Just got this off Martin Lewis' money saving website...
Urgent. WOMEN, beat huge car insurance hikes
European ruling means many, especially younger women, may see renewals hiked by £100s or £1,000s
By 21 Dec, insurers must comply with a European rule banning gender to set prices, so similar men and women will pay the same. Young men, renew after 21 Dec if poss - if not, include AA, Halifax & Lloyds who've already changed prices.
Why such huge hikes? On average, women pay £315/yr less than men, under-20s £2,000 less. So when prices are equalised, hikes could be huge, even if they meet half way. But different firms will play it differently for their competitive advantage.
Lock in ASAP to beat hikes. If renewal's due now, great, lock in at the cheapest current prices for a year. If there's a while to go, the younger you are, the more it's worth considering a cheap policy at today's price and cancelling your existing one. You'll get a pro-rata refund but factor in £25-£50 exit fees, while you won't earn no-claims for that year.
Trick - get today's price on 2013 renewal. With Churchill* and Direct Line* you can pay NOW to get policies starting in 90 days, with Aviva* 60 days. So IF it's cheap (we're not saying it will be) & you've the cash, bag a future renewal at current prices.
Speedily bag the cheapest deal. Full help in Cheap Car Insurance & Young Drivers Insurance. In summary: 1) Combine comparison sites MoneySup*, Confused*, & Tesco Compare, they don't all search the same. 2) Add those missed - Aviva*, Direct Line* and in 2+ vehicle homes Admiral MultiCar*. 3) Adding a safe 2nd driver can slash your risk and therefore, price. 4) Younger drivers, think about pay by the mile insurance.]
Urgent. WOMEN, beat huge car insurance hikes
European ruling means many, especially younger women, may see renewals hiked by £100s or £1,000s
By 21 Dec, insurers must comply with a European rule banning gender to set prices, so similar men and women will pay the same. Young men, renew after 21 Dec if poss - if not, include AA, Halifax & Lloyds who've already changed prices.
Why such huge hikes? On average, women pay £315/yr less than men, under-20s £2,000 less. So when prices are equalised, hikes could be huge, even if they meet half way. But different firms will play it differently for their competitive advantage.
Lock in ASAP to beat hikes. If renewal's due now, great, lock in at the cheapest current prices for a year. If there's a while to go, the younger you are, the more it's worth considering a cheap policy at today's price and cancelling your existing one. You'll get a pro-rata refund but factor in £25-£50 exit fees, while you won't earn no-claims for that year.
Trick - get today's price on 2013 renewal. With Churchill* and Direct Line* you can pay NOW to get policies starting in 90 days, with Aviva* 60 days. So IF it's cheap (we're not saying it will be) & you've the cash, bag a future renewal at current prices.
Speedily bag the cheapest deal. Full help in Cheap Car Insurance & Young Drivers Insurance. In summary: 1) Combine comparison sites MoneySup*, Confused*, & Tesco Compare, they don't all search the same. 2) Add those missed - Aviva*, Direct Line* and in 2+ vehicle homes Admiral MultiCar*. 3) Adding a safe 2nd driver can slash your risk and therefore, price. 4) Younger drivers, think about pay by the mile insurance.]

