8 Ways To Lower Your Insurance Costs After A Driving Ban
Following a driving ban, one of the first hurdles you will face is finding affordable driving insurance. Insurance companies often view banned drivers as high-risk prospects. As such, they often enforce higher premiums upon these drivers to protect against the potential risk they represent.
So, what steps can you take to reduce the cost of your insurance without compromising on coverage? Our team at Riviera Insurance have put together a list of the top 8 ways for you to lower your insurance costs after a driving ban:
1. Make Sure Your Insurance Company Specialises In High-Risk Drivers
Not all insurance companies cater to drivers coming back from a driving ban. If they take them on at all, providers will often leverage high insurance premiums upon high-risk drivers. Instead, look to companies like Riviera Insurance, who specialise in offering tailored policies to convicted drivers. These companies will understand your needs and suggest products tailored to them, such as if you have DR10 or TT99 convictions. Providers who specialise will almost always offer more competitive rates and superior customer services than standard insurers.
2. Agree To A Higher Voluntary Excess
Increasing your voluntary excess can significantly reduce your insurance premiums. The voluntary excess is the amount you agree to pay before your insurer covers a claim. In doing so, you can reduce your monthly or yearly premiums. Make sure the excess you agree to pay is within your means to pay, however.
3. Improve Your Driving Record With Courses And Certification
Many insurers will adjust their premiums for drivers who have taken approved courses to demonstrate their reliability. For previously banned drivers, these can include drink-drive rehabilitation and National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme courses. Even if the discount isn’t immediate, these courses are still well worth your time. Improving your driving habits lowers your overall risk profile over time. This, in turn, can lead to cheaper insurance rates in the future.
4. Limit Your Driving
Limiting the amount of driving that you do can significantly reduce your premiums. Many insurers offer ‘low mileage’ discounts for drivers who don’t use their vehicle often. To take advantage of this, provide an accurate estimate of your annual mileage when requesting quotes. By reducing your time on the road, you can reduce your risk to insurers and lower your premiums to boot.
5. Choose a Cheaper Car
Cars in lower insurance groups (typically groups 1–10) are cheaper to insure because they are less expensive to repair and less likely to be involved in high-cost claims. There are several reasons for this. For example, a cheaper car typically has a lower market value, which means the cost of repairs or replacement is lower if the vehicle is damaged or written off. Additionally, less expensive cars are often less powerful and slower than high-performance vehicles, which are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. Choosing a cheaper, less powerful car can also signal to insurers that you’re adopting a more cautious and responsible driving style, potentially leading to better insurance terms.
6. Park Your Car In A Secure Location
Insurers assess risk based on many factors, including the security of your vehicle when it’s not in use. Parking your car in a locked garage or on a private driveway overnight is seen as much safer than parking it on the road. This reduced risk of theft or vandalism can often lead to a lower premium, so be sure to declare your secure parking situation when getting a quote.
7. Beware Of Ghost Brokers
When searching for a cheap deal, be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, as they probably are. “Ghost broking” is a type of fraud where an individual or company sells you a fake or invalid insurance policy. Drivers desperate for affordable cover are prime targets. You may only discover you have no real coverage when you need to make a claim. Always use reputable brokers or deal with insurers directly.
8. Don’t Reoffend
While other tips offer more immediate discounts, the most effective long-term strategy is to maintain a clean record. Avoiding any future convictions and penalties is essential. As you build up a history of safe driving and accumulate a no-claims bonus, you prove to insurers that you are no longer a high-risk driver. This will result in the most significant premium reductions in the years following your ban.
At Riveria Insurance, we specialise in helping high-risk drivers get affordable and comprehensive coverage. Whether you need DR10 insurance or coverage after a drink-driving ban, we provide policies tailored to your specific circumstances.
Contact Riveria Insurance For Competitively Priced Insurance After A Driving Ban. Our dedicated team strives to help you find the best solution so that you can get back on the road safely and securely. Get a convicted driver car insurance quote today, or contact our team if you have any other questions about our policies.
