How timing your car insurance renewal right could save you £150

Richard Aucock
Mon, 15 Sept 2025

Surprise new statistics have revealed the eye-opening sums drivers can save simply by being savvy with the timing of their car insurance renewal.

The average price paid by someone who gets a quote on the day their car insurance due is £554. However, by getting a quote and paying for car insurance 14 days ahead of renewal, the price drops to £409 – a healthy saving of £145.

Those who plan 21 days ahead of renewal will pay just £398, a £156 saving over the original price. And paying for car insurance 26 days ahead of renewal leads to an amazing 30% saving (or £164) on the original price.

The numbers are part of the latest research from Go.Compare which shows that the average car insurance premium in Q2 2025 was £414.

That’s the lowest it has been since the same period in 2023 – although back then, car insurance was even cheaper, at an average of £371.

The average premium for a young driver aged 17-24 is £779, while drivers aged 65 and over pay £363 – 53% less.

Drivers in Wales also pay just £339 on average, compared to those in London who pay nearly £600.

Another surprise finding was comprehensive cover being the cheapest option overall, averaging £413. Third-party only policies averaged £549 – a third more – despite offering less protection.

"While there are factors you can’t change, like your age or where you live, there are plenty of practical ways to bring down your premium," says Go.Compare's Tom Banks.

"One of the simplest is when you buy. Leaving it until the last minute could cost you 42% more, while being organised and renewing early could save you over £150."

He also reminded drivers to pay annually if they can and check their job title carefully – particularly if there are multiple ways to describe their job.

"But make sure you are truthful and accurate, as misrepresenting your role could void your cover," he adds.

Ask HJ

Do I need to tell my insurer of damage to my car even if I get it repaired myself?

I unfortunately very gently bumped into the back of a car. On inspection there wasn’t any damage to the car, but there was a little damage to mine. The other driver had to take particulars of my insurance as his car was a hire car. I will get my car fixed privately as I don’t want to go through the insurance. My question is, will the hire company contact my insurance company? And if I don’t tell the insurance company will it still affect me financially going forward?

It’s important to ensure your insurer is aware of any incident involving your car, and you will be required to report this under your policy. As the other vehicle was a hire car, it’s possible that the hire company would pursue a claim - even if no damage was visible at the time. So it’s best to be honest about everything with your insurer.

Answered by Rhydian Jones

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