Car insurance: 5 bits of tech that could save you money

In a climate of ever-increasing car insurance premiums, motorists are turning to technology to slash their costs.

Tech is a grumble for many drivers but if, you use it in the right way, it could save you quite a bit of money on your car insurance.

They’re simple to put in motion too. From dashcams to parking sensors, find out more about the innovative devices that could slash your costs.

Dashcam

These handy dashboard cameras can capture misdeeds on the road, so if you’re caught up in an accident, the footage from the cam can help you prove your case in a shorter time.

Dashcams are relatively cheap (around £30) and could save you a bundle in the long-run, not to mention saving you around 10% on your car insurance when you fit one.

You can find out more at Dashcams, excess and simply driving less: how discounts affect your car insurance premiums.  

Telematics (black box)

Black boxes are normally reserved for younger/newer drivers, but they can save a pretty penny for more experienced motorists as well. 

The issue with older motorists is that, even though they get into fewer accidents, the cost when they do is greater.

A telematics policy could cut premiums by up to £250 for motorists who are careful on the road.

The black box is installed in car and it records particular aspects of your driving such as cornering, braking, speed and the time of day you drive to determine how good you are as a driver.

They'll often have GPS trackers so that if your car gets lost, it'll be easier to trace. 

Even if it’s just to prove to your insurer that you’re a safe driver, a black box is a sound investment.

Apps

Some telematics policies are accompanied by apps which help to track your driving.

They’re on offer from some of the UK’s top insurers. For example, the Aviva Drive app is free to download and you can choose which journeys you want to record. You’ll get a personal based on a rating of 0-10.

Drivers with a rating of 7.1 or higher can save an average of £170 on Aviva's comprehensive car insurance.   

Read more at Driving apps that could save you money.

Parking sensors

Installing sensors will detect obstacles behind and you and help you park with less chance of damaging your car - and your no claims bonus.

They use ultrasonic technology that sends out sound waves behind your car which bounce off obstacles and return to the sensor.

You can fit sensors yourself too, saving a bit extra on installation fees. For a front and rear sensor kit, you’re looking at £110-£120.

But people who have installed parking sensors have seen their premiums fall by around 13%.

Compare car insurance quotes with loveMONEY

Immobiliser

Many cars have a factory-fitted immobiliser as standard, meaning that a car won’t run unless the correct key is being used.

Take extra caution if your car is older though, as motors made before October 1998 may not have one fitted. If you’re not sure, check your car’s handbook (if you still have it!).

Immobilisers work on the Thatcham ratings, ranging from one to seven – the higher the rating, the more secure your car will be.  

Prices start at around £85 + VAT for a category 2 immobiliser.

How much money could I save?

Getting an exact number is tricky – this very much depends on your car, your circumstances, where you live, other drivers on your policy and your claims history.

Your best shot is going to your insurer’s website and using any tools and resources they have, like online calculators.

Calling them up and seeing what they can do is helpful as well – and don’t forget to haggle! Read How to haggle and save a fortune for some top tips.

Alternatively, you could save money using comparison websites. Why not give the loveMONEY car insurance centre a spin?

More car insurance essentials:

24 ways to beat today's car insurance tax hike

19 car insurance mistakes to avoid

9 ways young drivers can slash their car insurance premiums