Martin Lewis ' MoneySavingExpert has explained the cheapest days to take out car insurance.
An investigation by the consumer rights website found quotes are cheapest 20 to 26 days before the policy starts - with savings of up to 40%.
But it's not just getting a quote at the last minute that means you could pay more.
Being overly organised and getting your insurance too early means you also overpay.
There is a spike in online searches for car insurance in September and March when new car registrations are released.
So, for those looking to take out or renew a policy for September, now is the perfect time to sort out your insurance.
Have you managed to save money on your car insurance? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
The research is based upon analysis of 70 million car insurance quotes obtained from three of the biggest price comparison websites – Compare The Market, Confused.com and MoneySupermarket.
It showed all three had near-identical trends in pricing, with an optimum time to buy your car insurance.
Other factors that determine the size of the quote include how much of a risk you're deemed to be, and when the highest number of insurers will provide quotes.
By timing the purchase well, one woman said she saved £190 while securing better cover.
Sandra said: "Renewal quote for my daughter's insurance was £1,300. Quote 30 days prior £995.
"Checked again 24 days prior to renewal: £805 - with improved benefit of protected no-claims. Thank you."
MoneySavingExpert encourages people to shop around for the best deals on car insurance, as well as being mindful of the 20 to 26 day time slot.
The website also says you may be able to save money by switching your car insurance mid-term.
As long as you haven’t claimed, you’ll likely pay an admin fee of around £50 to switch to different cover while you can get the rest of the year refunded.
"The majority of policies won't be due for renewal in the next few weeks. Yet even if yours isn't, it's worth checking now if you can find a cheaper quote than what you currently pay," said MSE.
One reader, called Holly, who switched mid-year told the website: "Just wanna say thanks for your emails.
"I wouldn't have thought to cancel my car insurance policy mid-year and start a new one - which is £300 LESS a year."
You can use the MoneySavingExpert comparison tool here to check whether you’re getting the best rate.
