Martin Lewis said hitting the ‘sweet spot’ can save you a lot of money (Image: Getty)
Martin Lewis reveals motorists could slash hundreds from their bills by adhering to his 26-day principle. The financial expert discussed motor insurance during his latest Martin Lewis Money Show Live broadcast on ITV.
When addressing optimal timing for car and home insurance renewals, Mr Lewis emphasised that scheduling proves crucial. Numerous individuals assume it makes little difference when they request renewal quotations.
Most insurers send out renewal estimates approximately one month prior to policy expiration. However, Mr Lewis identified a particular ‘sweet spot’ for securing renewal quotes that should statistically deliver the most competitive rates.
He declared: “This is one of the most important things and the most ridiculous things I’m going to say tonight, and there’s a lot of ridiculous things in car and home insurance.
“So, when you get your quotes – the number of days before you get a new policy, which will normally be your new renewal date – can massively affect the price of the quotes that you’re getting. This is based on millions of quotes.
“So, the sweet spot is roughly 26 days before the new policy, but a couple of days either side of that doesn’t really matter. By the way, in home, it’s a little bit earlier, sort of 15 to 20 days beforehand. And the price you’re quoted then can – and it doesn’t work for everyone, but it works for many people – be nearly half what would happen if you got a quote the day of your renewal. Bonkers, isn’t it?” He then asked his audience if they knew why that was the case, with one man venturing that it was because, ‘they think you’re going to be desperate to get the insurance’.
Mr Lewis responded: “Well, you’re sort of right. You said they think you’re going to be desperate in case you didn’t hear at home. What actually happens is all of insurance pricing is based on actuarial risk – risk charts. Who’s a good and who’s a bad risk?”.
“The type of people who leave it to the last minute are deemed to be a higher risk than the people who go and get their insurance early, so they pay more. So, even if you’re the type of person who leaves it to the last minute, in this one, get in your diary to try and pervert the system, do it early, and you can save money. We’ve got lots of successes on this.”
The programme was contacted by someone called Selene. She said: “Last year I paid £913 for my car insurance. I thought it was because I’m old, I’m 63. Well, this year I used your 26-day rule, and for the same policy I paid £468, saving me £445 – a 49% saving. Thank you so much, Martin.”
Another lady, named Nicola, said: “Quoted £555 for car insurance. Checked it 25 days before and got it for an amazing £222. Thanks for the fantastic information, Martin.”
According to insurer Confused.com, despite the cost-of-living crisis, the average cost of car insurance is actually declining. However, strangely, motorists are still receiving inflated renewal quotations.
Confused.com examined over six million anonymous car insurance quotes each quarter, revealing that motor insurance premiums have actually been falling since early 2024. The typical cost of a new policy is now £111 less expensive than it was a year ago.
Part of that is due to easier access to car parts as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic gradually eased. But research also suggests that 42% of drivers who received their renewal between September and November 2025 saw their price rise by £72 on average.
However, comparing policies delivered savings of £87 on average, with nearly half of motorists (47%) changing insurers. This demonstrates the substantial gap that can exist between your original renewal quotation and what you ultimately pay.
Certain factors beyond your control will influence premiums, such as inflation, repair costs, and the number of car thefts every year. However, factors within your personal control – like the number of historical claims you have made, job title changes, and your car’s insurance group – can also affect prices.