Autumn is one of the busiest times of the year for motor insurance renewals, and with average premium rises massively outstripping inflation, the savings for those who shop around can run to hundreds of pounds.

The majority of renewals come shortly after the year’s new registration plates are issued, as this is when most people change their car. But, with insurers offering their best prices to new customers, those who accept their existing provider’s quote could end up paying significantly over the odds.

According to comparison site MoneySupermarket, annual policy costs were up by 14 per cent in the second quarter of the year on 12 months before, despite overall consumer price inflation of just 0.5 per cent.

The average motor premium for all ages rose £64 to £512 and drivers in their 30s suffered most, with an increase of £94, or 22 per cent, to £530. This was partly due to insurers passing on the Government’s November hike in insurance premium tax (IPT), which increased by more than a half, from six to 9.5 per cent, on every policy sold.

Dan Plant, MoneySuperMarket’s consumer affairs expert, said: “Unfortunately for motorists, IPT will rise again to 10 per cent in October, meaning we can expect to see further increases in premiums as we head towards the end of the year.

“Insurers are also charging more because of high levels of payouts for whiplash claims, many of which are thought to be fraudulent. Regional price increases could be the result of a surge in accidents or car crime and each area will have its own story.

“To combat higher quotes for renewal premiums, drivers should start hunting for cheaper prices, rather than simply paying what their existing insurer is asking.”

The simplest way to check the bulk of insurers is via a comparison site. These don’t all list the same providers, though, so it is worth trying more than one. Aviva and Direct Line choose not to appear on any of these channels, but it is easy to get quotes from their own sites.

It is not unusual to find a variation of several hundred pounds between quotes for identical cover, but cutting the cost isn’t just a matter of obtaining a range of prices.

Insurers tend to view drivers who organise cover well in advance as more risk averse and, therefore, less likely to have accidents than those buying at the last minute.

Price comparison website Gocompare calculates that a 35-year-old accountant living in Glasgow and driving a 1.6L BMW 1 Series buying 30 days before the existing policy lapsed could pay £91 less than if they left it until the day before. This saving is based on an average of the ten cheapest available premiums, as are those outlined below.

The more miles you drive, the more you will be charged, as the chances of making a claim increase, so don’t put down more than you need. Use the mileage on your latest MOT certificate to project a realistic figure.

A 25-year-old shop assistant living in Aberdeen and driving a 1.4L Volkswagen Golf could be charged £39 more for 10,000 miles than 9,000.

You will normally be asked to choose your occupation from a list of options, but more than one may fit your role. Aim to be as accurate and specific as possible.

Gocompare found a 30-year-old music teacher from Edinburgh driving a 1.4L Vauxhall Corsa could be charged £41 more for simply describing themselves as a teacher.

Other occupations where a range of titles may apply – and affect your premium – include journalism, office work, healthcare, construction and catering.

The site also says if you are retired or a homemaker, it is important to select these options rather than saying you are not working. A 40-year-old homemaker living in Edinburgh and driving a 1.4L Corsa might pay £148 more if they described themselves as unemployed.

It is a crime known as fronting to put the wrong main driver on your policy to get cheaper cover. But including a partner or parent who might use the car as a named driver could reduce the premium significantly if they have a good record.

A 17-year-old student living at home in Glasgow and driving a 1L Corsa might save £358 by having a 50-year-old accountant with no claims or convictions as a named driver.

People generally assume that third-party cover will be cheaper but, in certain circumstances, a fully comprehensive policy could cost less. This is because some insurers think customers taking the highest level of policy care more about their vehicles and, therefore, drive better.

A 28-year-old journalist living in Dundee and driving a 1.2L Volkswagen Polo could pay £170 less for comprehensive cover than third party.

It usually costs less to pay for the whole year upfront, as most insurers add interest to monthly payments. Anyone who can’t afford to pay in one go could consider using a credit card with an extended zero interest period to spread the cost.

Taking this option might save a 30-year-old Dundonian driver with a 1.4L Corsa £146 in a year.

Matt Oliver, car insurance spokesperson at Gocompare, said: “Naturally, not everyone will be able to save this much, but these industry tips should help bring the cost of insurance down for most motorists.”