The used vehicle buyer BigWantsYourCar.com has debunked a number of common myths that claim to lower car insurance.
The the price of premiums continue to rise, many drivers are trying to find ways to reduce the cost of keeping their vehicle covered.
However, Darren Miller, motoring expert from BigWantsYourCar.com, suggested that the belief that insurance rates are more expensive for vehicles parked on the street is not always the case.
He advised: “Parking your car in the garage instead of on the street for lower insurance is a common belief among drivers. While it’s true that factors such as where you park can influence insurance premiums, it varies widely.
“Parking in a driveway may be seen as safer due to less manoeuvring involved compared to entering or exiting a garage but insurers may view risks differently. It’s important for drivers to compare quotes for both parking options to determine the most cost-effective solution for their situation.”
Another common misconception that BigWantsYourCar.com debunked was the belief that new cars are always more expensive to insure than used alternatives.
Whilst the average cost of a new car is now around £40,000, meaning it is more expensive for insurance companies to replace them if they are written off, they are typically safer and more reliable than older models.
In comparison, the company noted that most insurance quotes are based on the age and experience of the driver and the particular type of vehicle being covered.
Darren also highlighted the importance of making sure that motorists fill in insurance forms correctly to get the most accurate quote and avoid an unpleasant surprise when paying for cover.
He explained: “Many drivers assume that the initial quote they receive is the final price they’ll pay for their insurance policy. However, this is not always the case.
“Insurers base their quotes on the information provided, but the finaln premium can change if the information provided, but the final premium can change if the information is inaccurate or incomplete.”
Finally, the insurance expert warned drivers against fronting, the process of adding a more experienced motorist as the main user of the vehicle in a bid to lower the cost.
He added: “While adding a parent or experienced driver as an additional driver may influence premiums, misrepresenting the main driver’s identity is fraudulent.
“Insurers assess risk based on accurate information, and fronting undermines this process. It’s important for young or first-time drivers to explore legitimate ways to reduce premiums, such as telematics or black box insurance.”
