New data has found how many days drivers should leave before they renew their car insurance where they could save hundreds of pounds.
Research suggests that buying car insurance 26 days before renewal could save the average motorist a staggering £164.
Drivers who purchased their insurance 26 days before renewal paid an average of just £390 in 2024.
This compares to £554 for motorists who waited until renewal day to buy their new car insurance policy.
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The findings highlight how a simple change in timing could lead to significant savings for British drivers.
The data also showed that drivers who leave their purchase to the last minute face a steep 42 per cent price increase.
Go.Compare's research indicates that the optimal window for buying car insurance is between 21 and 28 days before renewal.
While policies can be purchased up to 29 days in advance, the sweet spot appears to be around 26 days before the current policy expires.
This timing strategy could make a significant difference to household budgets amid rising living costs.
Tom Banks, car insurance spokesperson for Go.Compare, said: "It's no secret that insurers consider multiple factors when calculating your premium, but many drivers don't realise that the day you buy your policy can also impact the price.
"Drivers who leave it until the last minute are often perceived as higher risk, which can result in higher premiums.
"On the other hand, purchasing in advance signals that you're organised and responsible - traits that insurers reward with lower prices."
Insurance companies factor customer behaviour into their risk assessments, with the timing of purchase appearing to represent the driver being responsible for their cover.
Banks also suggested that drivers being truthful with their annual mileage, where they park their car and the type of car they own could impact the price of their premium.
While these factors aren't easily changed, he suggests several actionable strategies. Paying annually rather than monthly can also save money as monthly payments include interest.
Banks added: "You only have to put all of your details in once and you can see exactly what each policy includes, all in one place."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
£554 - 0
£511 - 1
£488 - 2
£470 - 3
£461 - 4
£446 - 5
£439 - 6
£432 - 7
£430 - 8
£417 - 9
£419 - 10
£415 - 11
£414 - 12
£415 - 13
£415 - 14
£409 - 15
£401 - 16
£400 - 17
£402 - 18
£401 - 19
£401 - 20
£398 - 21
£400 - 22
£402 - 23
£399 - 24
£394 - 25
£390 - 26
£394 - 27
£399 - 28
£404 - 29
Find Out More...
Research suggests that buying car insurance 26 days before renewal could save the average motorist a staggering £164.
Drivers who purchased their insurance 26 days before renewal paid an average of just £390 in 2024.
This compares to £554 for motorists who waited until renewal day to buy their new car insurance policy.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
The findings highlight how a simple change in timing could lead to significant savings for British drivers.
The data also showed that drivers who leave their purchase to the last minute face a steep 42 per cent price increase.
Go.Compare's research indicates that the optimal window for buying car insurance is between 21 and 28 days before renewal.
While policies can be purchased up to 29 days in advance, the sweet spot appears to be around 26 days before the current policy expires.
This timing strategy could make a significant difference to household budgets amid rising living costs.
Tom Banks, car insurance spokesperson for Go.Compare, said: "It's no secret that insurers consider multiple factors when calculating your premium, but many drivers don't realise that the day you buy your policy can also impact the price.
"Drivers who leave it until the last minute are often perceived as higher risk, which can result in higher premiums.
"On the other hand, purchasing in advance signals that you're organised and responsible - traits that insurers reward with lower prices."
Insurance companies factor customer behaviour into their risk assessments, with the timing of purchase appearing to represent the driver being responsible for their cover.
Banks also suggested that drivers being truthful with their annual mileage, where they park their car and the type of car they own could impact the price of their premium.
While these factors aren't easily changed, he suggests several actionable strategies. Paying annually rather than monthly can also save money as monthly payments include interest.
Banks added: "You only have to put all of your details in once and you can see exactly what each policy includes, all in one place."
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Average amount paid for car insurance depending on the number of days before the policy start date
£554 - 0
£511 - 1
£488 - 2
£470 - 3
£461 - 4
£446 - 5
£439 - 6
£432 - 7
£430 - 8
£417 - 9
£419 - 10
£415 - 11
£414 - 12
£415 - 13
£415 - 14
£409 - 15
£401 - 16
£400 - 17
£402 - 18
£401 - 19
£401 - 20
£398 - 21
£400 - 22
£402 - 23
£399 - 24
£394 - 25
£390 - 26
£394 - 27
£399 - 28
£404 - 29
Find Out More...