Drivers could slash their car insurance costs by as much as 50% simply by timing their search correctly, an expert has said. While many motorists wait until the eleventh hour or depend on their insurer’s automatic renewal correspondence, by looking into more competitive rates elsewhere, you could save a small fortune.

Industry specialists suggest there’s an optimal window for obtaining quotations ahead of your policy’s expiration. Lorna Macpherson from Ocean Finance, explains: “You’ll often get the best car insurance quotes around 26 days before your policy is due to start.

“Anywhere between 18 and 28 days works, but 26 days is the sweet spot. For example, if your current policy ends at the end of March and your new one starts on April 1, then March 6 is prime day to get a quote. [Taking 30 seconds to] stick this date in your diary for 2026 and you could save £164.

“Applying for car insurance at the last minute can sometimes cost you more, because insurers may price higher for policies taken out closer to the start date. Shifting your quote to around three to four weeks before renewal could cut your premium by up to half.”

Lorna offers five strategies to reduce the price of car insurance further:

1. Steer clear of auto-renewal: “It’s convenient, but relying on it means you could be missing out on better deals across the market.”

2. Pay annually: “This isn’t an option for everyone, but it could save you serious cash as monthly payments often come with interest charges.”

3. Use comparison tools: ” Checking multiple quotes in minutes helps you find the best deal without spending hours searching.”

4. Raise your voluntary excess: “A higher excess usually lowers your premium but make sure it’s affordable in case you need to claim.”

5. Restrict optional extras: “Only pay for add-ons like breakdown cover or legal assistance if you really need them. Don’t overpay for extras you won’t use.”