Great value car insurance that goes the extra mile
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Get the right car insurance quote
To make sure you get the right level of car insurance cover for your needs at the best price, we've put together some top tips to bear in mind when looking at car insurance quotes.
Following these tips could mean you receive more discounts, and improve the security of your car.
Attention to detail
Try to answer every question accurately and in full when you get a car insurance quote.
Every insurer has different criteria for working out their car insurance prices and the extra information could add up to significant savings. For example, you might be charged less if your annual mileage is low.
Named drivers
Think carefully about your named drivers and only add them to your car insurance policy if you really need to. They might make your insurance policy more expensive. Only add named drivers for as long as you need to – for example if you have a son away at university it may work out cheaper to only add him when he returns home for holidays.
Set a voluntary excess
Generally the higher you set your voluntary excess the cheaper your car insurance, so check you have yours at the right level. It's important that you can comfortably afford your excess, so don't increase the amount if you would be out of pocket in the event of a claim. And remember there may be a compulsory excess to pay too.
Protect your no claims
Consider protecting your car insurance No Claims Discount if you can. Although there’s usually a charge to do this, it may save you money in the long run if you need to make a claim.
If you have 4 or more years no claims it’s easy to protect it with Virgin Car Insurance.
Keep on learning
Your car insurance premiums could also increase if your car has a large engine, is a sports model or if it has modifications to change its appearance or performance. It will also improve your confidence and give you more experience on the road.
Visit www.direct.gov.uk to find out more.
Time for a change?
If you're buying a new car or thinking of making some changes to the one you have, remember certain features can increase the cost of your car insurance.
If you car has a large engine, is a sports model or has modifications to change its appearance or increase its performance, this could increase the price of your premiums.
If you liked this, see our handy ways to cut the cost of motoring.
Cut the cost of motoring
A great deal with Virgin Car Insurance is just one of the ways you can save money. Here are some more suggestions to drive down the cost of running your car and help the planet at the same time.
Keep gadgets to a minimum
You may not realise but having gadgets and accessories plugged in while you drive will use more fuel, so you need to fill up more often.
Where possible, avoid using the air conditioning and charging your sat nav, phone or music player in the car.
Keep up the pressure
Not only are under-inflated tyres dangerous, they can increase your fuel consumption by up to 3%.
Source: Energy Saving Trust, 2009
Avoid short journeys
A cold engine uses twice as much fuel as normal, wasting money and producing more pollution.Avoid making short trips if you can. Try car sharing or combining all your errands into one outing.
For example an average commuter could save about 170 litres of petrol a year.
Source: Act On CO2, 2009
Adopt some good habits
Simple everyday actions can help reduce the amount you spend on fuel. Try some of these next time you go for a drive:
Keep to a sensible speed and select the right gear in good time. Avoid heavy braking and accelerating where possible. Avoid rush hour if you can and turn off your engine if the traffic is at a stand still. Remove roof racks and empty your boot.
By driving smarter you could save as much as one month’s worth of fuel per year.
Source: Act On CO2, 2009
Keep it clean
Washing your car regularly will help clear away salt, grit and dirt to protect the bodywork.
Remember to remove bird droppings as soon as you can so they don’t damage the paintwork. Also, applying a wax now and again can help keep corrosion at bay.
Don't put off repairs
If your dashboard symbols are flashing or you hear strange noises coming from your car, have it checked out sooner rather than later. You could help avoid expensive repairs further down the line.
If you damage the bodywork it's a good idea to have it repaired as soon as possible, before rust has a chance to set in.
Use your handbrake
Remember to use your handbrake when stopped in traffic or on a hill – it will take the pressure off your footbrake and help prolong its life.
Check your fluid levels
Topping up your car's fluid levels can help keep everything safe and running smoothly – check brake fluid, oil levels, coolant and screen wash regularly, especially before starting a long journey.
Another benefit of checking your fluid levels is that you are likely to notice any leaks before they become a bigger problem.
Start slowly
Drive away slowly and gently when you first start your car. This will give the engine time to warm up and avoid causing damage. (It's also better than leaving the engine to run before you pull off as it doesn’t waste fuel.)
Make your car unattractive to thieves
Approved car alarms, immobilisers, tracking systems and steering wheel locks are all great deterrents which will make it harder to break into your car.
Watch where you park
By parking in a driveway or garage, your car is less likely to be hit by other vehicles or broken into while parked. So why not try clearing out the garage to make some space?