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What is the best time to renew car insurance?

30/09/2025

Lauren McAfee Insurance Editor and Writer

Last Updated: 30 Sept 2025
Read time: 5 minutes

Written by: Lauren McAfee
Insurance Writer and Editor

Reviewed by: Mark McKeown

Written in line with our Editorial Guidelines

The best time to buy car insurance

Drivers save up to 45% on car insurance costs simply by renewing 15-24 days before their policy ends.*

Giving yourself time to shop around and compare quotes before you renew or switch your policy can help you find better deals overall. However, knowing the best time to get car insurance can save drivers hundreds of pounds each year.

Research from our insurance experts at Quotezone reveals how being aware of the best time to search for car insurance could lead to significant savings for drivers.

1. Time your renewal date

Data from over 100,000 real UK car insurance comparisons shows that buying two to three weeks before your renewal date can save you between 33% and 45%*.

Purchasing a policy 15-24 days before it is due to start is the sweet spot, and represents the cheapest time to get car insurance. This gives you a full 9 day window of time to search and compare car insurance policies before you commit to the best fit for you. 

2. Avoid automatic renewals

One of the big mistakes that drivers make is allowing their policy to automatically renew. This can be tempting when you are offered a renewal price that is lower than the previous year. But you could be missing out on further savings offered by other insurance companies. 

At Quotezone, we match you to quotes across 130 trusted UK car insurance providers with just one search. It’s a quick and easy way to make sure you don’t miss out on a better deal.  

When purchasing a new policy, always make sure to untick the auto-renew option so you don’t forget later on down the line. Otherwise, the choice to switch will be taken out of your hands.

3. Get quotes during daytime hours

Our data shows that drivers who compared quotes between midnight and 6am were offered premiums around 22% higher than other shoppers.* 

It’s not entirely clear why the time of day affects the quoted premiums. However, insurers will price policies based on risk profiles, so it could be assumed that shopping for insurance late at night is interpreted as a higher risk indicator. 

What is clear is that it’s best to avoid getting quotes during these hours if you can. Planning your search for daytime ensures you are looking at the best time to get a car insurance quote.

Should I switch car insurers?

As the cost of UK car insurance falls throughout 2024, the need to compare policies might feel less urgent. When we see a lower quote now, it could seem reasonable when compared to what was on offer during the post-pandemic spikes in 2023. 

However, the potential to save on car insurance by switching policies or insurers still stands. Our own Quotezone customers can save up to £518* when comparing car insurance with us.

Although cost is key, you should consider all the implications of switching your policy and provider. Consider the coverage you are being offered, any fees for cancelling early, and whether the new policy meets your needs as well as your budget.

If your renewal quote has fallen

A cheaper renewal quote is always good news, but it might simply reflect an added year of no-claims bonus. This isn’t really a discount, but an adjustment for proving you are a lower-risk driver. 

Other insurers will also factor in your bonus, and could offer an even better price on top of this. This is especially important for young drivers, who are just beginning to build up their no-claims history.

If your renewal quote has gone up

If you have claimed on your insurance or have received points or convictions in the last year, your premiums might have increased.

When this happens, you can benefit from comparing quotes, particularly with insurers who specialise in covering convicted drivers. They could offer more favourable rates than more generalist insurers.

How to negotiate car insurance with your provider?

Negotiating with your insurer often comes down to being prepared and knowing when to act. One of the simplest ways to put yourself in a stronger position is to avoid auto-renewal and compare quotes early.

  1. Begin by collecting quotes for the same coverage from multiple insurers, including your current provider. 
  2. Speak to someone at your current insurance company directly, and use these quotes to negotiate a better deal.
  3. If your provider can’t meet your needs, be ready to switch. The advantage of doing it this way is that you already have a better alternative ready to go.

Expert advice

“Some of the most common and costly mistakes drivers make include letting policies auto-renew, leaving it too late to buy, and not shopping around.

“Drivers usually get a reminder a month before their policy ends – that’s the perfect time to start comparing quotes.

“Our data shows the sweet spot is 15 to 24 days before the new policy starts, when premiums could be up to 45% cheaper – yet a quarter of drivers are unaware of this significant saving.**” 

– Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone

Timing and preparation can have a major impact on your car insurance costs. By knowing the best time to renew car insurance, avoiding auto-renewal, and comparing quotes at the right moment, drivers can secure significant savings. Remember to consider coverage and policy terms, not just price, so you get the protection you need at the best possible cost.

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Sources:
*The data used is taken from a sample of 100,000 Quotezone car insurance policies.
**Survey – Quotezone.co.uk’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during April 2025, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.