When is the best time to get car insurance quotes?
Last updated: 22 October 2026
When you buy car insurance can matter almost as much as where you buy it. Insurers price by risk, and the timing of your quote is one of the signals they use.
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1. Don't wait until renewal day
Industry analyses consistently find that buying around three weeks before your renewal date tends to produce cheaper quotes than buying on the day. Leaving it to the last minute can signal higher risk to insurers, and prices often rise as the start date approaches.
2. But don't buy too early either
Quotes gathered months ahead can be less competitive. The sweet spot reported by consumer research is roughly 20–27 days before you need the policy to start — treat that as a guide, not a guarantee, as every insurer prices differently.
3. How long does a quote last?
Most quotes are only valid for a limited time, and prices can change daily. If you find a good price, check its expiry date — some insurers let you lock it in, others don't.
4. Never auto-renew without checking
Since 2022, insurers must charge existing customers no more than new customers for the same policy. Even so, your renewal price can still be beaten elsewhere, so compare every year before accepting it.
5. Compare direct
Some large insurers, such as Direct Line, don't appear on comparison sites at all. Getting quotes direct from insurers alongside any comparison site gives you the widest view of the market.
Before you buy
Our listings are dated snapshots of providers' own pages, not live prices. Always check the price, contract length and terms on the provider's website. Nothing here is financial or insurance advice.