im with direct line at the mo, 2 yrs no claims 22yrs old, £1550 for the year. got a quote for the next yr and its still guna be 1150 dropped £400 but still expensive.

I've always been either with Elephant or Admiral for the past 3 years now. Their both the same company, and the good thing is each time I've received a renewal, I call the other company who then beat that offer.

So I've gone from Admiral to Elephant and now back with Admiral - their 10month bonus accelarator is a big help as well.

3 years no claims - I accepted a quote of £490 for an ST. (age 27)

hey mate i am 20 coming upr for 2 years ncb and my insurance with elephants is £1863 that with my induction kit insured aswell , did you not get quotes for an ST befor you bought it

Re: the adding a female. It is right to say that often it will increase - however, it does seem to be only those of a specific age benefit. I'm 26 and if I add my 23 year old girlfriend on my insurance goes up by £200. If I add my mates missus it drops by £80. She's 26, same as me. I didn't do that though cos it isn't strictly kosher

If i added my other half onto my insurance it goes up loads, he's 29 but has 11points (dont ask!) either way it doesnt help and he has full NCB and been driving...forever (11years) and yet i cant get insured on his Lexus IS200, his insurance company wont insure because im under 25. Different things effect it in different ways. I found having my home insurance with Direct Line helps as well.
But no way should you lie on insurance, its not worth the risk in the long run. If you cant pay it out right, just pay it monthly, i know you pay a little bit more back but if it means you can have the car so be it. I pay £41per month with Direct Line, 4yrs NCB and driving, lives on a drive and im 23. But i am a girl which kinda helps.

it can be cheeper if spreading costs over the year to take an unsecured loan for the amount of the insurance as the APR is often much lower. You can also pay for the insurance on and intrest free credit card & spread it that way and costing no more than paying up front provided u can get a 12month 0% card deal