Drivers who leave buying car insurance until the last minute could be viewed as a higher risk by insurers and end up paying more, according to Money Saving Expert (MSE). Research from the consumer website found that the timing of a quote can affect the price paid, with costs rising closer to the renewal date.
MSE analysed “100,000s of quotes” from comparison website MoneySupermarket between February and April 2026. The findings showed that while the cheapest time to buy is 22 to 26 days before renewal, the sweet spot is 25 days ahead, described as the “overall cheapest time.”
How much can timing save?
MSE explained that the “average policy costs £708 a year on renewal day, but buy it 25 days earlier and this drops to £374 a year – a massive £334 saving.” It added that while savings may not always be that large, “the principle still stands.”
The advice, updated in April 2026, states that the “cheapest time to get quotes is 22 to 26 days ahead of your renewal date.”
Why buying early makes it cheaper
Insurers factor buying behaviour into their risk assessments, MSE said. Drivers who arrange cover weeks in advance may be seen as more organised and responsible, while those who leave it to the last minute can be viewed as a higher risk.
MSE explained: “When our best time to buy analysis concluded that insurance prices differed depending on how far in advance you got the policy, what insurers told us was generally the same thing – it's based around risk. Buying insurance a few weeks before you need it suggests you're more careful and organised, while leaving it to the last minute means you're seen as higher risk.”
Some insurers have reported a direct link between drivers who leave sorting their insurance to the last moment and those who make a higher number of claims. As for why the super-prepared face higher prices for getting a quote 30 days in advance, MSE said it is because fewer insurers return quotes at that stage.
Other factors affecting premiums
The amount saved on insurance varies depending on factors such as where you park, your job, annual mileage, age, driving history and any vehicle modifications. The RAC notes that even your postcode could affect how much you pay, even if you have had no claims or accidents.
The motoring experts explained: “Living in a built-up area will increase your chance of accidents through sheer probability, as there will be more vehicles on the road. If you live in an area with a high crime rate, you could see the added risk to your car reflected in your premium costs since vandalism and theft may be more common. In classic UK fashion, the weather might also throw a spanner in the works… If you live on the coast or near a river prone to flooding, your insurance payments will consider the cost of potential water damage.”
Avoid auto-renewing
Most car insurance policies run for 12 months, and the renewal premium is often calculated about a month before the policy ends. MSE stresses that drivers should “never just auto-renew, as it's likely you'll pay more than you need to” and should always compare quotes first.
There is no guarantee every driver will save £334 – some could save more or much less. However, getting the timing right may help avoid paying more than necessary. MSE’s message is simple: don’t leave car insurance to the last minute, and set up cover around 25 days before it is due to start.
