How to Compare Car Insurance Quotes

In my humble experience, if I took this sort of advice, I'd have to hide my money under my bed because I'd be continuously changing my bank. Banking institutions are always changing their fee structures and offering clients one-off special deals. It's hard to keep up with which bank really is the cheapest and offers the best overall deal. It's just as difficult to sensibly compare insurance quotes.

What most people don't realise is that sometimes it is better, not to mention easier, to stick with one service provider, whether bank, hairdresser or insurance provider. After all, you don't repeatedly change your doctor even though you're not too happy with the way he always lectures you on stopping smoking, even when you've only visited him to get a doctor's note for the day you took off a Friday to go fishing.

Opting for an insurance policy with the lowest premiums is not always wise - at the very least you need to take into consideration the type of cover (e.g., 3rd party or comprehensive) and the excess you are responsible for in the event of a car accident. And, by the way, do you really need a courtesy car? I, personally, have friends.

Rebates, money back offers and no claim bonus

If you've kept your insurance policy with a company for many years and you haven't made any claims, you could be eligible for a rebate and/ or a no claim bonus. This is a road down which many insurance companies are going and it's worth investigating. To find out if your insurance company buys into this insurance philosophy, do an internet search on "car insurance (rebate OR "money back" OR "no claim bonus")".

I've found another reason for being loyal to one particular company, particularly if you deal with someone on a personal level at the organisation. Managers have the discretion to do you 'favours' if you ask nicely. This is not a bribe, although you can try that route if you like too. I once had a 32-day notice account at a big bank and when I decided to leave to go overseas for a month, my manager allowed me the entire interest my money had accrued even though I hadn't given 32 days' notice!

If you think an car insurance quote is too high, mention this to your insurer or insurance consultant. It's called supply and demand. Car insurance is a market like any other, albeit a bit more sophisticated than the Saturday morning farmer's market down the road.

After all, you are the driver.

Having said all this, different insurance companies have different offers. You need to find one that suits your needs. At the risk of putting my neck out, according to statistics, female drivers are a lower risk for insurers. My husband always says women have less accidents but cause more. Well, if men can't keep their eyes on the road ... Whatever the case may be, there are car insurance companies that offer lower premiums to female drivers. One thing I personally take into consideration when looking for insurance is location - I prefer the personal touch and generally try to find insurers with offices close by so I can easily go there in person and make my queries/ beat up the manager.

Bottom line. The best deal is one that not only keeps money in your pocket, but one that saves you time and hassle; after all, time is money.