Step 1

Don't rely on memory - gather the paperwork that sets out the essential facts. Giving incorrect or incomplete information can mean you can be charged too much, get the wrong type of cover or, more importantly, invalidate your policy at the time you need it most - when you need to make a claim

against it. 
 
Let's have a look at the essentials: 

• Driving Licence for every driver to be covered on the policy

• Pass/Pass Plus/Advanced Driving Certificates

• Car security device details

• Registration document/purchase receipt/MOT certificate

• Proof of bonus entitlement; either The Renewal Notice from your current
  insurer or if you've previously not been insured but had a company car, a letter
  from your employer

• Details of all DVLA notifiable infirmities - if in doubt check on http://www.open.gov.uk/dvla/

• Audio equipment receipts

• The value of your car

Step 2

So you've got all the paperwork to hand and you're ready to contact your insurance intermediary but what
cover have you got at the moment and for that matter what cover do you need over the next 12 months? 
 
Before you make contact check your current policy documents. As you do use our checklist to tick off the cover, drivers and benefits that you have, that you need and that would be nice to have and you'll be better prepared.
 
Although it's important to make sure your current details and circumstances are correct at the time of
buying your car insurance it can be financially beneficial to think about foreseeable changes.
 
Thinking ahead could mean:

• Are you awaiting the outcome of a motoring prosecution?

• Are you moving to a different area?

• Have you got a new car on order?

• Are you planning a career change?

• Is your son/daughter coming up to 17 and wants to drive?

• Is anyone else planning to use your car to go to work - your wife/husband/partner/son/daughter?

• Are you planning on taking your car abroad for business or pleasure?

• Are you planning on building a garage?

• Are you planning to modify your car - even something as simple as fitting a sunroof?

• Are you planning to fit a more expensive audio system?

• Are you going to drive more/less miles?

• Are you going to lay your car up for part of the year?

Yes there's a lot to think about and a good insurance intermediary will not only ask you all the right
questions to avoid you having to ask them, delving a little deeper when necessary but will also give you
impartial advice.

Step 3

By following steps 1 and 2 you should now be ready to get the best value deal for your car insurance.
Before you contact your insurance providers we would ask you to consider the following: 
 
Insurance has always had a reputation for being complicated and confusing. Now the established providers have been joined by many 'direct' companies and other organisations like banks, credit card companies and even supermarkets all trying to sell insurance. 
 
With all this going on how can you possibly know what you can expect from your insurance provider and
what's right for you? 
 
In an ideal world, you'd go to someone who had your interest at heart, who knew you and your situation
and who would give you advice you knew you could rely on. 
 
That is what Berkeley Applegate & Webb do.