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Whether you use your 4x4 a lot or a little, you’ll need to make sure it has up-to-date insurance coverage. You’ll only be able to go without 4x4 insurance if you have a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) which means it is not being driven in any way, shape or form.
So what does that mean for your insurance? This month, at Milner Off Road, we’ll talk you through a number of key elements, from why 4x4 insurance is likely to cost more than that of a small car, things which factor into your premium and how you can try to keep the cost down
Why is insurance for 4x4s more expensive?
If this isn’t your first rodeo, you’ll know that 4x4s have more expensive insurance premiums. The reason for this is because it’s a bigger engine, bigger vehicle and more powerful - plus, the age demographic can also skew towards a more expensive premium.
The more expensive your vehicle is to repair - or the higher it’s initial value - the more an insurance company would have to give you for accidents and damage. It goes without saying that 4x4s aren’t usually cheap, so it stands to reason that you’d be expected to pay more to insure it.
Factors to consider in your 4x4 insurance
There are so many different types of vehicles out there, and not everyone uses them for the same purposes. These things can factor into your insurance costs - for better or for worse depending on what it is. Here are some things to consider in your insurance costs:
- Car or van? - Find out which category your vehicle falls into as it will greatly impact your premium.
- Usage - Consider what you use your 4x4 for. If you’re towing, green laning, off-roading or doing greater distances, these things can increase your insurance costs.
- Competitions - If you use your 4x4 in competitions you’ll need a special type of insurance.
It’s important to note that you should never lie about these things or try and bend the truth to get a lower insurance price - this will simply result in your insurance being voided and any claims will be rejected, costing you more in the long run. See our next section for ways you can actually impact the price of your insurance.
Tips to save money on 4x4 insurance
All too often, people are tempted to go for ‘Third Party’ or ‘Third Party Fire and Theft’ levels of coverage to get cheaper insurance. But in reality, the fully comprehensive coverage will be better as going with a lower level of insurance can make insurers think there is a higher chance of you needing to make a claim.
Here are some other, more sensible ways in which you can help to keep the cost of insuring your 4x4 down:
- Park somewhere safe - A lot can hinge on where you keep your vehicle, so try to keep it in a garage or on a private driveway instead of on the road or away from your property.
- Increase security - By adding a wheel lock you could see a small saving, the same goes for other anti-theft devices which would give an insurer less cause for concern over theft and break-ins.
- Don’t modify - It’s always tempting to modify a 4x4 to your liking. If that’s your passion, then there should be nothing stopping you, but it will likely result in higher insurance premiums since you have to declare modifications to your insurer.
- Shop around - Don’t take the first deal you see; try out comparison websites and give some insurers a call to find the best deal to suit your coverage needs. You could end up saving a lot of money just by doing some shopping around online.
- Build up your no claims discount - Most insurers will take into account your number of years without a claim over a certain amount. It’s worth maintaining a clean record for this reason, as with each passing year you can demonstrate you’re worthy of a lower premium.
If you’re a 4x4 owner and you’re looking for spare parts or even a new tow bar, look no further than Milner Off-Road. We’re specialists for 4x4 parts for a wide range of manufacturers, providing shipping to every country in the world. Simply browse our site for the parts you need or call our dedicated team for assistance to find what you need.