Exact dates to cut car insurance costs as savvy driver slashes premium in HALF with easy trick

A SAVVY driver has revealed how she cut car insurance costs with an easy trick.

There's plenty of ways to save money on car insurance as premiums soar, including when you lock in a new price before renewing.

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Consumer champion Martin Lewis has previously said around three to four weeks before renewal will get you the cheapest deals.

And now one driver has revealed how she slashed costs by locking in a new price weeks in advance.

Posting on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group, she said: "Reminder to check car insurance prices 23-30 days before renewal.

"I passed my test last March and have been paying £96 a month with a black box.

"I checked car insurance prices last week and the best quote was £91.

"I've just hit 30 days to renewal and it’s pretty much halved at £55 a month, with only one year no claims!"

Drivers were quick to point out the driver's monthly costs were so low because of such a high excess - what you have to pay your insurer in the event of an accident.

But others were still full of praise for the hack which has seen them save money previously.

One said: "I have done this for many years now thanks to Martin Lewis...it works for me."

Another said: "Renewing three weeks before insurance expires is confirmed to be the cheapest time."

Bear in mind, this tip won't always save you money, but is worth a try with car insurance costs so high.

How else to slash car insurance costs

Renewing your policy at the right time is just one way to save money on your car insurance.

One woman previously told The Sun how she slashed her premium by £250 after taking out a black box policy.

The gadgets track how you drive and determine how safe you are. The better you drive, the lower your premium goes.

But it can mean if you have an accident your premium will go up.

Another way to slash costs is by taking out a pay-per-mile policy, if you're someone who doesn't drive that much.

Payments are based on the miles you actually drive, rather than a flat monthly or yearly fee.

Adding a named driver to your policy can help drive down costs too.

Do I need car insurance?

Yes, as it's a legal requirement if you own and drive a car.

Car insurance offers you financial protection if you are in an accident, with three different levels of cover available.

You can opt for a fully comprehensive, third party or third party, fire and theft policy.

Fully comp policies are the highest level of protection and cover you, your car and anyone else involved in an accident - that makes them the most expensive.

The lowest level is third party - this is the legal minimum you must have.

It covers you for the costs of injury or damage caused to other people or their property.

However, you don't get any protection if your own car is damaged or stolen.

You can pay for your car insurance in one lump sum ahead of the 12-month policy, or in monthly instalments.

Insurers then reward you if you make no claims in this period by, generally, lowering your premium for the next 12-month period.

This is called the "no-claims bonus" and can see your premium drop by 30% after one year to 65% or more after five years.

That said, many drivers have still been seeing their premiums go up in recent months despite making no claims or having a change in circumstances.

This is due to, among other factors, energy inflation and the rising cost of carrying out vehicle repairs being passed on to consumers.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money@the-sun.co.uk.

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