A recent study found that one in three consumers is paying over the odds for scooter insurance, the AA reported earlier this year. Nearly half of Brits do not bother to seek a number of quotes and one in four renew their scooter cover instantly, without using the opportunity to save hundreds of pounds.



And given that new regulations have increased the pressure on insurers to raise premiums, it might be worth taking one of our 10 steps towards lower premiums.

1. Shop around for the best deals. Insurance broker Benetts found recently that motorists can save more than 90 GBP when renewing their policies, but they need to obtain at least seven quotes to get the best deal, although most people get only three.

2. Ensure that only regular riders are named on the policy. You can always add someone for a few days when they really need to ride the scooter.

3. Protect your no-claims bonus. This may increase the premium by a few pounds, but this fades into insignificance against the potential loss of a 60% discount on a premium of several hundred pounds. But the definition of a protected no-claims bonus can vary widely between insurers. Though accidents caused by another rider will normally have no impact on such a bonus, those caused by the insured could.

4. Increase your voluntary excess. Agreeing to pay more towards the cost of any accident repairs will bring down premiums. If you are not at fault in an accident, the excess can be recovered.

5. Agree to a mileage restriction. The fewer miles the scooter covers, the greater the saving. For example, a reduction in annual mileage of 3,000 miles could save a typical 35-year-old female rider about 50 GBP a year in premiums. A cut of 1000 miles a year could save more than 100 GBP.

6. Don't add a young, inexperienced rider to your policy, as it's a false economy. The premium will still be calculated on the youngest rider and he or she will not have a no-claims bonus.

7. If you decide to change your scooter, check with your insurer if the model will have a significant effect on the premium. Sporty scooters can attract a high premium and often a slightly different model or smaller engine can make a big difference in your favour. It will also probably save you on petrol too!

8. If your garage is full of junk, clear it out and use it for your scooter. Aside from the benefit of not having to scrape the ice off in winter, there is a higher risk of theft by keeping the scooter on the road, so keeping it in the garage will be reflected in your premium.

9. Ride more carefully. We all know having accidents Join the Enhanced Rider Training Scheme or take an advanced riders' course. Both offer discounts - up to 35% - from some of the major insurers.

10. Fitting an approved alarm, immobiliser or tracking device can attract a discount of around 5%.