Until the end of 2012, women across the UK were afforded car insurance premiums which were cheaper on average than the policies sold to their male counterparts. Thanks to statistics that suggest female drivers are involved in less accidents, at least before the age of 40, women were sold more budget friendly insurance. However, with the advent of a ban prohibiting insurance companies from factoring gender into insurance rates, if you are a woman in the UK you probably saw a rate increase. If you’ve been bemoaning the higher insurance costs on car insurance for women — here are some ways to bring your rate back down.

Add Security Features to Your Car

Gender was only just one factor considered in the calculation of a car insurance premium. Other details, like how likely your car is to be stolen are also key to determining if you are a high risk driver. If you want to enjoy lower insurance premiums, consider investing in an immobiliser or tracking device for your vehicle. While you will have to pay for this modification up front, you may be able to negotiate a discount from your insurer. You can also have more peace of mind about your car being recovered if it is the target of a successful car theft.

Build a No Claims Bonus

You can build a no claims bonus in as little as one year. Essentially, this bonus gives you a discount off of your monthly bill by simply not filing any claims on your policy. Not all insurers offer this bonus automatically, so always inquire about it when you are deciding on a car insurance policy. You can enjoy significant savings on premium costs with a no claims bonus — as much as 30 percent after a single year. Some insurers will allow you to build your bonus each year, reaching the maximum bonus after five years. Bear in mind that if you do file a claim, you will lose the bonus and your premiums may increase on top of that — exponentially raising your insurance bills.

Lower Your Mileage

The less you drive your car, the more inclined an insurer will be to lower your insurance rate. If your insurance rates are too high, consider incorporating more public transport, ride sharing, and walking into your routine. When you report a lower mileage to your insurer, you appear as a lower risk. Drivers who use their cars for a long daily commute are simply in more situations where they can get into an accident and the insurance company notices. If you are asked to estimate your mileage, be honest but don’t err on the high side.

Bundle with Breakdown Cover

If you’re a woman who doesn’t know her way around changing a flat tyre or inspecting an engine, you may have breakdown cover on your vehicle. This cover steps in when you are stranded on the side of the road in a disabled car and need a technician to attempt roadside repairs or tow your vehicle to a nearby garage. Don’t pay for breakdown cover with a different company than the one that holds your car insurance policy. When you bundle breakdown cover with your regular car insurance policy, you can often get a discount on both insurance policies. The next time you need to renew your car insurance policy, be sure to inquire about adding a breakdown cover to it. Then, of course, cancel other breakdown cover that you are already paying for.

Car insurance for women used to be widely accepted as a cheaper cover than what men were asked to pay. However, since this is no longer the case it’s important to be diligent about seeking out discounts and opportunities to lower monthly bills. By minimizing the use of your car and limiting the number of claims you submit, you can see savings within the year. The next time you’re in the market for a new car, pay attention to insurance groups. Cars with a lower group number are considered to be less costly to repair or replace and often have lower premiums attached to them.