Insurers calculate your premium based on the risk of you making a claim, referred to as an 'underwriting model'. There are a few, core factors that make a big difference.

		Age - the older you are generally the lower your premium. Older drivers tend to have fewer accidents and drive more carefully. However, once you get into your late 70s then premiums start to go up again.
		Where you live - insurers use postcode regions to calculate your likelihood of a claim. Basically, they will charge higher premiums for areas that have more claims for accidents and thefts. Unfortunately this can mean that good drivers are penalised because of the area they live in.
		Occupation - certain occupations such as journalists, pub landlords and football players are regarded as a higher risk, whilst others such as teachers and office workers are lower risk. Your job therefore affects your premium.

Your age, where you live and your occupation are not things you can easily change! However, the good news is that there are factors that can be changed and which will reduce your premium:

		Type of car - a smaller, more fuel efficient car is much less polluting than a gas-guzzling 4x4 – and is cheaper to run as well. Generally insurers prefer small to medium cars, commonly referred to as 'lower insurance groups'. By choosing a smaller car you can get cheaper insurance and many other benefits such as lower fuel bills, cheaper road tax and smaller maintenance bills.
		Mileage - insurers give discounts for lower mileage drivers. Avoid short car journeys whenever possible. Instead, walk or cycle and burn up some calories. Driving less is not only good for the environment by cutting congestion and emissions but also better for your health and your pocket!

What else can I do?

• Switch off the engine if you think you’ll be stationary for more than half a minute. Idling this long burns more energy than it takes to restart the engine.
  
• Share the school-run with a roster of parents to cut congestion and save on your fuel bill.
  
• If you have a diesel engine, consider biodiesel that has been obtained from sustainable sources. Not only is it carbon-neutral, it also biodegrades 98% within three weeks and is kinder on the environment.