Car insurance costs a lot these days, doesn’t it? Especially if you have a premium brand or high performance car as, despite high levels of security, car crime is on the rise. Theft is one of the biggest reasons why car insurance prices are so high for more desirable models, yet a few simple steps, such as fitting a Cat 5 tracker and finding secure parking, can see those costs plummet.
Fitting a Tracker
Being able to locate your car at all times is the primary point of a tracking device, but they offer many more useful features, which is why fitting a Cat 5 tracker is the quickest way to drop your premium.
At the heart of every tracking device is the GPS tracking technology. By not relying on one single system, the tracker can avoid being jammed or masked. The system is monitored 24/7 and you can tap into the information your car provides through a simple app on your smartphone (very useful if you forgot where you parked it too!).
Remote immobilisation ensures that a stolen car can’t go any further than a tank of fuel. Once activated, the car will be impossible to start again– at least until the immobilisation system has been deactivated.
Automatic Driver Recognition ensures that, even if your keys are stolen, the car will issue an alert that it is being driven by an unknown driver, and can be tracked right down to street level using GPS technology. Cat 5 trackers also have the potential to issue a level 1 police alert when stolen, ensuring that the car is quickly located and recovered.
Shop Around
Who you insure with can also make a big difference to insurance premiums, so you should always shop around for the best deal at renewal time. Using a comparison site makes it straightforward to compare many mainstream insurers, or you can use the traditional approach of asking a broker to find you a good deal.
If you can afford it, then changing how you pay for your insurance can also have a surprising affect on your premiums. Many insurers will charge a fee for the convenience of monthly payments, or may offer a discount if you pay for the whole 12 months at once.
Finally, check that you have the right coverage for your needs. Do you really need the option of a replacement car? Do you have legal fees coverage through other policies? How likely are you to need the no claims bonus protection?
And don’t assume third party fire and theft policies are cheapest – sometimes the comprehensive policy could be better!
Assess Your Driving
Many insurers will offer discounts to drivers who are prepared to have their driving monitored. Of course, the easiest way to get a discount on your insurance is to always drive safely (thus building a healthy no-claims bonus), however allowing your insurance company to fit a “black box” or installing a dash cam to continuously record the incident could see your insurance premiums reduced considerably.
Home Security
If you have considerable home security – garage alarm, locked gates, floodlights etc – then ask your insurer if it makes a difference to your premium. Showing that you are being active in preventing theft could make you less of a risk, and therefore lower your premium.
With a bit of work, and a bit of tech, you can reduce your insurance premiums. Make sure any items fitted are done so by an insurance industry-approved installer and that you obtain the necessary certificate to pass onto your insurer.
