The Best Time to Renew Your Car Insurance: Finding the Sweet Spot for Maximum Savings

2nd April 2025

With car insurance premiums continuing to fluctuate, knowing when to renew your policy can make a huge difference to your wallet. Recent data from Quotezone suggests that timing your renewal correctly could save you up to 45% on your insurance costs. But when exactly is the best time to lock in your next policy, and why does it matter?

Why Timing Matters

Car insurance pricing isn't static; it's influenced by a range of factors, including when you request your quote. Insurers use algorithms that assess risk based on behaviour patterns, so even something as simple as the day you renew your policy can have a significant impact on cost.

Some motorists believe renewing as early as possible will secure the best rate, but this isn’t always the case. Quotezone's data indicates that purchasing a new policy too far in advance doesn’t necessarily translate to savings. Insurance providers may not offer their most competitive rates to those renewing too early because they assume these customers are less price sensitive.

Alternatively, leaving your renewal until the last few days before expiry can be a costly mistake. When insurers detect that a driver is shopping for coverage at the last minute, they may mark them as higher risk. Quotezone reports that drivers who renew on the final day could end up paying significantly more, potentially hundreds of pounds extra, compared to those who renew earlier.

The Prime Renewal Window: 15 to 28 Days Before Expiry

Data from multiple sources, including Quotezone, Regit, and This Is Money, confirm that the sweet spot for renewing your car insurance is between 15 and 28 days before the policy expires. Drivers who renew within this window can save between 33% and 45%, with average savings of up to £347.

According to Quotezone’s research, renewing around 21 days before your expiry date ensures that insurers view you as a responsible, lower-risk customer—resulting in more competitive premiums. This is when insurers are most eager to offer better deals to secure your business.

Other Key Factors That Affect Your Insurance Cost

Time of Day Matters

Surprisingly, the time of day you request a quote can also impact your premium. Quotezone’s data reveals that drivers who obtain quotes between midnight and 6 am are charged up to 22% more on average. This could be because late-night customers are statistically linked to a higher likelihood of claims or riskier driving behaviour. To get the best rate, aim to secure quotes during regular daytime hours.

Where You Park Can Influence Your Premium

Another often-overlooked factor in insurance pricing is parking location. Quotezone's data shows that parking on a private driveway could save motorists up to £185 per year compared to parking on the street away from home. Drivers who park their car in less secure locations, such as on-street parking in high-traffic areas, may see their premiums skyrocket due to increased risk of theft or damage.

Final Tips for Getting the Best Car Insurance Deal

Set a Reminder – Mark your calendar for 15 to 28 days before your renewal date to start comparing quotes.
Add your Car Insurance Renewal Date to your MotorEasy Digital Garage - Click here to add your renewal details now, plus earn MotorEasy Rewards when you do.
Shop During the Day – Avoid requesting quotes between midnight and 6 am to prevent higher premiums.
Compare Multiple Providers – Use tools like MotorEasy’s comparison checker powered by Quotezone to compare different insurers.
Rethink Parking Options – If possible, park in a garage or driveway instead of on the street.
Avoid Auto-Renewals – Never let your policy auto-renew without checking for better deals.

By planning ahead and renewing your car insurance within the optimal window, you can maximise your savings while securing the best possible coverage. Based on multiple sources, we recommend the sweet spot of 17 – 24 days before expiry. Combine this with strategic habits like choosing the right time of day to get quotes and parking in a secure location, and you could save hundreds of pounds.

Smart timing and simple tweaks can make a significant impact on your premium—so don’t wait until the last minute. Set that reminder and start shopping early!