Since December 2012 insurers can't use gender to calculate your car insurance premium.*
So like all other drivers, they assess how much of a risk you are based on your driving history, and details about the car and yourself. That seems fair. But there are still steps you can take to keep the premium as low as possible.
What do insurers consider when you get a quote?
The main factors they take into consideration are:
- Your age.
- The car you're driving or will be driving.
- Your annual mileage.
- Where you live.
- Any security devices and modifications on your car.
- Any claims, incidents and motoring convictions you may have.
How can you keep the premium down?
Well, age is risk factor for all drivers. Indeed premiums rise for those 70 and over. But drivers aged 17–24 can be more likely to have an accident and make a claim. Accordingly, if you're in this high-risk age category your quote will be much higher. Here are some ways to keep down the cost if you're a young driver.
Of course, driving safely is always the best option for reducing a car insurance premium, which will build up your no claims discount. After just one year you could save up to a third.
And premiums do vary depending where you live. (Scotland has the lowest average premiums.) But since most of us are unlikely to move address just to save money, you can consider car security at home, even just where you park. Keeping the car off the road could bring cheaper insurance.
Another way to keep the cost of your insurance down is to select a voluntary higher excess, that is how much you would pay towards a claim. But apart from driving the price down, do look carefully at the policy details to ensure they meets your own personal requirements. For example, check that the policy fully covers your belongings inside the car, or replacement child seats if you have a family.
* European Court of Justice ruling effective from 21 December 2012. This followed the Gender Directive in 2004 which made sex discrimination in all European countries illegal.