What are the top car insurance tips?

Tips to help make sure your car insurance measures up.

No matter how good a driver you are, it only takes a moment's lapse - or bad luck - to do damage to your car. A hailstorm while you're parked outside or a stone through the windscreen can put you at risk of expensive repairs. So it's important to get the right cover for you. 

1. Get the right level of cover

There are several levels of cover you can choose from, depending on your needs and budget:

• Comprehensive cover provides cover for the costs to repair or replace your own car if it's damaged in an accident, or by natural events like hail or fire, or if it's stolen. This level of cover also provides cover for damage that you may cause to other people's property.
  
  
• Third Party Fire & Theft cover provides cover for the costs if you damage someone else's car or property, and also pays if your car is damaged by fire or theft.
  
  
• Third Party Property Damage cover provides cover for the costs if you damage someone else's car or property.
  

As well as the level of cover you choose, check that your policy includes extras that matter to you – like cover for baby seats and personal items in your car.

2. Cover for emergencies

If you rely on your car, it can be tough to be without it. So you might want to look for cover that offers 24/7 claims assistance, and if you're looking at comprehensive cover, you might want to look for cover that pays for a hire car while yours is being repaired, and helps with emergency accommodation and travel costs if you're far from home.

3. Get extra protection for new cars

When your car is new, it's more special than ever. And a second-hand replacement won't feel the same. So you might want to look for insurance that will replace your new car with a brand new car if it's written off. Make sure you check any limitations and exclusions.

4. Be honest about modifications to your car

If you like to change the look and performance of your car, make sure you tell your insurer about your modifications and accessories. Not all modifications and accessories are covered and if they aren't disclosed they may affect your ability to claim. But if you're upfront when you apply, you'll know where you stand and this can help make sure your car is protected.

5. Keep your policy details close to hand

Make sure that you keep your policy number on file in a place that's easy to find. If you ever need to make a claim, it helps speed things up when you have your policy number, so it's a great idea to have your cover details in reach when you need them most.