More than 1.3 million motorists are happy to take on the risks involved in drink driving simply to save on a taxi fare. If the recession is hitting some people that hard, perhaps it’s time for some sensible ways to find cheap insurance.

1. Compare Online and Haggle On The Phone

The easiest way to compare the insurance market and find cheap insurance is to use an insurance comparison website. However, you can get very cheap insurance if you take it one step further and haggle a little on the phone. The insurance companies who provided your best online quotes will be eager to win your business – take advantage and ask for a discount.

2. Annual or Monthly Payments

If you have the option, you should find a way to pay for your insurance in one lump sum. If you chose to pay monthly premiums, the insurer could effectively be “loaning” you the full premium and are likely to apply interest on top – undoing your hard work in finding cheap insurance.

3. Don’t Just Accept Renewal Quotes

When your current policy is up for renewal, you’ll receive a notice from your insurer. Included in this will be a quote to renew with them. This is rarely the cheapest option. The insurers rely on laziness to retain your business and recoup some of their costs. To make sure your insurance is as cheap as possible, have a hunt around for the best deals.

5. Only Pay For What You Need

Sometimes you can uncover cheap insurance by simply removing the added extras which you’re never going to need. Likewise, if you’re offered cheap insurance, the first thing you should do is check to make sure the cover you actually need is included. Common examples include courtesy car cover when you have a second car in the household and buying health or life insurance which may already be provided to some extent by your employer.