TOP INSURANCE MYTHS: Rural location prices, sticking with your provider and black boxes

Finding the right car insurance policy, at the right price, can be time consuming, especially when drivers are conscious about saving money where they can and getting the best deal available.

In fact, Bristol Street Motors have noticed that Google searches for ‘how much is car insurance per month’ increased by 136% in the last year, while queries for ‘how to get cheaper car insurance’ are also up 86% compared to last year.

However, there are many misconceptions around obtaining cheaper premiums that could, in fact, land motorists in hot water.

To help those looking to take out or renew their car insurance, the experts at Bristol Street Motors have debunked some common insurance myths.

MYTH: You can add your parent as the main driver to lower the cost

New drivers typically have to contend with inflated insurance premiums when they first get on the road. To reduce this cost, some may attempt to declare their parents, who have years of road experience, as the main driver of the car. However, this is an illegal act and could result in a £5,000 fine and six points on your licence.

Instead, it is worth reviewing whether covering an extra driver, with a good driving history, will help reduce your premium rates. Just remember that they should not be listed as the main driver.

MYTH: Rural locations have much cheaper premiums

Drivers who spend time at two or more addresses, such as students or young people with separated parents, may be tempted to list the address on their policy as whichever is in the most rural area.

After all, densely populated areas with higher crime rates typically have more expensive premiums. However, it is not a forgone conclusion that living in a more remote location automatically results in cheaper car insurance.

There is still a chance that living in a rural area could result in a higher premium, particularly if there is a high volume of accidents in that location. There may be other risks, such as wild animals on the road, or if the road is prone to treacherous conditions, that impact the price.

It is best for your policy to be accurate, so opt for the address that you and your car will spend the most time at. This should also be aligned with where you are registered to vote, as many insurers use the electoral role for ID-checking.

MYTH: It is cheaper to find a good deal and stick with that provider

For the best possible deal, you should always shop around and compare car insurance policies. About a month before your policy is up for renewal, take your time reviewing different insurers and policies to see where you can save the most money.

However, you should bear in mind that, in January 2022, the FCA introduced a new law for car insurance. The law means that any customers renewing their insurance cannot be charged more than the price new customers would be charged for the equivalent policy.

As a result, the rise in premium rates year on year will be less significant than it has been for drivers in the past. So, when doing your research for renewal, don’t forget to include your current provider in any cost comparisons.

MYTH: Black boxes don’t always lower your insurance

While black boxes do help to cut costs for careful drivers, many believe – and are put off – by the idea that black boxes impose curfews on drivers. While this has been true in the past, especially on early black box polices, it is no longer the case.

Instead, black boxes are now used to record your driving data, including information like speed, braking, the time of day you drive, and how sharply you turn corners.

While they might not have a curfew limitation, they can impact your insurance. If you drive sensibly, your insurance could be cheaper, as you are considered a ‘low-risk driver’ and less likely to make a claim. The opposite is also true, with reckless driving potentially causing your premium to go up.