Drivers who regularly shop around for car insurance could face higher prices in January when new rules are introduced.
Under the new Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations, which take effect on 1 January 2022, insurers have to offer renewing customers a price that is no higher than they would pay as a new customer.
While this will benefit loyal customers it could mean drivers who tend to switch to get the cheapest price will no longer get access to below cost deals.
Given the changes, drivers are being urged to consider switching now as it might be a better time than January or later.
Ursula Gibbs, Director of Comparethemarket.com, said: "While motor insurance has typically been cheap at the start of the year, 2022 could be different.
"With a major regulatory rule change fast approaching, the cost of insurance could increase significantly next year.
"If your policy is due to auto-renew in the next few weeks, you may be better off switching sooner rather than later."
The new FCA rules will also mean consumers are given easier methods of cancelling the automatic renewal of their policy and insurers will have to report data to the FCA so it can supervise the market more effectively.
Sheldon Mills, executive director, consumers and competition at the FCA, said: "We are making the insurance market work better for millions of people.
"We will be watching closely to see how the market develops in the future and to ensure firms continue to deliver fairer value to consumers."
