Motorists could save hundreds of pounds by following these tips

Expert advice from car insurance comparison specialists

UK motorists are being shown how simple adjustments could help them save hundreds on their car insurance in 2026.

Car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk are urging drivers to consider what modifications they choose, how they word their job title, and to be realistic about the annual mileage covered each year. 

Although car insurance prices have fallen in 2025, with the current average cost coming in at £591 as of Q3 2025, small changes to how and when people purchase their premiums could create further savings.

Recent data has revealed how slight changes in job title wording could impact insurance pricing, as providers can categorise job roles differently.

Another major consideration for drivers is the modifications they make to their car, with common modifications like window tints, tow bars, and even sunroofs having the potential to not only increase insurance premiums, but invalidate insurance altogether if they are undeclared. 

A Quotezone survey earlier this year showed 65% of drivers didn’t realise adding a sunroof could be seen as a modification, meaning many drivers could be unknowingly risking higher insurance premiums or invalid cover.

Drivers have also been warned about how much their mileage can really affect their insurance premiums, with those clocking up the miles potentially paying hundreds more each year.

The timing of car insurance renewal remains a huge saving, with drivers potentially able to cut costs by up to 45% simply by renewing 15 to 24 days before their policy ends.

The later drivers leave it, the more expensive premiums are likely to be. A recent Quotezone survey showed two-thirds buy at the last minute when costs are potentially at their highest. 

Research also shows that premiums purchased between midnight and 6am are 22% higher on average than those secured during the day.

Quotezone.co.uk CEO and car insurance expert Greg Wilson said: “This year has been really positive for many motorists as car insurance costs continued to decline quite significantly. 

“This time last year we were looking at an average of £770 and now the average cost is coming in at just over £590. A decrease of £180 in the space of 12 months is welcome news for drivers who may be struggling with rising fuel and repair costs.

“But there are further savings to be had and a number of small changes could help put more money back into drivers’ pockets. 

“While each individual’s circumstances are different and car insurance premiums are based on a series of risk factors such as age, location, and the cost of the vehicle – it is always worth ensuring drivers have the best possible price for their situation and reviewing these price sensitive questions and keeping these money saving tips in mind is key. 

“It’s hard to predict what car insurance prices will do in 2026. While recent months have seen some easing in average premiums, there’s no guarantee this will continue, as inflation pressures, rising claims rates and the increasing cost of car repairs may make it challenging to keep prices lower for long. This makes it vital that drivers know how to get the most competitive price possible.”

Quotezone.co.uk’s top five car insurance saving hacks of 2025:

1.Choose your job title carefully

Insurers categorise job roles differently, meaning slight changes in job title wording can also impact insurance pricing. For example, someone describing themselves as a “Healthcare Assistant” might receive a different quote by selecting “Care Assistant” or “Care Worker” instead. As long as the title remains accurate, it could help reduce premiums.

2.Consider the car modifications you make 

Car modifications can cause higher insurance premiums as they often increase the value of the vehicle and insurers may view them as an increased risk of theft. It’s also important to make sure any modifications are declared to the insurer or you run the risk of invalidating your policy.  

3.Review how much annual mileage you’ll really cover

Driving habits and your circumstances can change over time, so it’s important to regularly review your policy and let your insurer know of any changes to ensure you are in the correct mileage band, especially if you’re driving much less miles than you initially covered yourself for. Motorists clocking up fewer than 1,000 miles a year pay an average of £520, while those who exceed 30,000 miles face average costs of £800. 

4.Hit the insurance renewal sweet spot 

Those who are organised and give themselves plenty of time to compare quotes from other insurers will likely get a better deal than those who leave it until the last minute. Quotezone data reveals that 15 to 24 days before the policy is due to start is the sweet spot, with drivers purchasing during this timeframe saving themselves an average of 33-45%.

5. Park somewhere safer

The closer you can park to the house, the safer your car is likely to be, reducing the risk of theft or damage, which could help reduce your insurance premiums. Those who park their car out on the road overnight could see average premiums of £1136, whereas the average for parking on a private driveway is 24% less at £868.

Quotezone helps over 4 million customers every year compare and find savings on all sorts of motoring products such as car, truck and van insurance.

NHS 24: When should you call 111?

📞 Wondering when to call 111? Here’s what you need to know:

For minor illnesses like colds or sore throats, your local pharmacy is the best place for advice and treatment. Call 111 when you need urgent health advice but it’s not an emergency.

