These days we are all concerned with keeping our costs down. Running a car - although essential for many of us - is becoming more and more expensive. Fuel, road tax, MOTs and car insurance are all costs that we can’t get out of.

That’s why it really pays to make sure you’re getting the most for your money. One way to keep car insurance costs down is to make sure you always drive safely. Here’s why:

Safety first

If you drive dangerously, you’re more likely to clock up penalty points on your licence, or even cause a collision. This will have a direct impact on your car insurance, so it pays to play it safe on the road.

Be honest - do you take risks when you know you shouldn’t, or do you act selfishly on the road, irritating other motorists?

Thoughtless driving, tailgating, even eating or drinking at the wheel all amount to careless driving. Even these seemingly minor motoring offences can land you with three to nine penalty points, depending on the seriousness of the offence.

Worse still, you might cause an accident. If the court decides that your driving fell below that of a safe motorist, you could be convicted of driving without due care and attention.

Of course, it’s best to just avoid accidents, penalty points and convictions. But how do you drive more safely?

Read the Highway Code

Quite simply, study the Highway Code and stick to the rules. Stick to speed limits, stop at pedestrian crossings, obey traffic lights and stop signs, and don’t park or stop anywhere that could cause danger to others.

Be a calm driver

Don’t annoy other drivers, stay calm on the roads and don’t get distracted by in-car arguments. If necessary, pull over and take a 10 minute breather to let the dust settle.

Distractions, fatigue and driving under the influence

If you get hungry, thirsty or sleepy, or if your phone rings, stop somewhere to remedy the situation. Don't try to eat, drink or answer the phone behind the wheel. And whatever you do, do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Only drive when you’re fit and well and get your vision checked regularly.

Car maintenance

Make sure your vehicle is up to scratch. If you drive when your brakes, tyres or steering are defective, you can receive three points on your licence.

Passengers

Don’t overload your car with too many passengers. It’s dangerous because it could unsteady your car and could also land you with three penalty points.

A clean driving record is cheaper

Keeping a clean driving record may be easier said than done. But if you do accumulate a number of penalty points or are involved in collisions, expect to pay a high price. That’s not only because you will incur a heap of fines or a hefty garage bill. You’ll almost certainly have to pay a higher premium when you come to renew your car insurance.

If you do have an accident, it might be worth paying for prangs out of your own pocket. Losing your no claims discount is a big factor when it comes to increasing your car insurance premium.

What does it mean to have points on my licence?

If you incur points on your licence, remember that minor penalty points stay on your licence for four years. After that time, you can apply to the DVLA to have them removed.

But insurers will ask you to disclose your points for five years. For more serious offences, such as drink-driving or causing death by dangerous driving, points will stay on your licence for 11 years from the date you were convicted.

There are many other ways to lower your car insurance premium but driving safely is one of the most effective.