I tried a little-known insurance hack for first time and it went horribly wrong

A motoring expert has shared how he faired when testing a lesser-known tip that some say can drastically reduce the cost of car insurance.

With the average Brit charged £456 per year to insure their car during the third quarter of 2024, many are looking for ways to reduce the cost of their next premium.

Richard Gutteridge from Birmingham Live recently stated that he tried one method for himself, looking to buy his next policy three weeks before the renewal date of his current insurance plan.

He explained: "I was keen to see that if I was launching a new policy in three weeks' time whether it would be cheaper. I hopped onto a comparison site and entered my details - crucially choosing the policy to start in three weeks.

"A few minutes later, my quotes appeared on [the] screen and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. The monthly payments I was being shown - including from the same company I'm currently with - were much cheaper, by almost 30 percent."

Whilst it may sound trivial, various motoring experts recommend that drivers buy their next policy with plenty of time ahead of their current insurance scheme expires.

To many insurance companies, this is a good sign of a considerate motorist, who does not leave expensive and important purchases to the last minute or risk breaking the law by driving whilst not covered.

In most cases, drivers should begin looking for their next car insurance policy a month before their current one expires, with a view to pay around a week later.

Whilst he was able to prove that the tip works, Richard still highlighted that he was disappointed, since the actual insurance policy on his car was not due for several months.

He continued: "This is potentially great news. The only thing is, this was just a test, I'm not due to renew my car insurance yet. It means I face a choice: continue paying more than I apparently should be for the next few months or cancel my current policy, whcih will likely come with a charge - as well as the added hassle.

"Whatever I decide to do, one thing's for sure. I'll be sticking a note on the calendar to make sure I renew three weeks before my next policy is up, and everyone else should too."

With most drivers facing higher insurance prices, another way in which drivers can reduce the cost of cover is by adding a loved one as a named driver to their policy.

Friends and family who are experienced behind the wheel and have built up plenty of no claims bonus (NCB) are another good sign to insurers that the driver is safe on the roads.

Motorists should also take some time to try different titles for their job, with some companies having multiple explanations that remain accurate but offer cover for a different price.