An increase in the number of claims to insurance companies over the past few years have meant that our insurance premiums have risen. In fact in 2004 claims reached in excess of £8 billion.

There are some steps that you can take that will help you reduce the amount you pay on premiums.

1. If your mileage is being pushed up to over 12,000 per annum through unnecessary journeys to work then this will add to the cost.

2. Don’t buy into a high insurance bracket by insisting on a higher performing car, especially if you are an occasional motorist.

3. Making any modifications to increase the car’s performance. You will need to tell your insurers if you have changed the specifications of your vehicle.

4. Try to park your car in the garage or on your drive. Remember that you must now pay road tax if your car is parked on a private drive even if you don’t use it.

5. Try not to make unnecessary claims. You may find your windscreen is covered for replacement with little or no excess but this could mean your next years premium will suffer.