Buying car insurance

hstudent

I'd be grateful if someone could answer the following 2 questions:

1. What would be a good amount to have as a voluntary excess on a first policy?
2. Is an 'Unprotected no claims bonus' a bad thing?

lisyloo

What would be a good amount to have as a voluntary excess on a first policy?

The most you can comfortably afford.
But be aware that voluntary excesses have to be ADDED to the mandatory ones.

Is an 'Unprotected no claims bonus' a bad thing?

If you can afford it I think it's better to protect it, but if you are skint it might be a luxury you can't afford.
If it's your first policy you won't have any bonus to protect anyawy.

dacouch

1) You should select an excess you can afford to pay in an accident, be aware insurers often add a "compulsory" excess on top of the voluntary excess so check to see what your total excess is. Unless you are paying a very large premium an excess of £250 total is normally best as above this the am ount of discount you recive is generally very small for the amount of excess you are agreeing too

2) You mention this is your first insurance so that means you have no no claims bonus. You can only protect your no claims bonus once you have earned it usually once you have 4 or more years no claims bonus