All premium levels are a result of the process known as underwriting.
Some factors will be outside personal control - your age for example. Others are firmly within it - whether to buy a powerful, sexy sports car or a more sober family saloon.
The insurance experts tell us the smart way to try and get a competitive quote is to change all the factors you are able to control and then shop around for the rest which you cannot. So before hitting the phone or logging on here are some factors to consider.
Can you get your car garaged overnight? The reduced risk of theft will normally earn a discount.
Install security devices. A "Thatcham standard" category 1 or 2 immobiliser will almost certainly help.
Restricting the drivers to yourself and one or two named others will be cheaper than an "any driver" arrangement. So will the fact that you drive fewer than the 8,000 to 12,000 miles per year average.
You may get a discount for insuring your home with the same insurer as your car. Likewise, two cars in the same family might be better with the same insurer than separate ones.
If you are a new driver, pay around £90 for "Pass Plus" - a series of lessons through the major driving schools giving you experience of conditions not covered - or even not allowed - as a learner: driving at night, in the wet and on motorways.
You can get one year's no-claims bonus straightaway as you represent a lower risk - and have shown commitment to safe driving. If you have been driving for longer take advanced driving lessons and try to become a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (MIAM).
Consider an excess. This means you pay the first part of any claim in exchange for a lower overall premium. Insurers know you won't be bothering them for a minor scratch. If this sounds expensive, remember that you would probably have paid the equivalent of the excess in any event if putting in a claim causes some or all of your hard-earned no-claims discount to reduce.
If you have had multiple convictions or accidents, you will almost certainly be "loaded" for risk and your best bet will be to use a broker who will deserve his commission for trawling the market to find you a deal.
Lastly, beware of the temptation to buy grey import cars at reduced prices. Many vehicles do not meet British standards of specification and insurers are becoming very twitchy about providing cover.
