If you are looking to buy car insurance. Don’t forget these important points

DO remember it’s the law
Up to two million people in the UK driver without insurance. As a driver you can take out three types of policy. Fully comprehensive insurance will cover all forms of risk, 3rd party fire and theft will cover damage caused by fire or theft and any liability caused by damage to another person or vehicle; 3rd party only which will cover your liability to other people.

DO shop around
When you buy car insurance the golden rule is to get a number of quotes so you are able to make comparisons on price and level of cover provided. Always check what additional items have been included such as excess, and more critically to what value. By loading additional items as high or low as possible some companies are able to offer very low indicative prices which do not reflect the product or premium at all! Additions to the policy can be increased or lowered in value dependent on the level of cover you are looking for and premium you are willing to pay. Such items include excess, medical expenses, legal expenses, personal accident, personal belongings, no claims protection, and breakdown cover.

DON'T forget breakdown cover
Breakdown cover can be bought as part of your car insurance policy or can be bought as an individual product. Most drivers are sensible enough to have breakdown insurance, but there are still millions of drivers without such cover. Taking good care of your car will help prevent a breakdown but does not guarantee it. Breakdown cover comes in a variety of packages from as little as £22 a month and insurers use a network of approved repairers.

Click here for car breakdown insurance comparisons

DO tell your insurer what they need to know
When you enter into a contract with an insurer you agree to keep the insurer up to date with any information which may change the premium you pay. For example:

• If you change address then you must inform your insurer. This is because your car may become more or less liable to damage.

• If you are caught speeding and points are applied to your licence you must inform the insurer.

• If you are fined for driving while using a mobile phone you do not currently have to inform your insurer (this may well change).

DON’T modify your car without talking to your insurer
Modifying your car will affect your premium. Insurers calculate the premium based on multiple factors, one being the car. Manufacturers work closely with insurers so that a particular model of car can be insured to a standard. If you modify the car then the factors on which your premium has been based will have changed.
It is strongly recommended that BEFORE modifying your car ask your insurer what the affect on your premium will be, and by how much. As the person responsible for paying the bill you can then decide whether you want to go ahead with your modification!

DO get your own insurance policy
If you have recently passed your test you may not even own a car but have been offered the use of another person’s car. You can add yourself onto their policy as a named driver but it is worth starting your own policy as soon as possible.
The cost of insuring your own car under your own name means you will pay a higher premium in the initial period (but this will happen no matter when you start your own policy) and is a process all drivers have to go through. The good news is that within one year you earn your first year’s no-claims bonus. That means you will get a cheaper premium for your second year. The more years no-claims you build, the cheaper your next premium!

DO tell your insurer if you’re going to drive abroad
Many people with UK driving licences are qualified to drive in Europe. UK Insurance policies are also valid in Europe (usually minimum legal requirement) but it is important to inform your insurer that you will be driving outside the UK.
Before you travel organise a Green Card from your insurer and take it with you - it is recognised internationally as evidence that you have met the local insurance requirements. If you are involved in an accident while you are abroad remember to contact your insurer as soon as possible. Additional items to remember while driving abroad are:

• Your driving licence

• Your passport

• A GB sticker

• A tool kit and a warning triangle

• Registration documents

• Certificate of motor insurance and contact details in case of an emergency

To compare prices on car insurance click here