Many drivers have managed to knock up to £200 off their car insurance renewal quotes just by picking up the phone and asking, according to research by Which?.
The consumer group found that some discounts were so big, it raises questions about whether insurers are offering fair value in the first place.
Almost six in ten drivers said they tried negotiating with their insurer, mostly over the phone. Of those who haggled, 61 per cent were successful in getting a cheaper deal. On average, drivers saved £64 a year, and five per cent said they saved more than £200.
The survey, which questioned 2,000 drivers in April and May, also found that nearly half saw their premiums go up at renewal, while just over a quarter saw it drop. Drivers who were dealing with things like health issues, money worries or just didn’t feel confident were more likely to have to switch policies to get a better deal.
Which? says it's worth asking whether your renewal quote is really fair, as some people are clearly being charged more than they should be.
Sam Richardson from Which? Money said that haggling is one of the best ways to bring down the cost of your renewal.
Meanwhile, the Association of British Insurers said its members take their responsibilities seriously. A spokesperson explained, "Variations between an initial online quote and a bespoke phone offer often come down to a deeper dive into individual factors which may have changed from the previous policy – your vehicle's security measures, driving habits, level of cover and choice of voluntary excess."
"Whether to offer cover and at what price is a commercial decision for individual insurers based on their risk appetite."
Back in 2022, rules were brought in to stop insurers from charging loyal customers more than new ones for the same policy.
Which? admits haggling can feel awkward, but encourages drivers to challenge any price hikes, mention cheaper quotes they’ve found elsewhere, and ask their insurer if they can match them.
