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When it comes to purchasing your car insurance it is important to remember there are legal obligations. In addition, car insurance will ensure your health and your asset; (the car) remain financially covered. The following 7 items provide tips on car insurance.

1. It is the law! Newspapers have recently highlighted the misery that can be caused by dangerous driving. It has been estimated that up 2 million people in the UK driver without insurance!

As pedestrians the best advice is to trust no-one. Even though you have seen a car does not automatically mean they have seen you (even if they should have done so under their obligation as a driver). It is far better to be safe and take your time and arrive in 1 piece.

As a driver you can take out 3 types of policy. Fully comprehensive insurance will cover all forms of risk, 3rd party fire & theft will cover damage caused by fire/theft and any liability caused by damage to another person or vehicle, and 3rd party only which will cover your liability to other people.
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2. Purchasing Car Insurance Online: When you buy car insurance the golden rule is to get a number of quotes so you are able to make comparisons on price and level of cover provided. Don't be fooled by sites offering 'quick quotes' and always check what additional items have been included such as excess, and more critically to what value. By loading additional items as high or low as possible some sites are able to offer very low indicative prices which do not reflect the product or premium at all!
   
   Additions to the policy can be increased or lowered in value dependent on the level of cover you are looking for and premium you are willing to pay. Such items include excess, medical expenses, legal expenses, personal accident, personal belongings, no claims protection, and breakdown cover.

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3. Breakdown Cover: Breakdown cover can be purchased as part of your car insurance policy or can be purchased as an individual product. Most drivers are sensible enough to have breakdown insurance, but there are still millions of drivers without such cover. Taking good care of your car will help prevent a breakdown but does not guarantee it. Breakdown cover comes in a variety of packages from as little as ?22 a month and insurers use a network of approved repairers.

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4. Information: When you enter into a contract with an insurer you agree to keep the insurer up to date with any information which may change the premium you pay. For example:
   
   
• If you change address then you are obliged to inform your insurer. This is because your car may be more or less liable to damage, or be involved in a crash.
• If you are caught speeding and points are applied to your licence you must inform the insurer.
• If you are fined for driving while using a mobile phone you do not currently have to inform your insurer (although this may well change).

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5. Car Modification: Modifying your car will affect your premium. Insurers calculate the premium based on multiple factors, one being the car. Manufacturers work closely with insurers so that a particular model of car can be insured to a standard. If you modify the car then the factors on which your premium has been based will have changed. It is strongly recommended that prior to modifying your car ask your insurer what the affect on your premium will be, and by how much. As the person responsible for paying the bill you can then decide whether or not you want to go ahead with your modification!

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6. Your own insurance policy: If you have recently passed your test you may not even own a car but have been offered the use of another person's car. You can add yourself onto their policy as a named driver but it is worth stating your own policy as soon as possible. The cost of insuring your own car under your own name means you will pay a higher premium in the initial period (but this will happen no matter what stage you start your own policy) and is a process all drivers have to go through. The good news is that within 1 year you earn your first year's no claims bonus. That means you will get a cheaper premium for your second year. The more years no claims you build, the cheaper your next premium!

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7. Driving abroad: Many people with UK driving licences are qualified to drive in Europe. UK Insurance policies are also valid in Europe (usually minimum legal requirement) but it is important to inform your insurer that you will be driving outside the UK. Before you travel organise a green card from your insurer. If you plan to drive while outside the UK ensure you always travel with your green card, it is recognised internationally as evidence that you have met the local insurance requirements. If you are involved in an accident whilst you are abroad it is of immense importance that you contact your insurer as soon as possible. Additional items to remember while driving abroad are:
   

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