Car insurance is one of the most expensive aspects of owning a car, and it's not something you can avoid because the law mandates a certain level of coverage. That doesn't mean you have to pay whatever your insurer says because there are a few basic things you can do to cut the cost of your premiums.

1) Shop around and buy online

According to statistics, many customers simply renew their existing policies without doing any research. Why not take advantage of the fact that the internet makes it simple to compare prices from several insurers? Furthermore, purchasing your policy online frequently results in a 10% or higher discount.

2) Type of policy

Do you truly need a full coverage with all the bells and whistles? If your automobile isn't a high-end model, opting for a third-party fire and theft policy can save you a lot of money on your rates.

3) No-claims bonuses

Nearly all policies offer a bonus for each year you go without filing a claim. The bigger the discount, the more money you'll save. Examine insurers that offer a 'no claims bonus for life' option, which allows you to lock in your current discount amount indefinitely, even if you have to make a claim later.

4) Excess

An excess is the portion of a claim that you must pay before the insurer pays the balance. Choosing a larger excess level than the standard will usually result in reduced rates.

5) Security

Installing an alarm, immobilizer, or other security systems on your vehicle can lower your insurance premiums. Parking your automobile off-road, such as on a driveway or in a garage, will also result in a lower insurance premium.

6) Pay annually

Many insurance companies charge you interest if you pay in monthly installments. If you can afford it, pay annually to prevent this, or hunt for a company that doesn't charge more for monthly payments.

7) Mileage

The more miles you drive each year, the higher your insurance premium will be. Even if you can't lower your mileage, be sure you're not underestimating how much you drive and provide your insurer an exact figure.

8) Drivers

The more drivers on your coverage, the higher the premium. Reduce the number of persons who are insured to drive your automobile to a bare minimum, and try to get the policy in the name of the driver who poses the least danger. If a car is driven by both a man and a woman, for example, insuring it in the lady's name will almost always result in a lower premium.