Car Insurance Calculator

Car insurance costs are carefully tailored to your specific circumstances. Quotes take into account several factors including your driving history, the type of vehicle you own, and where you live. They use this information to assess the likelihood they will need to pay out on your policy, and this risk dictates the cost.

Factors car insurance providers consider include:

Age

Under 25s are statistically more likely to make a car insurance claim than older drivers, and they also do not have much driving history for an insurer to assess. Therefore, young drivers tend to be judged on a worst-case scenario basis, meaning more expensive policies.

Occupation

You may not have considered it, but your job title is taken into account by car insurers. Certain occupations may carry a higher risk of damage than others, which can lead to a higher premium.

Driving history

If you have a history of making insurance claims or have driving convictions, you’re likely to pose a higher risk for insurers and this will be reflected in your quote. On the other hand, if you haven’t made any claims, you may receive a no-claims discount.

Vehicle type

The type of car you drive can affect your premium. Cars which are non-standard, either because they are powerful, expensive, or modified, are typically more expensive to repair if they are damaged. This increases insurance premiums, as there may be difficulties in getting hold of the parts needed.

Where you live

If you live in an area with a high crime rate, the chance of your car being damaged or stolen is much higher. For this reason, insurers often raise premiums for policyholders who don't have off-street parking or the use of a garage.

Using our car insurance calculator can help you determine which policy to choose and how you can save some money. 

It helps you:

• Compare quotes: If you’re looking to renew your car insurance, you may find that you could save money by switching to a different provider. You can also compare your quote to average rates to see if it is above or below the norm.
• Consider coverage levels: You can use a calculator to determine how third-party car insurance in addition to fire and theft insurance affects your premium. 
• View voluntary excess: You can adjust your voluntary excess to see if you can lower your quote by choosing a higher excess.
• Compare quotes for a new car: If you’re looking to buy a new car, a car insurance calculator allows you to compare car insurance prices between the different models on your shortlist. You can then factor this into your decision before making a purchase.

On average, car insurance costs less and less the older you get. Exceptions exist based on driving history and vehicle type, but on the whole you will generally pay less for car insurance as you mature as a driver.

The lowest-priced age group for car insurance is drivers in their 50s. Once you reach your 70s, prices can begin to rise again, as crashes in this age group are slightly more common.
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the average cost of car insurance in the UK is £621 per year. 

This blanket average, however, encapsulates a wide range of policies. A new driver aged 17-21 can generally expect to pay close to or even over £1,000 for their car insurance. Likewise, if you're over 50 and have a good driving history, you're unlikely to have to pay more than £300 a year.

There are many ways to lower car insurance costs, including:

Pay attention to annual mileage

Insurers often offer better premiums to drivers who cover less distance annually. This is because less time on the road means a lower risk of accidents. Accurately report your mileage; overestimating can unnecessarily increase your premium.

Drive safely and maintain a clean record

Avoiding accidents and traffic violations can significantly lower your insurance costs over time through no-claims discounts. Each year without a claim can increase your potential discount, making you a more attractive risk to insurers.

Consider a telematics policy

Also known as black box insurance, these policies monitor your driving behaviour and can lower your premiums if you demonstrate safe driving habits. This is particularly beneficial for young or inexperienced drivers who are typically charged higher rates.

Choose your vehicle wisely

The type of car you drive affects your insurance rates. Cars that are cheaper to repair or replace typically have lower insurance premiums. Before purchasing a car, check its insurance group rating; cars in lower groups typically cost less to insure.

Increase your excess 

Opting for a higher voluntary excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) can reduce your premium. However, ensure it is an amount you can afford to pay if you need to make a claim.

Shop around and compare quotes

Don’t automatically renew your policy without checking other offers, which is why comparing quotes is so important when it comes to finding an affordable car insurance policy that's right for your needs. Insurers also often offer the best rates to new customers, so switching providers can lead to savings.

Review your coverage

Make sure you're not over-insured. For example, if you have AA breakdown cover separately, you don't need to add breakdown cover to your car insurance. Similarly, if your circumstances change (e.g., you now work from home), update your policy to reflect your decreased risk.

Take advantage of discounts

Look for discounts for which you may be eligible, such as those for having a garage, being a member of a car club, or for advanced driving courses.