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How to reduce your car insurance premium

Car insurance policy prices are determined by a range of factors, including the driver, the vehicle, the phases of the moon, maybe. It can be really tricky to keep track of just what is affecting your car insurance premiums, but knowing your way around these factors can help you save big time.

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    Monthly premiums
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    Yes Costs Extra
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    Optional Extra
    Choice of excess
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    $550 - $1,900 (varies By State)
    Agreed or market value
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    Agreed Or Market

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    Monthly premiums
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    Choice of repairer
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    No
    Choice of excess
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    $800 Flat Excess Fee
    Agreed or market value
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    Agreed

    Available discounts

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      Monthly premiums
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      Yes Costs Extra
      Choice of repairer
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      Optional Extra
      Choice of excess
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      $500 - $2,200
      Agreed or market value
      Car coin icon
      Agreed Or Market

      Available discounts

      • Online Discount $75
      Details

    So how do insurance companies figure out policy prices?

    The cost of your car insurance policy is based on the average cost of covering actual losses, spread out over your particular 'rating group' as a whole. Of course, you may never have an accident or have your car stolen, and therefore will never need to be compensated. But others in your category may not be so lucky.

    Car insurance prices are determined by:

    • Sex - Auto insurance cares not for our enlightened age of non-discrimination. So insurance providers take advantage of the statistic that men have more accidents than women, and charge young males higher premiums.
    • Age - Crusty old insurance companies resent youth and beauty. Also, drivers under 25 have a higher risk of accidents, so many insurance companies offer increasing discounts for drivers aged 30 and above.
    • Marital status - Perhaps because they pay less attention to the roads and more to dishy passers-by, single drivers have statistically more accidents than their married peers, and therefore pay more in car insurance premiums.
    • Driving record - This is a secret recipe made up of ingredients like: number of years you've been driving; your accident history; speeding tickets and other driving offences on your record.
    • Driving habits - More secret auto insurance herbs and spices, but in general: peak hour driving results in more car accidents than weekend shopping trips; using your vehicle for business also incurs more risk.
    • Parking habits - Where you live, and where you park your car during the day will affect the risk of theft. Garages = good; Gotham City streets = bad.
    • Vehicle type - Obviously a more expensive car will cost more to insure, but other factors include:
      • the size and weight of your car (larger, heavier vehicles are rated lower risk than smaller, lighter cars)
      • the age of your vehicle (older = accident-prone)
      • the cost of repairs and replacement parts (European models can be more expensive for bits and pieces or general tinkering)
      • theft-ability (fast cars get stolen more than station wagons with dorky bumper stickers)
    • the size and weight of your car (larger, heavier vehicles are rated lower risk than smaller, lighter cars)
    • the age of your vehicle (older = accident-prone)
    • the cost of repairs and replacement parts (European models can be more expensive for bits and pieces or general tinkering)
    • theft-ability (fast cars get stolen more than station wagons with dorky bumper stickers)

    Cheaper car insurance premiums

    Yes, you want a cheaper premium, but it's important not to sacrifice your security in the rush for low cost car insurance.

    Here are ways to cut the cost of your insurance premium, without sacrificing the quality of your cover.

    No claims bonus

    This is your ticket to cheaper car insurance: just one year of accident-free driving will knock about 20% off your premium, and each year after that is worth about 10% more, to a total of 60% at the top 'Rating 1' no claim bonus. Before making an auto insurance claim, consider whether the payout is worth more than the potential loss of your NCB.

    Loyalty

    Everybody loves a multi-policy discount, especially insurance providers. You could save 10% or more across all your policies by using the same insurance company for multiple products including:

    • Comprehensive car insurance
    • CTP greenslip
    • roadside assistance
    • home and contents insurance

    Excess

    The higher the excess you're prepared to pay, the lower the premium. If you're not worried about the cost of minor repairs, higher excess is a great route to cheap car insurance. Just remember, a high excess means a lower upfront premium - but you'll be paying more of the cost of repairs if you ever do have an accident.

    Nominated drivers

    Unless your car is shared by the whole town, restricting the number of drivers who use your vehicle is an easy way to save on your policy. Fewer drivers is better, and older drivers (particularly over 25 years) make for significant savings.

    Some policies will still cover car accidents caused by non-nominated drivers, but levy a higher excess in these cases.

    Security

    The more you have, the smaller your premium. Immobilisers and car alarms contribute, and a car tracking device is ideal if you're at the luxury end of the car yard.

    Also, whenever possible, park your car in a secure garage, instead of out on the street.

    Market value payout

    If you write off the car, your provider will either pay the current market value of your vehicle or a preset 'agreed' value. The latter might allow you to buy a new model but it will also increase your premium.

    Safe driver discounts: the driving course

    Young drivers in particular can have their premiums (and excess) reduced by completing a defensive driving course. (Lesson 1: the best defence is not a good offence.)

    Salary packaging

    If your car payments or lease are arranged through your job, employer or own business, you can include car insurance in the package to pay it off pre-tax.

    Mozo Editorial
    Mozo Editorial

    Mozo’s team of experienced journalists and money experts provide news, insights, practical guides and expert analysis to help you master your personal finances. We follow editorial guidelines that focus on accuracy, reliability and timeliness; helping you make informed financial decisions with confidence and the most of your hard-earned money.

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