Know your options and get the right care, at the right time.

https://nhs24.info/when-to-phone-111

Last chance to shape the future of Scotland’s heritage 

  • Final call for public input on long-term management of cultural heritage in state care across Edinburgh and the Lothians
  • Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) Properties and Collections strategy consultation closes 23 January

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is urging people across Edinburgh and the Lothians to have their say on the future of its historically significant properties and collections, which they manage on behalf of the people of Scotland.

HES is set to finalise its long-term Properties and Collections strategy later this year and is encouraging those with an interest in Scotland’s heritage to share their views before the consultation closes on 23 January at 23:59.

HES looks after more than 300 historic sites including Edinburgh and Tantallon Castles and Linlithgow Palace; 43,000 objects; and 5 million archival records on behalf of the people of Scotland. Many of Scotland’s historic assets are facing increasing challenges in their management but there are also opportunities for this national network of cultural heritage to do more for Scotland.

Proposals within the draft strategy include how HES will adapt to the realities of a changing climate and consider how some properties could be used by community groups throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.

HES wants to hear what matters to the people of Scotland when it comes to heritage and how best to care for it, so it continues to benefit future generations.

Scottish influencers Historic Ally and Black Scottish Adventurers have joined the call urging people to take part in the consultation.

Dr David Mitchell, Director of Cultural Assets at HES said: “The sites and objects that we look after don’t ‘belong’ to HES – we look after them on behalf of the people of Scotland and we want to hear all views and ideas on the draft strategy. The choices we make now will shape how the properties and collections we look after are managed for decades to come.

“We want to hear from everyone – whether you visit our sites often, work with heritage, or simply feel a connection to Scotland’s past. With the consultation closing soon, we’re encouraging as many people as possible to take part.

“The context in which the cultural heritage sector operates is changing significantly and the time is right to consider what the future of state care should look like – how we can best engage with communities, deal with the traditional skills crisis, deliver more sustainable tourism, and make the right decisions with transparency.”

The consultation is available now on CitizenSpace and will remain open until 23 January 2026. The final strategy is expected to be published later in 2026 following approvals by Scottish Government Ministers.

Edinburgh Agroecology Co-op: Lauriston Farm Tour

Welcome to the first Lauriston Farm Tour of 2026!

Find out what a difference 12,000+ tree and hedgerow saplings are making to this urban farm …

Sunday 1 February 11am (finishes 2pm)

£6 with solidarity options of £3 or £9

Book tickets on Eventbrite: https://tr.ee/1yCViS

If you’re curious to learn more about Lauriston Agroecology Farm – and especially about why we planted so many trees – come along to our farm tour on Sunday 1st February.

Farming with trees (‘agroforestry’) was once commonplace, and nearly got swept away by large scale industrial agriculture and monocrop growing. We will share how we are reviving it here at Lauriston Farm, with all the hope and excitement this brings.

You’ll hear from the folk who look after the trees on the farm – sharing what we’ve done, why we’ve done it, and what we’ve learned so far + then all return to the Community Kitchen for soup, bread and chat from 1pm-2pm.

(If you want to make a day of it, please stay on for the Orchard Wassailing in the afternoon)

Who is This For?

We welcome all curious visitors, including total newcomers with no previous knowledge about farming or trees, as well as farmers and growers and anyone interested in a career or volunteering in this type of work. The tour is aimed at adults or interested young people (the free event in the afternoon is more suited to children).

Accessibility Notes

This is a walking tour across the farm, lasting around 1.5hrs, potentially also suitable for all terrain/off road wheelchairs or mobility scooters, but probably not standard wheelchairs. The ground is rough, and will be wet and muddy in parts. We will be in groups of 15-20 people.

Please contact us if you have any accessibility questions or requests

#NorthEdinburgh

#FarmTour

#UrbanFarm

#Agroecology

#Agroforestry

Work ongoing as new amber weather warning issued

Warning of flood risks

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) met again yesterday as agencies continue to deal with the impact of sustained cold and wintry weather across much of northern Scotland and other parts of the country.

The Met Office has issued a number of weather warnings covering much of Scotland, including an Amber warning for snow in parts of central and north-east Scotland – valid from 3 am to 2 pm on Sunday – with a complex mix of snow, heavy rain, strong winds and possibly freezing rain due to mark an end to the cold spell in place since the start of the year.

Several Yellow rain warnings have been issued for western, northern Scotland and southwest Scotland, highlighting some risks of flooding, including in those areas further north where rainfall combines with snow melt. Wind will also become a factor, with a wind Yellow warning in place for much of the country for most of Sunday. SEPA has also issuing regional flood alerts.

The forecast conditions are expected to impact both road and rail networks, with the potential for challenging driving conditions and route closures, as well as delays and service cancellations.

