After the festive period it’s important to organise our finances for the brand new year that lies ahead of us. With the recession still hanging over our heads like a rain cloud, we should be looking for ways to beat it and keep our heads above the financial water level. Start with your car insurance. Your car insurance premium is likely to be one of the most expensive things you will purchase during 2010- so make sure you get the best deal. Here at moneysupermarket, we’re always looking for more ways to save you money on your car insurance premium. Take note of these tips to make sure you’re not paying over the odds…

• Be security conscious. If your insurer knows that you take necessary precautions to keep your car safe, then they will be likely to give you a cheaper quote. Fit an alarm system and a tracker to your car, which is likely to shave some pounds from your premium. Where possible park your car in a garage overnight, or as close to your house as possible. This will deter thieves and vandals and is also likely to knock a few pennies off your overall quote.
• Don’t modify your car. Even though modifying your car may seem tempting to improve its appearance or strengthen its engine, insurers don’t take to car modifications lightly. Making the engine stronger means that the car will be more likely to be involved in an accident; therefore it will be more expensive to insure. By making your car more appealing aesthetically, your car will be more appealing to thieves and vandals- again, possibly making your premium more expensive.
• Take a Pass Plus course. By taking an extra course after you have passed your driving test, you can dramatically decrease your car insurance quotes. These courses see you driving in different conditions, i.e. In different weather or on motorways, and can give you more confidence when driving. Courses such as Pass Plus have been known to take up to 10% off your car insurance quotes.
• Compare premiums online. The insurance market is buoyant, meaning that several firms are competing for your business. Compare car insurance on a price comparison site, like moneysupermarket.com to help give you insight to what is available on the market.