HOW TOP TIPS CAN PUT YOU IN THE DRIVING SEAT

EXPERTS stressed there are numerous tricks to slash car insurance premiums.

Martin Lewis, founder of Money Saving Expert, warns “never auto-renew”, adding: “Insurers charge more each year, knowing inertia stops policyholders switching.”

He also states that buying three weeks before the start date could bring big savings.

And if there are several cars at one address you could enjoy multi-car discounts.

Money Saving Expert has also said adding a second or third driver could help, particularly if they have a good driving record.

Your job title can make a difference, Mr Lewis says. His website says an “illustrator is often cheaper than an artist”.

Consumers should also pay up front rather than the monthly option to avoid interest charges.

And Mr Lewis urges drivers to consider switching mid-year, particularly when prices are rising, which can mean instant savings. “You can usually cancel existing policies and get a refund for the rest of the year, providing you haven’t claimed.

“There will normally be a cancellation fee of about £50 so your savings from switching should outweigh this to make it worth it – the longer you’ve got to go on your policy, the more likely you’ll be better off.”

Hugh Bladon, of the Association of British Drivers, urged use of comparison sites but warned about accuracy. “If you are not 100 per cent correct, they will have a good chance of having their policy negated.”