Here’s my updated guide for 2025:
1) As always check your renewal price
Even if your existing provider sends you something that looks reasonable, don’t just accept it. We’ve made it as quick and easy as possible to check in the app. Sometimes your current provider will be the cheapest – but in my experience, it’s often not.
2) Be realistic with mileage
Don’t overestimate. Last year, we weren’t sure how many miles my wife would do after changing jobs, so we put 10,000. This year we knew it was closer to 6,000 — and that single change cut the premium from £404.16 to £271.24!
3) Watch out for amendment fees
It’s tempting to pick the lowest quote, but look carefully at the small print. Some insurers charge £50+ for any changes (even online). This year I got caught out and ended up paying more than if I’d chosen a slightly pricier policy with free amendments.
4) Double check your details
I accidentally mixed up two cars’ policies this year. Only a couple of small things around dates of stuff. I only noticed after purchase, which meant the £50 amendment fee. Worse, if you get something wrong, your insurance could be invalid when you need it most — a very bad day.
5) Avoid a forced cancellation at all costs
This one’s painful. Never, ever get into a position where the insurance company force cancels your policy. My daughter bought car insurance and was required to fit a black box. No problem, but a few days later her plans changed and no longer needed the insurance. The insurance company sent emails explaining they were going to cancel the insurance unless she fitted the black box. She thought letting the insurer cancel would save her a phone call. The result? She now has to tick “Yes” to “Have you ever had insurance cancelled by an insurance company?” on every application. That puts her in the ‘naughty’ bracket, and her premiums are permanently higher. And the worst bit? There’s no time limit on this question. If anyone knows how to undo this black mark, please tell us!
6) Check your vehicle details match exactly
My vehicle’s full name is “911 Carrera 4S Tiptronic”. Using the insurers own reg number look up tool, they listed it as “911 Carrera 4 Tiptronic S” (the ‘S’ was in the wrong place). At first I thought that this would be fine.. surely that wouldn’t make any difference? But I queried it, and they admitted they didn’t actually have my exact model listed – so refused cover. Imagine if I hadn’t checked and then needed to claim… they might have walked away. So if that happens to you, just spend a bit of time confirming this with the insurer.
Final Thoughts
Insurance renewals aren’t exactly the highlight of the year, but they’re unavoidable. The good news is, a few careful checks can save you a lot of money and hassle. Hopefully my mistakes save you from making the same ones. If nothing else, treat this as a reminder: don’t rush it, double-check everything, and never assume the first price you’re given is the best one.
To use our simple insurance tools in the app, just click here. Select the vehicle in question and click the insurance circle. You’ll have quotes in just a few minutes.
