Young drivers are statistically more likely to have an accident and make a claim, often sending their car insurance costs sky high as a result
When it comes to getting car insurance for young drivers, while the cover may be expensive there are plenty of things you can do to help keep costs down – read our nine top tips to reducing the cost of car insurance for young drivers.
1. Pick a cheap car to insure
When looking for your first car, the cost of car insurance is often a big factor in the buying process. All cars on the market belong to one of 50 different car insurance groups – the cheapest cars to insure can be found in groups one to five.
2. Steer clear of car modifications
Car modifications, such as alloy wheels and bodykits, often appeal to young drivers wanting to personalise simple-looking hatchbacks or medium-sized cars. However, avoid them if you want cheap car insurance – modifications are known to increase premiums by hundreds of pounds.
3. Get an extra driving qualification
The Pass Plus scheme is a training course aimed at helping new drivers become more adept on the road. It takes around six hours to complete and, while not all insurers officially recognise the scheme, big names such as the AA, Churchill and Endsleigh offer discounts to drivers who have passed it.
4. Pay per year, not per month
With the average car insurance premium well over £900, it can be tempting for young drivers to stagger payments rather than shelling out for the cover all in one go. It’s usually much cheaper to pay for the whole year in advance if you can afford to – you’ll avoid the monthly interest charges and save a substantial amount.
5. Consider increasing your excess
Choosing to pay a higher voluntary excess – the amount you’d have to pay up front if you made a claim – can significantly reduce the cost of your car insurance. However, make sure you’re able to afford to pay the excess if you do have an accident – young drivers with little money could struggle to stump up £500 or more after a crash.
6. Think about the level of cover you need
Comprehensive car cover is normally the most expensive type of car insurance – it covers both your car and other vehicles if you have an accident. Third-party cover – the most basic level of cover – covers claims against you if you’re involved in an accident and injure someone. It also covers the cost of repairing or replacing the other person’s car, but not your own.
7. …but don’t assume third-party is cheapest
It pays to compare quotes with different levels of cover before you buy. According to the Association of British Insurers, the average third-party, fire and theft premium is more expensive than comprehensive cover because it’s often chosen by younger drivers with a tendency to make larger claims.
8. Add a named driver, but beware ‘fronting’
You can reduce car insurance costs by adding an extra named driver to the insurance policy – especially if they’re older and more experienced on road. Putting the policy in a parent’s name, with the young driver as a named driver when they’re actually the main driver – known as ‘fronting’ – is illegal and can result in insurers rejecting claims.
9. Increase security and limit risk
Adding extra car security features, such as an alarm or immobiliser, can often help you get cheaper cover. Car insurance can be cheaper still if you park your car in a garage or driveway overnight rather than leaving it on the street as insurers see this as a further way of minimising risk.
