Why is car insurance so expensive?

Repair has become more expensive

Modern cars are full of sensors: cameras in the windscreen, radar in the bumper, parking sensors all round. Damage that used to be a bodywork job now calls for the replacement and calibration of electronics.

A bumper with radar costs many times more than an ordinary bumper. That works straight through into the average cost of claims.

Parts and labour

Delivery times for parts have become longer, which makes replacement transport more expensive. Labour rates in the repair trade have risen.

What you influence yourself

Your cover: does comprehensive cover still suit the market value? If it falls below three to four times your annual premium plus the excess, third-party, fire and theft is often more logical.

Your excess: a higher amount noticeably lowers the premium.

Your no-claims years: check in Roy-data that the number is correct; mistakes do occur.

Your mileage: declare a realistic figure, but not too low — that can lead to a reduction when you claim.

What does not help

Switching without reviewing the cover usually achieves little. The biggest saving lies in whether your cover still fits, not in which company you are with.