More widely, there is a possibility of power cuts and a potential risk to life and property. People and communities should consider travel plans and take action to minimise these risks. There is a high risk of disruption in particular in snow amber areas and drivers are advised to follow police advice on the conditions.

The Cabinet Secretary for Justice & Home Affairs Angela Constance chaired the latest SGoRR meeting, attended by the First Minister as well as agencies including the Met Office, SEPA, police, local authorities, resilience partnerships, transport and utilities companies.

Ms Constance said: “At today’s SGoRR meeting the Met Office advised partners how we are facing a complicated multi-hazard event, affecting various parts of the country in different ways and at different times over Sunday and into Monday. It involves various combinations of continued snowfall, milder conditions leading to snowmelt, and with heavy rain in some areas leading to a flooding risk from Sunday afternoon.

“Given that complexity I was reassured to hear how partners remain stood up and are working tirelessly across the weekend to continue supporting communities and to respond as the conditions and the nature of the hazards change.

“I am grateful for the work of partners, from frontline responders and agencies to contractors, voluntary groups and individuals who have worked so hard to respond to the impacts of this prolonged period of heavy snowfall and other wintry weather.

“The sustained nature of this weather event, and the different elements of it, are clearly very challenging for communities and responders alike, given the difficulties already caused by the weather since the start of the year.

“As ever, I would encourage people to follow the advice for their local area provided by key agencies, online and on social media, including from the Met Office, SEPA and Police Scotland and to plan ahead for the coming days.”

  • Met Office weather warnings are available on the Met Office website.
  • A three day forecast of flood risk for Scotland is available on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency website.
  • Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website.
  • Follow Traffic Scotland for the most up-to-date information on the trunk roads throughout the warning periods, via their website, social media channels and radio broadcasts. Updates on ScotRail services and road conditions are available online.
  • To report a power cut or damage to electricity power lines or substations call the SP Networks national Freephone number 105. More information on what to do during a storm can also be found on SP Energy Website.

Supporting domestic abuse victims to stay in their homes

Law change will give social landlords greater control to transfer tenancies from abusers to victims

Regulations have been laid in Parliament that will make it easier for victims of domestic abuse to remain safely in their homes with the tenancy in their name.

For the first time social landlords, rather than the victims themselves, will be allowed to take legal action to end an abuser’s tenancy.

Subject to Parliament’s approval the regulations will bring Part 2 of the Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Act 2021 into force.

This will mean that from 1 August 2026, where conditions set out in the new law are met, social landlords will be able to apply for a court order to enable them to transfer a tenancy from an abusive tenant to their victim.

Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Domestic abuse must be eradicated from our society and as Housing Secretary I am determined to protect the housing rights of women and children.

“No one should have to choose between their safety and their home. These new regulations will give social landlords new powers to protect victims of domestic abuse and hold perpetrators to account.

“By allowing social landlords to take action on behalf of victims, we are removing a significant barrier that has forced too many people to flee their homes to escape abuse. Now, the perpetrator can be made to leave – not leaving this to the victim or survivor.

“This is an important step in our commitment to tackling domestic abuse and to supporting those affected by it to rebuild their lives.”

‘

Scottish Women’s Aid CEO Dr Marsha Scott said: “We welcome the change in the law, which we have been campaigning for.

“Housing is one of the main challenges women face when ending a relationship with an abusive partner and keeping a roof over the heads of their family and avoiding homelessness are critical pressures.

Not all can stay in their own homes safely, which is why refuge provision is so important, but for the many who could, this regulatory change will bring much-needed reform.

“This change should enable women and their children to stay in their home, their schools and the area where they often have a support network and moves the consequences of abuse where they belong – the abuser.”

Planning application paves the way for 67 new homes

Award-winning five-star housebuilder Cruden has submitted a planning application for a new residential development at Kirkton North, Livingston.

The site is currently allocated for residential development in the West Lothian local development plan and will deliver much-needed multi tenure family homes for West Lothian.

Located to the west of Livingston and just three miles from the town centre, the proposed development will provide 67 high-quality homes, including detached, semi-detached, terraced homes and cottage flats, offering accommodation from two- to five-bedroom homes.

In line with local policy, 25% of the homes will be delivered as affordable housing, supporting a balanced and inclusive community to meet a wide range of local housing needs.

Designed by EMA Architects to integrate sensitively with its surroundings, the scheme places a strong emphasis on design quality, placemaking and landscape.

The 8 acre site features retained woodland and a new neighbourhood play area, alongside enhanced pedestrian connections linking the site to nearby bus stops, paths and local amenities.

