Every insurer wants a rounded book and will take a different view as to risk - sometimes within the year. I have people on cover in prestige cars with one major company for less than £200. I have seen the same company quote more than doublt the price of another - into several thousands - if they don't want that particular risk profile.

HJ obviously propmotes some of the comparison sites who pay for ads.

I generally use a broker who will make sure that there are no nasty surprises if you have a collision and will also quote the firms who are famously "not on price comparison sites" as well as those that are. They are called Motorquote on 0844 346 0428. The NFU are also good - and you don't have to be a farmer.

Also is there likely to be a problem with moving insurer and then changing car shortly afterwards?

I don't know about the "shortly afterwards" bit, but I was surprised to get stung for changing my car just over a year ago.

It was around £25 for what they called an "Admin charge". Can't remember which company it was, but I'd been with them for a few years.

My increase was soley due to the SP50. Renewall was December and rates had been fixed, then the SP50 and the increase I describe.

FTF

Had Good experience of "swift cover2 who certainly were not swift at settling a no fault claim and getting my excess refunded.Use the comparison websites and be absolutley truthful. I was surprised when i added My wife to my policy for my previous car when she had just passed her test , just the admin fee to pay, (LV) my current insurer now she has slightly more than 1 year at renewal charges £6 extra to add her. £239 me only fully comp chevrolet epica 2.0td and £245 with She who must be obeyed added. Chevrolet motor insurance is underwritten by provident in halifax, thoroughly nice peeople to deal with and a standard uk number if you check online. the daily mail money page has a link that also gives you £20 cashback and this makes it competitive, just add the bits you want and get LucyBC's tip for separate legal aid insurance. if you have a comlicated driving history a broker is good, but for most people one of the comparison websites will come up with the goods, but if you are buying a new car ask for a quote from the dealer, that's how i got my last quote, with my free driveaway motor cover! HAPPY MOTORING!