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Do you need car insurance as a new driver?
Yes. Car insurance is a legal requirement for all drivers in the UK. As a new driver, you'll need at least third-party cover to drive legally. Even if you have a car parked up on the road that you don't use, you need to insure it.
If you have a car but no insurance, this is a serious criminal offence. It can lead to a fine, penalty points on your licence, and even the seizure of your vehicle.
Besides being a legal obligation, car insurance protects you financially if you're involved in a collision, if your car's stolen, or if it's damaged by fire, attempted theft or vandalism.
How much does car insurance cost for new drivers?
New drivers tend to pay out more for their car insurance, with younger drivers typically bearing the brunt of expensive premiums.
- 17- 20 year-old drivers pay the most, handing over an average of £1,805.39* per year for car insurance
- Drivers aged 21-24 pay £1,269.13* on average per year
- That cost reduces further for drivers aged 25-34, who pay £816.48* per year for their insurance
Insurance is dependent on a range of factors, including your age, where you live, your occupation, what car you drive and so on. Your driving history is also a factor, which you're not likely to have much of at this point. Your car insurance should get cheaper over the years as you gain experience, provided you can avoid making claims or getting motoring convictions.
*Uswitch car insurance data, based on the median top annual premium for fully comprehensive policies, during the time period of June 2025 - December 2025.
Why is new driver car insurance so expensive?
Car insurance tends to be more expensive for new drivers because they're more likely to be involved in accidents than drivers with more experience. And they're more likely to cause injuries to third parties, making claims more expensive.
Figures from the Department for Transport and road safety charity Brake show that around one in five new drivers are involved in a crash during their first year on the road.
Other reasons why car insurance is so expensive for young drivers in particular include:
- Drivers aged 17 to 24 are three times more likely than those from other age groups to injure somebody in an accident
- According to government figures, young male car drivers aged 17 to 24 are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than all car drivers aged 25 or over
- Young drivers tend to travel with other young people in the car, and government figures show that just over half of accidents involving drivers aged 17-19 resulted in injuries. This compares with one in five accidents where drivers were aged 60-69
- Injured passengers are classed as third parties, meaning insurers must compensate for their injuries. Life-changing injuries cost insurers more the younger the injured person is, because the victim must be compensated for the rest of their life
Find out more useful information with our young driver insurance statistics.
How can new drivers get cheaper car insurance?
While car insurance for newer drivers is almost always more expensive, there are practical steps you can take to drive down the cost of your premiums:
- Choose a sensible car
Every vehicle is assigned a car insurance group number from 1 to 50. Small, safe cars with less powerful engines fall into lower groups, and choosing one is one of the easiest ways to reduce your costs.
- Consider black box insurance
Also known as telematics, these policies use a device or phone app to track your driving data. If the insurer decides you are a safe driver, they may lower your premiums.
- Add an experienced named driver
Adding a second, low-risk named driver—such as a parent—can often reduce your overall premium. However, ensure the main driver is the person who actually uses the car most; pretending an experienced driver is the main motorist is illegal and known as 'fronting'.
- Stick to a low mileage
The more miles you cover, the higher the statistical likelihood of being involved in an accident. Try to keep your mileage low by avoiding unnecessary journeys to see a reduction in price.
- Raise your voluntary excess
Accepting a higher voluntary excess usually lowers your premium because you are taking on more of the financial risk yourself. Only set this at a level you could realistically afford to pay if you needed to make a claim.
- Compare quotes
Whether you are buying for the first time or renewing, always compare car insurance quotes. Using a price comparison site like Uswitch allows you to see a range of policies side-by-side so you can find the right cover at the right price.
"Driving can be pretty expensive when you first start out. The good news is there's plenty of things you can do to help reduce the costs. Comparing quotes, adding named drivers and paying annually are all quick and easy ways to save. Black box policies can be another good option, just be aware of the pros and cons before taking one out."
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Advanced driving and intensive driving courses
What is an advanced driving course? Advanced driving courses help people improve their road safety. Drivers who take an advanced driving course are taught to be more observant and better at anticipating changes.
FAQs
What is the best car insurance for new drivers?
The best car insurance may not be the cheapest. For example you may be able to lower your premium by having a higher excess but you may struggle to pay out for repairs if your car is involved in an accident. New driver car insurance costs tend to be more expensive, so you may be better off paying a higher premium and taking long term measures - such as advanced driving courses or having a black box fitted, to reduce your costs over the coming years.
Could multi-car insurance reduce new driver insurance costs?
There are occasions when multi-car insurance policies offer a really good deal. They are worth considering if:
Multicar insurance might also be suitable if:
- You own more than one car
- You’re a family with more than one driver
- You’re a couple with more than one vehicle
If I'm a new driver, can I insure a car I don't own?
You don’t need to own a car to require car insurance. If you are only planning on borrowing a car, or even if you have one tucked away on your drive with the required Statutory Off Road Notification, temporary car insurance might be the ideal solution.
Need a different type of car insurance?
Temporary Car Insurance and Short-term Cover
What does temporary car insurance cover? Find out how temporary car insurance works, and take out a short-term insurance policy with Uswitch.
Compare Black Box Car Insurance Quotes
Black box insurance is a great option to keep the cost of car insurance down if you're looking for a cheap quote. Compare black box telematics car insurance quotes today.
Compare Cheap Student Car Insurance
Learn how being a student can affect the cost of your car insurance. Compare student car insurance option and quotes from leading providers.
Compare Cheap Car Insurance for Women
Cheap car insurance for women was traditionally easier to find than it was for men - Read our FAQs on car insurance for women drivers and compare quotes.