The new development also boasts excellent transport links and access to good schools and a wide range of facilities, including parks, supermarkets, a medical centre and a pharmacy.

The plans have been shaped through extensive engagement with West Lothian Council and the local community, with feedback from pre-application consultation events directly influencing the final layout, housing mix and open space provision. The development will also deliver energy-efficient homes designed to meet modern building standards, helping to support more sustainable living.

Paul Doran, Development Director at Cruden, said: “From the outset, our approach has been to create a carefully designed development that respects and enhances its surroundings, strengthens the local sense of place, and thoughtfully integrates new homes with green spaces and the existing community.

“Our proposals provide much-needed, high-quality housing for Livingston, building on our recent track record of delivering homes across a range of tenures in West Lothian. Beyond housing, the development will contribute to the vibrancy of the area, promote sustainable living, and generate long-term social and economic benefits for the wider community.”

Pending detailed planning consent, Cruden expects to start work on site in 2026.

Encore Bars Group acquires The Globe Bar in Edinburgh

Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has announced that The Globe Bar on Niddry Street has been acquired by hospitality operator Encore Bars Group, adding to the group’s growing city centre portfolio.

Encore Bars Group operates several venues across the city including The Boston Bar on Hanover Street, Freddy’s on Frederick Street, and Westside Rodeo on George Street.

The new owners ran The Globe Bar in its current format over the festive period before closing after Hogmanay for a full refurbishment. They plan to reopen the venue in February 2026 with a new concept.

Edward Fox, Director at Encore Bars, said, “We are delighted to be setting some roots in the Old Town for our expanding group. We have been looking for the right venue, and definitely feel we have found it at The Globe. 

“We can’t wait to add our personality and touch to the venue in the New Year, aiming to open in February 2026 with our next concept.”

Simon Watson, Senior Business Agent at Christie & Co commented, “We are delighted to get this deal over the line for Edward and the team at Encore Bars. It is an excellent location to expand their business into Edinburgh’s Old Town. 

“Our role goes beyond selling agents, and through our established network and contacts we are also able to identify acquisition opportunities.

“We welcome confidential, no‑obligation discussions for those looking to explore their options in the hospitality sector.”

Stop Climate Chaos: Take action to strengthen Scotland’s climate plan

In November the Scottish Government published a new draft Climate Change Plan, a critically important document which should explain how it plans to reduce emissions across all parts of the economy and society.

But it doesn’t contain the ambitious, fair action we need to tackle the climate crisis and deliver real benefits to our lives. We need your help to put pressure on the Scottish Government to improve it.

A proper climate plan should contain full details of the steps that will be taken to stop damaging the climate and to make our homes warmer, improve buses, trains and cycling, and enable us all to access healthy, sustainable food. It shouldn’t rely on unproven, expensive technologies to capture emissions that aren’t currently working at scale anywhere in the world.

There are two ways to share your views:

  1. If you have 15 minutes 

Respond to the Scottish Parliament consultation before 25th January. 

You can answer as few or as many questions as you like, you don’t need to be a technical expert. What is valuable is for you to share your experiences and and what climate action would benefit your household and community.

2. If you have more than 15 minutes 

Send an email in response to the Scottish Government consultation and to your MSP before 29th January. 

Sending an email allows you to write what you care about without being constrained by the consultation questions and to make your MSP aware of your concerns.

To share your views, follow these 3 steps:

  1. Write an email to climatechangeplan@gov.scotthat explains clearly:
  • Why you are concerned about climate change.
  • If you are part of climate action happening in your community, explain what you are doing and how the government could support this.
  • What sort of action needs to be in the Climate Change Plan to make a real difference to the climate, your life, your local community, and to people around the world. For example, action to help make your home warmer and bills lower, public transport easier to use, or access to local, healthy food.
  • Don’t worry if you’ve not been able to read the draft Climate Change Plan – it’s just important that you share your views on climate action.
  • We’ve published an overview of what we think the key issues are with the plan here, and our detailed response to the consultation is here, in case you need some ideas for things to include in your email.

2. It’s essential that you complete this form and attach it to the email, to make sure your views are taken into account.

3. You could include your MSPs in the email so they are aware of the climate action you want to see – you can find their email addresses by clicking ‘find MSPs by postcode’ here. You could also ask them for a meeting to discuss the issues you are raising.

If you need any help, contact us at info@stopclimatechaos.scot.

Thank you for taking part – public pressure has forced politicians to deliver more ambitious climate action in the past, and this is a critical moment to do so again.

Becky and everyone at Stop Climate Chaos Scotland