Compare car insurance in Bristol

Why Do I Need Car Insurance in Bristol?

Before exploring the different types of car insurance available in Bristol, it's essential to understand the legal requirements and other key facts:

• Legal requirement: All drivers in Bristol must have at least third-party car insurance. Driving without insurance is a serious offence that can lead to fines, penalty points, and even disqualification.
• Average cost: According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the average car insurance premium in the South West, which includes Bristol, was £425 in 2023. However, prices can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances.
• Factors affecting premiums: Your age, driving experience, vehicle make and model, postcode, and level of cover are just some of the factors that can impact your car insurance premiums in Bristol.

How to Get Cheap Car Insurance in Bristol?

While car insurance premiums in Bristol can be higher than the national average, there are several ways to help reduce your costs:

1. Compare quotes from multiple providers: Shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurers is one of the most effective ways to find cheap car insurance in Bristol. You can easily compare the cost of your car insurance using comparison website such as Free Price Compare.
2. Choose a car with a low insurance group rating: Cars with smaller engines, lower value, and better safety features are generally cheaper to insure.
3. Increase your voluntary excess: By agreeing to pay a higher excess in the event of a claim, you can often lower your annual premiums. Just make sure you choose an affordable excess amount.
4. Build your no claims discount: Each year of claim-free driving can earn you a significant discount on your car insurance premiums. In Bristol, drivers with 5 years or more of no claims can save up to 65% on their premiums.
5. Consider black box insurance: As mentioned earlier, telematics policies can offer reduced premiums for safe driving, especially for young or inexperienced drivers. In Bristol, black box insurance can save drivers up to 30% on their premiums.
6. Pay annually: If you can afford to pay your car insurance premiums in one lump sum, you can often save money compared to paying in monthly instalments. In Bristol, paying annually can save drivers up to 12% on their premiums.
7. Limit your annual mileage: Lower annual mileage can result in lower premiums, as it reduces your risk of being involved in an accident. Bristol drivers who travel less than 7,500 miles per year can save up to 10% on their car insurance.
8. Improve your car's security: Installing approved alarms, immobilisers, and tracking devices can help lower your insurance costs. In Bristol, cars with approved security devices can qualify for discounts of up to 5% on their premiums.
9. Consider adding an experienced named driver: Adding an older, more experienced driver to your policy can sometimes lower your premiums, as it's seen as a way to reduce the overall risk associated with the policy.

Optional Extras for Bristol Car Insurance

When comparing car insurance quotes in Bristol, you may come across various optional extras that can be added to your policy for enhanced protection. Some common examples include:

• Breakdown cover: Provides assistance if your car breaks down, including roadside repairs or towing services. In Bristol, adding breakdown cover to your car insurance policy can cost around £40 to £120 per year.
• Legal expenses cover: Covers legal costs associated with pursuing or defending claims related to a car accident. In Bristol, legal expenses cover typically costs between £15 and £40 per year.
• Personal accident cover: Offers compensation if you or your passengers are injured or killed in a car accident. Personal accident cover in Bristol can cost around £25 to £75 per year.
• Courtesy car cover: Ensures you have access to a replacement vehicle while your car is being repaired following a claim. In Bristol, courtesy car cover can add around £20 to £40 to your annual car insurance premium.
• Protected no claims discount: Allows you to maintain your no claims discount even if you make a claim on your policy. Protecting your no claims bonus in Bristol typically costs an additional 5% to 10% of your base premium.
• Key cover: Provides cover for the cost of replacing lost or stolen car keys, which can be expensive due to the technology used in modern keys. Key cover in Bristol can cost around £15 to £30 per year.

While these optional extras can provide added peace of mind, they will also increase your premiums, so consider which ones are most important to you and balance them against the additional cost.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Bristol

If you're involved in a car accident in Bristol, it's crucial to follow the correct steps to ensure your safety and protect your interests:

1. Stop your vehicle and check for injuries: If anyone is hurt, call emergency services immediately.
2. Exchange insurance details with the other driver(s): Collect their name, contact information, vehicle registration, and insurance provider details.
3. Document the accident: Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved and the accident scene, if it's safe to do so.
4. Notify your insurer: Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the accident and initiate the claims process.