Car insurance quotes can vary a lot from one driver to another. Even when their car and cover levels seem similar. That’s because insurers use a number of factors to work out risk, from your age and job to the type of car you drive.

In this guide, we break down the main things that influence your quote and explain steps you can take to get a fairer price.

If you’re comparing providers or want flexible, easy-to-manage cover, take a look at Marshmallow’s car insurance to see how we do things differently.

How much does car insurance cost – and why?

Insurers use risk-based pricing. That means they look at how likely you are to make a claim and how expensive that claim is likely to be.

The main factors include:

• Your personal details: age, address, driving history, experience, and claims record.
• Your vehicle: value, engine size, safety features, repair cost, and theft likelihood.
• Your driving habits: annual mileage, where your car is parked, and the purpose of use.
• Your policy choices: level of cover, voluntary excess, and optional extras.
• Risk data: crime rates, accident statistics, and wider market conditions.

Each insurer weighs these factors differently, which is why quotes vary between companies.

How can I reduce the cost of my car insurance?

There are several ways to lower your insurance cost without compromising on protection:

• Increase your voluntary excess (but only to a level you can afford). This means you might pay more if you have to make a claim.
• Improve your car’s security with alarms, immobilisers, or secure parking.
• Drive fewer miles if possible and make sure your mileage estimate is accurate.
• Choose a car in a lower insurance group — these cost less to repair and replace.
• Avoid unnecessary add-ons if you don’t need them.
• Build up your No Claims Discount (NCD) by driving safely and avoiding claims.
• Pay annually instead of monthly if you can, as this usually avoids interest charges.

Small changes can make a noticeable difference — especially for newer or younger drivers.

How does my age affect my car insurance cost?

Age is one of the strongest predictors of risk in the eyes of insurers.

• Young drivers aged 17–24 typically pay more because they have less experience and are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents.
• Drivers aged 25–70 tend to see prices decrease as they gain experience and build up a driving record and No Claims Bonus.
• Drivers over 70 may see prices rise again due to insurers factoring in slower reaction times or medical considerations.

Although you can’t change your age, building a strong claims-free record over time helps bring costs down.

Does my vehicle affect my car insurance quote?

Yes, your car has a big impact on your quote. Insurers consider:

• Insurance group rating: Cars are ranked from group 1 (cheapest to insure) to group 50 (most expensive).
• Engine size and performance: Faster, more powerful cars usually cost more to insure.
• Value and repair costs: High-end or rare cars cost more to repair or replace.
• Safety features: Cars with modern safety tech can be cheaper to insure.
• Theft likelihood: Some models are targeted more often than others.

Choosing a sensible, lower-powered model can help lower your insurance quote — especially for new drivers.

Read our guide on UK car insurance groups and which is the cheapest.

How does my job affect my car insurance quote?

Your occupation gives insurers clues about your daily routine, driving frequency, and risk profile. For example:

• Jobs that involve late-night travel, high mileage, or city driving may increase your quote.
• Roles considered lower risk (such as office-based jobs) often come with lower quotes.
• Some job titles carry different ratings even when duties are similar — so choose the most accurate one.

Always be honest when giving information. Providing misleading information can invalidate your insurance.

Does the type of cover I buy affect my car insurance cost?

Yes, but not always in the way people expect. The main types are:

• Third Party: Covers damage to other vehicles only. This is the minimum level of cover required by law in the UK.
• Third Party, Fire & Theft: Adds cover for theft and fire damage.
• Comprehensive: Covers damage to your car and other vehicles. Surprisingly, this is often cheaper than Third Party because safer drivers tend to choose it.

Many people expect that Third Party only insurance will always be cheapest because it is the lowest level of cover. But this isn't true. Depending on your circumstances, choosing comprehensive cover can give better protection at a competitive price.

At Marshmallow, we only offer fully comprehensive car insurance, to give you better protection.

Will add-ons affect my car insurance?

Add-ons give you extra protection, but they can increase your overall cost. Common extras include:

• Breakdown cover
• Motor Legal Protection (or legal expenses cover)
• Courtesy car
• Windscreen cover
• Key cover

If you want to keep costs down, only choose extras you genuinely need.

Ready to get affordable car insurance?

Car insurance pricing is influenced by a mix of personal factors, vehicle details, driving habits, and policy choices. Some things, like your age, can’t be changed. But others, like choosing a sensible car, improving security, or adjusting your policy options, can help bring costs down.

Ready to compare quotes? Want flexible, digital-first cover designed for modern drivers? Check out Marshmallow’s car insurance options and find the right policy for your needs.