What affects the cost of car insurance?
Your premium reflects risk. Insurers weigh your car, age and experience, where you live, how much you drive, your claims history and the cover and excess you choose.
The main factors insurers consider
No two drivers are priced the same. The biggest influences on your car insurance cost usually include:
- The car's insurance group, value and engine size
- Your age and driving experience
- Your postcode and where the car is kept overnight
- Annual mileage and how you use the car
- Your claims history and no claims bonus
- The cover level and excess you choose
Some factors you can't change, but others — like mileage, excess and security — are within your control. Because each insurer weights these differently, comparing quotes is the most reliable way to find cover that suits you.
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Get my quote →Related questions
Why does my postcode change the price?
Insurers use local data on theft, accidents and claims. Areas with higher claim rates generally see higher premiums, even for identical drivers.
Does the colour of my car matter?
No. Colour doesn't affect your premium — but the make, model, engine size and insurance group certainly do.
Why did my premium rise even with no claims?
Renewal prices can move with wider factors like repair costs, vehicle theft trends and inflation, independent of your own record. Comparing at renewal helps.