Car insurance usually varies directly with the performance of your car so if yours is a nippy sports car then your insurance premium will be one of the main costs. Your sports car may be your ultimate status symbol but along with high miles per gallon and original cost of the car, the high insurance premium means this status comes at a cost.

Speed, or rather excessive speed, is the main cause of driving accidents and since sports cars can go faster than any other vehicle on the road insurance companies are keen to cover themselves by offering high premiums to sports car owners. So what can the sports car lover do to ensure his passion doesn't leave him bankrupt? Below are 5 top tips to getting as low a rate as possible:

1. For several reasons having a low credit rating will encourage the insurance companies to offer you a lower insurance rate for your sports car. If you can't be trusted with money, you won't be trusted behind the wheel of a 200mph killing machine.

2. Pack your sports car with as many extra safety features as possible. Although this will mean an increased up-front cost on the purchase of your car, it will certainly impress the insurance providers.

3. It goes without saying that a clean driving record will mean a lower premium. If you've got a history of speeding tickets and accident claims, expect to break the bank when it comes to getting your sports car insured.

4. Before making any purchase it's very important to do research. This becomes even more prevalent when it comes to car insurance as quotes can vary wildly from one company to the next. The internet is a great tool for doing this and there are sites available that will take your details and do all the comparisons and research for you.

5. Consider taking out quite a high excess if you can afford it. If you are a safe driver this should not become a problem and will almost certainly mean a lower monthly rate.

Having a sports car affords its owner a sense of luxury and prestige but if it becomes hugely expensive to run then it may begin to feel like more of a burden. With fuel costs rising every day, it is very important to find as low an insurance deal as possible for your pride and joy.