- Motorists could each save £300 a year by switching
- Seven million drivers stay loyal to their existing provider at renewal time and two million can't be bothered to shop around
British motorists are burning over £2 billion as a nation by staying loyal to their existing car insurance provider.
By sticking with an existing provider at renewal time and not shopping around for a better deal, drivers could be throwing away £300 each, says MoneySupermarket.com.
With the new '13' plate car registrations released next week, research has found seven million motorists (19 per cent) automatically renew their car insurance with their existing provider.
11 per cent don't think they could save money, and worryingly a further six per cent, or two million drivers, just can't be bothered to shop around for a better deal
On average motorists remain faithful to their existing provider for 2.7 years, with the over 55's being the most loyal group sticking by their insurer for an average of 3.5 years.
London drivers are the most apathetic of all the regions, staying loyal for 3.6 years.
The most active and savvy switchers at renewal time are living in the Yorkshire and Humber area who tend to remain with their provider for 1.8 years on average.
Pete Harrison, car insurance expert at MoneySupermarket, said:
"At a time when it's pretty tough out there for motorists, it's a shame to see so many drivers surrender so easily to their insurance provider's renewal quote instead of taking action and saving cash.
Motorists don't even need to 'drive' a hard bargain; on average there's £300 cash up for grabs to those who don't just accept the renewal price generated by their car insurance provider.
"No matter where you live or how old you are, it's vital to do your homework at renewal time, as searching for a better deal doesn't cost you anything and there is much to gain.
It takes about five minutes to check if there is a cheaper policy out there to suit your individual needs."
