When to buy car insurance to pay less
The cheapest time to buy car insurance is about three to four weeks before your policy starts. In MoneySavingExpert’s analysis of over 100,000 quotes from February to April 2026, buying around 25 days ahead cost £374 a year on average, against £708 on renewal day.
By the billsqueeze team · Facts checked: 31 October 2026 · Updated:
- Buy 22 to 26 days before your renewal for the lowest average quotes.
- Average quote 25 days ahead: £374; on renewal day: £708 (MSE, Feb–Apr 2026).
- Your insurer can’t charge more to renew than it charges new customers, but others may be cheaper.
- Average premium paid: £566 (ABI, April to June 2026).
The cheapest window
Quotes are lowest when you buy about three to four weeks before your policy starts. MoneySavingExpert’s analysis of more than 100,000 MoneySupermarket quotes from February to April 2026 found the cheapest point was around 22 to 26 days ahead.
| When you buy | Average quote |
|---|---|
| About 25 days before renewal | £374 |
| On renewal day | £708 |
Insurers’ data suggests people who buy at the last minute are more likely to claim, so they price them higher. Leaving it to renewal day nearly doubled the average quote in that analysis.
How to time it
- Find your renewal date on your policy documents or app, and note it somewhere you’ll see it.
- Start comparing about four weeks before. You can usually buy a new policy up to a month or more in advance, with a start date that matches your renewal.
- Check your renewal quote. Since 1 January 2022 your insurer can’t charge you more to renew than it would charge a new customer through the same channel, but another insurer may still be cheaper.
- Turn off auto-renewal if you switch. Insurers must let you opt out at least as easily as you bought the policy.
What people pay
The average car insurance premium paid was £566 in April to June 2026, up 1% on the quarter (ABI). Defaqto’s index of quoted prices was 2.7% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, with older drivers seeing the biggest rises.
billsqueeze doesn’t give insurance advice or recommend policies. This guide is general information; check the policy wording before you buy.
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Common questions
When is the cheapest time to buy car insurance?
About 22 to 26 days before your policy starts, according to MoneySavingExpert’s analysis of MoneySupermarket quotes from February to April 2026.
Is it cheaper to renew or switch car insurance?
Your insurer can’t charge you more to renew than a new customer through the same channel, but another insurer may offer a lower price, so it’s worth comparing.
How much is car insurance on average?
The average premium paid was £566 in April to June 2026, according to the Association of British Insurers.
Can I cancel auto-renewal?
Yes. Insurers must let you turn off auto-renewal at least as easily as you bought the policy.