• It is estimated £1.5bn a year wasted on car insurance auto renewals
• Research reveals 5.25m motorists fall for auto renewal trap
• 23% of 18 – 24 year olds fall into the auto renewal trap, 41% of those had stayed with the same supplier out of loyalty with 21% saying they stayed because they found insurance too confusing
• Almost a third (32%) of all drivers have been with the same insurer for three years or more

March is one of the  busiest months for car insurance renewal and UK drivers are wasting an estimated £1.5bn a year by allowing their car insurance to automatically renew before checking they are getting a good deal according to new research by Go Compare.

5.25m motorists fell for insurers auto-renewal trap

5.25m motorists fall for the for the auto-renewal trap, allowing their insurer to renew their policy without checking to see if they could find the same cover for less  money with another provider.

Young drivers aged 18 – 24 who potentially have the most to save by changing providers had the least enthusiasm when it came to looking for a better deal, 41% out of loyalty to their current provider and 29% admitting a lack of insurance knowledge and confidence in switching .

Commenting on the research findings, Matt Oliver from Gocompare.com Car Insurance  said,

With the first number plate change of the year, March is one of the busiest months for new car sales and, as a consequence – car insurance quotes and renewals.  But, with car premiums hitting record highs, it’s now more important than ever to make sure you’re not getting a raw deal at renewal.

At renewal, insurers will offer to continue your cover – without you having to lift a finger.  But, what they’re not so good at telling you is that by shopping around you may be able to find the same cover for less.  Loyalty, when it comes to car insurance, generally doesn’t pay.  The best deals nearly always go to new customers.