If you want a cheaper deal on your insurance, all you have to do is ask for it, a new survey has suggested.

More than half of shoppers who phoned their car or home insurer to query their renewal quote were offered a cheaper deal, the research found.

About four in ten of those bagged a saving of more than a tenth while the rest achieved a more modest saving, according to Consumer Intelligence.

Despite this success rate, the survey found just over a third of drivers and homeowners said they always phoned their insurer to query the renewal quote.

Ian Hughes, chief executive of Consumer Intelligence, said: "Haggling with motor and home insurers clearly pays as drivers and homeowners who make the effort to negotiate have found.

"Insurers are generally receptive to renewal premiums being queried and will offer reductions to try and keep customers, and the savings can be substantial at more than 10%."