The need to keep a tight reign on personal expenditure becomes increasingly apposite as our economy maintains its steady course Southward. Instead of meekly accepting this year’s quote based on all manner of statistical actuary and witchcraft, do some digging.

When first doing business with these people they practically pay you to sign on the dotted line. ‘How low can you go?’ no longer signifies connotations of seediness, debauchery and despair. You will be gently insinuated into the fold with loving care and an insurance quote to make your heart glad. Feeling special, worthy and cherished your next move will be to complete the standing order form which will then rob you blind over the coming years as your premiums exponentially surge.

The risk/reward versus financial security argument for the need to have insurance has been eloquently stated. Nevertheless, an ever increasing section of society only avail themselves of this cover because the law demands it. Motor insurance is fast becoming a zip code lottery, suck it and see, guessing game of the terminally confused. I suspect this trend to continue for some time.

With increasing regularity a slow press day will highlight a staggeringly outrageous quotation for cover involving a teenager and their vehicle. Somebody with a slide rule, a logarithm book, and an actuary chart, supposedly arrived at that bizarre figure. The fact that the cost of cover far exceeds the value of the car never seems to unduly concern the insurer. This situation is a catalyst for dishonesty. An insuree can’t afford the premium so doesn’t get insured. Inevitably said insuree has an accident. Because there is no insurance the injured party has no option but to litigate. The insurance company incurs costs. Future premiums of course must increase.

This vicious circle is enacted on a daily basis all over the world. Accepting an- if you can’t beat them then join them – mentality can be intensely liberating.

Don’t meekly accept your next increased quote for car insurance cover. Join the dance and gracefully exhibit your moves in the shop-around shimmy.