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Car insurance - how you can save money

It is undeniable that having a car is a great drain on anyone's expenses. While the cost of petrol, maintenance and tax always seem to go up, there are various ways you can cut the amount you spend on car insurance.

For example, if a couple share a car, they may save money by naming the female as the main driver. This is because women are usually charged less by insurance companies because they tend to make less costly claims.

You may also want to change your insurance provider to one that charges less for the same level of coverage.

Comparing the various insurance companies was previously an arduous, time-consuming chore. You would have to phone each company separately, give them the details of your car, security measures, parking habits and personal information before getting a quote.

This would then have to be compared with quotes all their competitors, before you chose the right company, phoned them back and arranged the insurance.

Fortunately, things are much more straightforward today. Rather than wasting time phoning numerous insurance companies, you can compare them all online.

Price comparison websites make it much easier to find car insurance. You only need to enter your details once, and you will be able to see which insurance provider offers you the most comprehensive coverage at the lowest cost.

You can then contact the insurance company you choose to arrange your coverage. It really is as simple as that.

Yet however simple it may be to find an insurance company through a price comparison site, there is still a lot to consider before you make your decision.

For example, you need to decide how much of an excess you are willing to pay. This is the amount you pay when your car is repaired through your insurance policy. If you choose to pay a higher excess, you will see your insurance premiums fall.

This is because the insurance company will view as a lower risk.

You should also consider the type of insurance you require, as this can have a significant effect on the amount you pay.

Some of the options that are available include full, third party and third party, fire and theft. The option you choose will vary the amount you pay for insurance.

Other factors that can affect your premiums are age, gender, location and the security measures you take.

Younger drivers are usually charged more as they are involved in a higher number of accidents, while male drivers - who, on average, travel longer distances - will also make more claims than their female counterparts.

If you live in an area with a high crime rate, you will also be charged a higher rate. On the other hand, fitting security devices such as trackers or immobilisers will result in a reduction in your insurance premiums.

There are numerous factors that will dictate the amount you pay for car insurance. And however much you are currently paying, it makes sense to use a price comparison site to see if you can save money on your insurance.