on your motoring costs.
1. Check your tyre pressure
Poorly inflated tyres put more strain on the engine and use more fuel as a result.
2. Remove roof racks when not in use
Roof racks make your car less aerodynamic. Fundamentally this means that when on they on your car you use more fuel.
3. Change the way you use you car’s pedals
Save petrol by accelerating gradually from a standstill and leaving a good gap between you and the car in front so that you can break gently. Do not force your accelerator down quickly to try and move off at speed.
4. Consider the type of car insurance policy you need
If your car is of low value, third party fire and theft may be best as excesses may make comprehensive insurance pointless.
Third party insurance is the legal minimum cover that you need. This means you’re covered if you have an accident causing damage or injury to any other person, vehicle, animal or property.
Be aware thought that third party insurance doesn’t provide you with cover for any other costs, including any repairs to your own vehicle.
5. Consider the amount of voluntary excess to have
You need to balance increasing the excess level to bring down your premium cost with keeping it at a level that you can afford should you need to make a claim.
Be aware that the effect of increasing an excess on higher cost policies such as for younger drivers can be much greater than on smaller, less expensive policies.
6. Don’t have car modifications
These can be considered a greater risk and therefore are likely to drive up the cost of your car insurance.
7. Pay for your premium upfront
If you can do this it will save on any extra charges levied for spreading payment over installments.
8. Consider the number of miles you will do in a year
Often the price of a car insurance policy will be based on the number of miles you expect to do so don’t overestimate on this. Equally don’t be tempted to underestimate though as you may be penalised.
If your mileage is going to be more than you originally state then you need to let your insurer know.
9. Don’t park your car on the roadside
If you can park your car on a driveway or in a garage many insurers consider this less risk and will therefore offer you a lower premium.
10. Shop around for insurance
The best way to keep the costs down is by shopping around for your car insurance cover, as not all insurance providers rate the same way and some companies specialise in covering specific risks.
Spending some time checking out what cover you can get for what price, will certainly be of great benefit and help ensure you get the best deal for your needs.
If you use a comparison site, such as MoneySuperMarket.com or Confused.com, remember that not all insurers are included. Some like Direct Line are not and so to get an online quote from them requires you to go directly to their individual websites to get a quote.