Insurers calculate your risk of making a claim mostly based upon a few core factors.

		Age - the older you are generally the lower your risk profile. Older drivers tend to have fewer accidents and drive more carefully. However, once you get into your late 70s then your risk profile start to go up again.
		Where you live - insurers use postcode regions to calculate your likelihood of a claim. Your risk profile will increase if you live in an area that has above average claims for accidents and thefts. Unfortunately this can mean that good drivers are penalised because of the area they live in.
		Occupation - certain occupations such as journalists, pub landlords and football players are regarded as a higher risk, whilst others such as teachers and office workers are lower risk. Your job therefore affects your risk profile.

Your age, where you live and your occupation are not things you can easily change! However, the good news is that there are factors that can be changed and which will reduce your risk profile:

		Type of car - a smaller, more fuel efficient car is much less polluting than a gas-guzzling 4x4 – and is cheaper to run as well. Generally insurers prefer small to medium cars, commonly referred to as 'lower insurance groups'. Other benefits include lower fuel bills, cheaper road tax and smaller maintenance bills.
		Mileage - the likelihood of an accident occurring is lower the less time you spend on the road. Why not avoid short car journeys by walking or cycling and burn up some calories? Driving less is not only good for the environment by cutting congestion and emissions but also better for your health and your pocket!

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