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Martin Lewis Shares Advice On How Young Drivers Could Save On Car Insurance

Martin Lewis Shares Advice On How Young Drivers Could Save On Car Insurance

Some of these may require a little outside-the-box thinking

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

Never mind trying to save enough money to actually buy a motor of your own, car insurance is the real kicker.

And for young drivers it's even worse, with recent learners having to fork out hundreds, potentially thousands, just to get out on the road.

Well, if you've recently passed your test, fear not, because financial whizz Martin Lewis has given his top tips, which could save you hundreds.

Speaking on the Martin Lewis Money Show, the 47-year-old said: "Cutting car insurance costs is less about common sense and more about small changes in your behaviour that can bring big price swings."

Before moving onto his main tricks of the trade, he warned drivers to be wary about the price hike often included with 'auto renewals'.

Adding: "Auto renewal is a money-saving sin, and you shouldn't do it."

PA

According to Martin, timing is key, pointing out that the price can often drop between 35 days and 21 ahead of your renewal, before rising again.

He says the optimal window is 20 to 26 days before.

"It's all about the date when you get your renewal - 21 days beforehand. It's not an exact science, but it shows how timing it can make a big difference for everyone.

"When it comes to car insurance, be the early bird who catches the worm."

However, while you might think this is just about renewing, it's not. This is about the image you give to potential providers, with those who purchase theirs later being seen as bigger risks.

He then went on to offer another handy hint that he says may appear 'counter-logical' but could help save you some valuable pennies.

For example, parking in a garage may cost more than parking on the drive, because providers think you are more likely to bang your vehicle.

Broaching the subject, a viewer tweeted: "My insurance company wanted £150 EXTRA to park in my underground, remote controlled garage! Park it on the narrow MAIN ROAD and boom, huge saving!"

PA

To which Martin said: "It's all based on actuarial risk."

This is when insurers compare how many people have claimed and what information they put on their applications.

So it's based on what the majority of other drivers have done in the past.

Another piece of outside-the-box thinking is choosing comprehensive cover as opposed to a third-party fire and theft policy.

Though it may not seem so at first, this can often work out cheaper because providers view you as a lower risk. Again, this is purely based on numbers.

He also advised that: "Adding an extra driver can cut your costs - it's especially useful for younger drivers."

However, you should be careful NOT to put them as the main driver, because this is called 'fronting' and is illegal.

His final pearl of wisdom is comparison sites: use as many as you can. This is because insurers have deals with sites, meaning they may cost more or less depending on which one you use.

"I use at least three," Martin says.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, TV and Film, Interesting, UK Entertainment, UK News, TV and Film, Interesting, UK Entertainment