April brought one of the biggest road tax shake-ups in nearly a decade, leaving millions of drivers facing higher costs to keep their cars on the road. Labour raised the standard road tax rate for vehicles registered after April 2017 by £5, bringing it to £195 this year. Even electric, zero, and  low-emission vehicles aren’t safe. For the first time, drivers of these greener options will face road tax, with the lowest rate set at £10 for the first year, rising to £195 in subsequent years.

This move is a bit of a surprise amid the push for more environmentally friendly travel as it could make them less desirable, especially with oil prices falling. According to the RAC, drivers could see petrol prices drop by up to 6p per litre ahead of the busy Easter weekend. While rising road tax adds to the financial pressure most people are feeling, there are still areas you can save on car-related costs.

Insurance premiums have dropped by an average of 18% year-on-year, so if you’re approaching the time to renew, it’s vital you cash in on that saving. If your renewal quote hasn’t dropped noticeably, it could be you’re still paying too much. Don’t just accept the same price or a small reduction without first shopping around, as some insurers may try to offer you a higher price although generally premiums have fallen. 

Compare quotes on websites like Uswitch or Compare the Market to ensure you get the best deal. Another way to save is by timing your renewal quote right. According to research from Money Saving Expert, based on five million quotes, the best time to request a quote is about 26 days before your renewal date. 

Insurers tend to offer lower prices then as they view early renewers as lower risk. So make a note of this date as you might not receive a reminder letter or email until the last minute If you’re looking to save at the pump, driving more efficiently can make a difference. 

Small changes such as avoiding heavy acceleration and braking, keeping tyres properly inflated, and using air conditioning sparingly can all contribute to better fuel economy.  It’s also worth checking local fuel prices by using websites such as PetrolPrices to ensure you are getting the best deal.