50 Ways to Save Money | Part 14-19
Motoring costs rocketing? Here are some quick tips to save money. Some will amount to a good few pounds, others to just a few pennies, but they all add up.
14. Use apps to find cheap parking spaces
Don’t simply park up in the closest car park you can find or the one you know has the best parking spaces. Check there isn’t a cheaper one nearby first, using apps such as My Parking Space. Particularly in big cities, this can save you a fortune. Alternatively, park on the edge of town and take a walk. Your fitness tracker will welcome the additional steps!
15. Don’t overestimate your annual mileage when buying insurance
If you generally tell your insurance company you cover 10,000 miles a year, but you drive far less than this, you could be paying for a higher-risk premium than is needed. Give the company a realistic figure instead – but don’t underestimate, or you could be left without cover. Looking to save more money on your car insurance? Check out these 8 surprising things that can affect the cost of your car insurance;
16. Pay-as-you-go car insurance options
Car insurance makes up a large part of the cost of motoring. So, why pay for the miles you don’t drive? If you are driving under 6,000 miles per year, you could be saving on your car insurance. There are different types of products available, including pay-perhour temporary), pay-by-mile and pay-as-you-go insurance. Traditionally you would estimate the miles you drive, and your premium (amongst other factors) would be based on that. What if you don’t drive as much? Pay-by-Mile means you only pay for the miles you do drive, plus a monthly parked premium for when you’re not.
17. Park away from other cars
If your car is on lease – finance, it will be assessed for condition before you hand it back. You’ll be charged if any rectification is needed. An easy way to reduce the risk of damage it to park away from other cars, so their car doors can’t damage it, and they can’t scrape it when driving in and out. Remember, even small car park panel dings are logged by the dealer on the condition report. If you own your vehicle, any potential buyer will use dings and scrapes to haggle you down on price, too. Practice bay parking if you are not a confident driver.
18. Buy a smartphone holder
If you are caught using a hand-held mobile phone behind the wheel, you are now fined £200 and given six points on your licence. If you use your smartphone for navigation or as an audio player, and it is not in a fixed position, you could be penalised for breaking the law. Avoid the risk by securing it in a smartphone holder, ideally fixed to the dashboard, not the windscreen so it does not obscure your view. A good quality smartphone holder will set you back between £10 and £20, but this works out a lot cheaper than the potential fine and points on your licence. Remember, having endorsements on your licence might increase your insurance premium, further increasing your motoring costs.
19. Don’t use your windscreen wipers on ice.
Windscreen wipers can cost £20 or more to replace. And they’ll wear out much more quickly if you use them on ice in winter – you even risk tearing them entirely. Scrape the screen or use a de-icer instead – this is also much safer (and less irritating for sleeping neighbours). If you haven’t got a scraper, prices start from as little as £1. Knowing how to demist your windscreen in double-quick time can save you time and money. Always pack one in your winter breakdown kit.
Published by
CitiRental.co.uk
Kar-Dok.co.uk
CitiRental.co
Parking-Here.com
