The best day to buy car insurance
Updated on Wednesday 16 April 2025
Timing is everything when it comes to car insurance. Purchasing your policy well in advance can lead to substantial savings – but how early should you act to get the best price?
According to Go.Compare, an overwhelming 98% of drivers aren’t buying their car insurance on the optimal day, missing out on significant savings. In fact, picking the wrong day could see you paying up to 55% more than necessary.
Research from MoneySavingExpert.com highlights just how crucial timing can be, showing that last-minute buyers could end up paying more than twice as much as those who plan ahead.
Let’s break down the data and explore the cheapest day to renew your car insurance, along with tips to reduce your premium even further.
The cheapest day to buy your car insurance
Recent analysis by Go.Compare reveals when you should purchase your car insurance to get the best deal. The findings show that buying your policy 26 days before it starts is the most cost-effective option.
Here’s how the cost varies depending on when you purchase:
| Days to policy start | Average (median) price paid* |
|---|---|
| 26 | £367 |
| 24 | £377 |
| 22 | £381 |
| 20 | £381 |
| 18 | £384 |
| 16 | £384 |
| 14 | £395 |
| 12 | £393 |
| 10 | £404 |
| 8 | £412 |
| 6 | £423 |
| 4 | £448 |
| 2 | £484 |
| 0 | £569 |
(*Data based on comprehensive car insurance policies purchased through Go.Compare between May 2023 and April 2024. Excludes cancelled or test quotes and focuses on policies paid annually where the proposer was the main driver aged 18+.)
The study highlights that waiting until the day your policy starts could result in an average cost of £569 – 55% higher than the £367 average when buying 26 days ahead.
Planning ahead saves money
The data confirms that car insurance prices tend to rise as the renewal date approaches, with the sharpest increases in the final few days. This trend is echoed by MoneySavingExpert.com, whose research suggests that buying between 20 and 27 days before renewal is the sweet spot.
For instance, an analysis of over one million quotes via MoneySuperMarket showed that those who bought on their policy start date paid an average of £2,277, compared to just £906 for those who secured their policy 26 days earlier – a staggering £1,371 difference.
5 tips to haggle your car insurance premium
Knowing the best day to buy is just one part of the puzzle. To maximise your savings, it’s worth negotiating with your insurer. Here are five proven tips:
- Research competing quotes - Check price comparison sites to understand the market.
- Talk to the right team - When contacting your insurer, request to speak to the retentions department, as they often have more flexibility to offer discounts.
- Highlight better offers - Mention any cheaper quotes you’ve found and ask your insurer to match or beat them.
- Bundle policies - Consider combining car and home insurance with the same provider for potential discounts.
- Be ready to switch - Let your insurer know you’re prepared to move elsewhere if they can’t offer a competitive rate.
Loyal customers often pay more
Renewal prices don’t always reflect falling car insurance trends. Recent research from Confused.com shows that 57% of drivers received higher renewal quotes last quarter, with an average increase of £78.
However, shopping around pays off – drivers who compared quotes saved an average of £71. Start looking for a new deal early to avoid overpaying.