Car insurance is notoriously expensive for young drivers. With limited driving experience and a higher risk of accidents, premiums can often be eye-watering, sometimes costing more than the car itself. But there are ways to bring the cost down while still staying properly covered.
Here are some effective tips to help reduce the cost of car insurance for young drivers:
- Add a Parent as a Named Driver If a parent or guardian has a solid driving history and a clean record, adding them as a named driver on your policy could lower your premium. Insurers see multiple experienced drivers on a policy as spreading the risk. However, make sure you are the main driver if it’s your car — listing someone else as the main driver when you do most of the driving is known as “fronting” and it’s considered a crime.
- Consider a Telematics Policy (Black Box or App-Based) Telematics insurance uses a device or smartphone app to monitor your driving habits, such as speed, braking, and the times you drive. If you drive safely, you may earn a lower premium over time. This kind of policy is widely available and increasingly common for young drivers. Some insurers now use app-based systems instead of a physical black box.
- Avoid Car Modifications Modified cars are seen as a higher risk by insurers. Even cosmetic changes like tinted windows, alloy wheels, or body kits can bump up your premium. Always declare any modification, no matter how minor. Failure to do so can invalidate your policy.
- Improve Your Car’s Security Insurers may offer discounts if your car is harder to steal. Park in a garage or on a private driveway if possible. Fitting an approved alarm or immobiliser (such as those certified by Thatcham) can also help. Let your insurer know about any security features to ensure they’re factored into your quote.
- Increase Your Voluntary Excess Agreeing to pay a higher voluntary excess (the amount you contribute towards a claim) can reduce your premium. Just make sure the amount is affordable in the event of an accident. For example, if you choose a £500 excess, be certain you could pay that if you needed to make a claim.
- Look Into Multi-Car Policies If your household has more than one car, see if your family can bundle them into a multi-car policy. Many insurers offer discounts for insuring multiple vehicles under the same provider, and this can be particularly helpful if your parents already have car insurance in place.
- Get a Quote, Then Call Once you’ve found a promising deal online, try calling the insurer directly. A phone call gives you a chance to clarify details, ask for any unadvertised discounts, or adjust the policy with a real person. Sometimes, agents can tweak the policy in ways the website can’t.
- Use Price Comparison Sites — But Don’t Stop There Comparison sites are great for starting your search, but they don’t list every insurer. Some companies specialise in young driver policies and only offer quotes directly. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, visit the insurer’s website directly or contact them to fine-tune your quote.
- Choose the Right Car The car you drive matters. Smaller, less powerful cars in lower insurance groups are generally cheaper to insure. Avoid sports models or high-spec trims, which can lead to significantly higher premiums. Look for cars known for safety and reliability — and double-check which group your car falls into before buying it.
- Take a Pass Plus Course Some insurers still offer discounts to drivers who complete a Pass Plus course, which provides extra training in areas like motorway driving and night-time driving. The cost of the course can vary, generally depending on where you are in the country but if it results in a lower premium, it may pay for itself quickly. Always check with your insurer first to see if they accept it.
- Limit Your Mileage Be realistic about how much you plan to drive. A lower annual mileage can result in cheaper quotes, as insurers consider you less likely to be involved in an accident. Don’t guess wildly — try tracking your mileage for a few weeks to get an accurate estimate.
- Pay Annually If You Can Paying monthly might seem easier, but most insurers charge interest or fees for spreading payments. If you can afford to pay for the year upfront, you’ll likely pay less overall.
Smart Moves Going Forward
Tempted to bend the truth to get a cheaper quote? Don’t. Providing false information on your application can invalidate your policy entirely. Always be honest about who the main driver is, where the car is kept, and how it will be used.
With the right car, a bit of planning, and careful comparison shopping, young drivers can find fairer deals on their car insurance. It might still be a major expense, but these steps can help bring the cost down and build towards cheaper premiums in the future.