Whilst there are a number of factors which determine just how expensive your quote might be, there are just as many which you can control that could lower your premiums too. Armed with a little knowledge of the process and realisation that you are actually in total control of your premiums, renewal time could begin to look a little less daunting.

The Quote Factors You Can't Control

Before attempting to save money on your car insurance quote, you first need to understand what factors insurance companies use to work out your quote in the first place. Some of these are easy to influence whilst others are much more difficult. Such as...

- Your age

- Your gender

- Your address

- Your driving history

Whilst gender could be seen as a disadvantage for men shopping around for car insurance, it actually works in your favour if you are female. Many insurance companies offer lower rates to women as they are statistically safer drivers. So if you are a female driver then one way to lower your insurance quote even further is to look for specific female only insurance policies.

In reality, whilst some or all of the above points may seem out of your control, it's important to remember that any insurer is using this data to judge what sort of risk you are. So, whatever your profile, you can reduce the risk and resulting premium with a little planning. For example, your age is out of your control and can prove expensive if you are under 25, so instead, reduce the perceived risk by taking an advanced driving course.

The same applies with your address. If you're not intending to move to a lower risk area, increase your car's security and, if possible, keep it in a garage overnight.

The Quote Factors You Can Control

In fact, just about every factor can be skewed in your favour with a little effort. But some are much easier to influence than others and most people simply don't have the time or will to make serious changes to their driving situation.

But the good news is that there are many more simple changes you can employ that can have a massive impact on that scary renewal premium. Here they are:

1. Shop around - this can have the biggest impact if done right. Use at least two price comparison sites to create a shortlist then go direct to each insurer to verify the premiums.

2. Your car - if you don't mind changing your car to save money, consider cheaper, slower models that come with good security as standard. If you don't want to change, improving the existing security with accredited devices such as an alarm and/or immobiliser can cut your premium.

3. Use the garage - if you have a garage or drive, store your car there. Storing your junk in a garage rather than your car could be costing you hundreds.

4. Accurate mileage - many drivers overestimate how many miles they travel per year. Try and give a more accurate figure for your annual mileage and you could cut your premiums.

5. Your driving ability - a large proportion of car insurance claims arise from driver error. Reduce your risk by taking an advanced driver course and test. Savings can be as much as 10%.

Overall there are some simple but powerful measures you can take now to take back control of your car insurance premiums at renewal time. Just one of these steps could save you hundreds and combined together can shrink that unwelcome renewal premium down to size.