If you are a road user, you're required by law to have at least third party insurance, covering damage done to others as a result of your driving. It is always a costly burden, and a time-consuming exercise to look around and find the right policy. But there are things that you can do to lower your premiums and make it that bit easier.

To begin with, it is a good idea to get your quotes online through car insurance brokers. Their computer systems will search for the best quotes from dozens of insurers and save you time and effort. When you get the cheapest quote, phone the company which provides it to talk to them in more detail.

Of course, some of the factors which insurers take into account when giving you a quote are effectively out of control. For instance, you premium can be influenced by your job: if you are a landlord, a journalist or a professional footballer you'll have to pay more, whereas accountants and civil servants pay less. Younger motorists are penalised too as insurers deem them to be more of a risk; however, you'll also face higher rates from most insurers if you are over sixty! Insurers will usually offer lower premiums to married couples too.

But all is not lost if you are in one of the disadvantaged brackets – you can still make a big effort to significantly lighten your car insurance burden. Taking measures to increase your vehicle's security will seriously pay off. Cars which are left on the road at night are more susceptible to theft and damage, so if you have a garage then keep it locked in there – you will be rewarded with a better rate if you do. Similarly, by having an immobiliser or alarm installed you'll be able to get a discount. Having a sat nav system installed will also save you money as insurers are beginning to give discounts for those who use them because they allow motorists to focus more clearly on the road and thereby reduce the chances of having an accident.

New drivers may benefit from taking extra lessons with the Pass Plus or a similar scheme. You can make a big saving of as much as 35% by doing this – therefore it will be worth the investment. Agreeing to pay a higher excess will be beneficial to you in lowering your premiums too. When buying a vehicle, check to see what insurance bracket it fits in. Look into pay as you go insurance, which charges you based on how far you travel – this may be the best option for you. Reducing your annual mileage can get you a big saving too, as if you use your car less frequently the chances of having an accident will obviously be cut.

If you bear in mind all these things when looking for car insurance, you will be able to find a better rate.