In these tough economic times it can really be tempting to ditch car insurance.
A recent Consumer NZ survey shows about one in ten people have looked at doing just that, while over half of those surveyed (52 per cent) were worried about the cost.
The good news from Consumer is that there are ways of cutting the costs - while keeping the cover.
First up, review your cover. Your personal circumstances change all the time, so your cover should change to reflect that.
Consumer's Abby Damen says if you’re working from home more and not driving your car as much, or if a teen has moved out of home and no longer drives your vehicle, your premium could be lowered.
Her big advice is shop around. Consumer NZ did this.
It got quotes for four scenarios – someone young, middle-aged, an older person and a family of four.
It found on average, the family could save as much as $670 a year, the young person around $450, older people $480 and middle aged just over $500.
“If you really love your insurer, but someone else is offering a better rate - you've got nothing to lose by bargaining with them and asking if they'll match the competitor's price,” Abby says.
You can increase your excess to lower your premiums and also get a discount if you pay your car insurance annually rather than in instalments.
And, whatever insurance you've got, it pays to make sure if the worst happens, you have a successful claim.
Harald Leeuwenburgh from A1 Driving School says part of teaching driving is making sure people know what to do if they’re in an accident.
He recommends having a checklist and a pen in the glove box of every car.
“You can just have a quick look and make sure you've ticked all the boxes, and you've covered all the bits and pieces because people will be in shock and possibly make rash decisions.”
Harald’s Crash Checklist
1. Check to see if anyone is hurt.
2. Call 111 if necessary.
3. If it's safe to do so, take photos and draw a sketch of the scene and damage.
4. If vehicles can be moved safely, clear the scene.
5. Get details of the other party. Name, address, phone, rego, insurance company.
6. Get details from a witness if there is one.
7. Don’t admit liability if you're not sure who is at fault.
8. Get police involved if necessary.
9. Get police report details if applicable.
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