UK motorists stand to save on average £541 on their car insurance premiums by shopping around at the optimal time and making a few straightforward adjustments to their policy, according to recent data from comparison site Confused.com.
The key to unlocking the biggest savings lies in timing: requesting quotes roughly 28 days before your current policy expires can reduce costs dramatically. Drivers who start comparing insurance quotes about four weeks in advance pay an average premium of £511, while those who wait until the very last day face bills over £1,000. This 28-day “sweet spot” consistently yields the most competitive prices, with last-minute shoppers typically paying upwards of £900.
However, timing is only part of the equation. Small, legitimate policy updates can also lead to significant savings:
- Adding your spouse as a named driver can cut premiums by nearly £500 compared to solo-driver policies, costing on average £418 versus £917.
- Including an additional named driver (who genuinely uses the vehicle) saves around £267.
- Protecting your no-claims bonus might cost more upfront but can save you up to £75 by preserving valuable discounts even after a claim.
- Providing your driving licence number helps insurers verify your history more accurately, often reducing premiums by around £90.
- Declaring multiple vehicles in your household rather than just one can shave off approximately £48.
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With average car insurance premiums having dropped to £726 at the close of 2025—a 13% decrease from the previous year—drivers are encouraged to take advantage of these methods to avoid overpaying, especially as other motoring costs like vehicle excise duty and fuel continue to rise.
Matt Crole-Rees, motoring expert at Confused.com, emphasizes the importance of accuracy and honesty: “While changes like adding named drivers or protecting no-claims can save money, it’s crucial to provide truthful information to avoid invalidating your policy. The most substantial savings come from shopping around early and making informed adjustments.”
In a climate of rising motoring expenses, carefully planned insurance renewals present a clear opportunity for drivers to ease the financial burden on their wallets.