With this date firmly in mind you'll therefore appreciate the importance of getting your solicitor insurance sorted well in advance so you can relax in the knowledge that it's sorted and out of the way (for another year at least).

This fourth and final secret to getting the best deal on your solicitors insurance is another that at first glance may not seem right but in order to get the best value for money it is one you may want to consider.

Secret number 4 is therefore don't assume the cheapest premium is the best. Don't get me wrong getting a good premium (and saving money on your solicitor insurance) is what we're all looking for but a really cheap premium without a number of other factors is probably cheap for a reason.

Some things you may want to look for in addition to a competitive premium include:

Have you heard of the insurance broker and/or insurance company?

Are they local?

Are they friendly and approachable (remember we all like doing business with people we like and feel we can trust)?

What is the excess? Make sure the excess is one you agree on and one you can afford and not one just given to you to reduce the premium

Do they have a good reputation?

Do they offer you advice or seem to have some understanding of your business and solicitor insurance?

Do they listen to you and explain things in a way you can understand? The insurance industry is filled with jargon so make sure the company you choose explains things clearly so you know what cover you've got, what you have to do in the event of a claim and how they will work for you.

The run up to October 1st can be a stressful time for solicitors as many play the waiting game in the hope that insurance premiums will fall and they can benefit from premium savings.

And whether you and your firm falls into this camp or the other type of firm who prefers to get their solicitor professional indemnity insurance sorted in good time you have nothing to fear.

If you follow any of these secrets to getting the best deal on your solicitor insurance then the chances are your insurance dealings will be easier, the time you save can be put to better use elsewhere and the premiums you pay will be less than ever before.