Getting the best deal on your car insurance does not mean that you have to forgo the security of being covered by a well-known insurer. There are many ways of tailoring the policy and considerations you need to make to provide the cover you need at a lower cost.

1 Excess All policies have an 'excess' ' that is the amount you will have to fork out if you make a claim on your car insurance. It can range from £50 upwards. However, choose to pay an additional excess on top of the compulsory excess and you'll pay a lower premium.

2 Residence If your car is garaged overnight or on your driveway, you'll pay a lower premium than if it was left in the street.

And those who live in the country will pay less than someone living in an inner-city.

3 Grouping While you may be able to pick up a second hand Porsche at a bargain price, you'll more than make up it for the cost of insurance. Check out the group - the lower the group number, the lower the premium.

4 Drivers Limit the number of drivers on your vehicle and you'll get a better deal on your insurance.

5 Age, sex and occupation These can all have an effect on your premiums, as can part-time jobs.

6 Modifications and security A modified car will attract higher premiums.

Check the security levels on your car: immobilisers, a steering lock, and a detachable stereo could help reduce your premiums.

7 Shop Around Don't automatically accept your current insurers' quote at renewal time ' shop around. Use our directory of car insurance providers to find the best deal for you.

About the author: Motor Car Loans an automotive resource guide for those looking to buy, insure , sell or in fact do all most anything with a car. Sign up to our free car insurance course, send an email to motorcarloans@getresponse.com