Young driver car insurance

How can young drivers get cheaper car insurance?

As a young driver, the cost of car insurance can take a big chunk out of your earnings. At A Choice, we can help you find car insurance for young drivers’ by comparing quotes from our panel of providers and recommend a suitable policy for your needs.

The cost of insurance is calculated based on a wide range of factors. Whilst some factors are out of your control, such as age and experience, there are some things that you can do that will help to reduce the cost of your insurance.

Your choice of car

New car models are placed in insurance groups between 1 (cheapest to insure) and 50 (the most expensive). If you’re shopping for a new car, you could save on cover by researching what insurance group different cars are in. .

Although newer, more powerful cars may look good, they’re typically more expensive to insure. Bear this in mind when you’re making your decision.

Add a named driver to your insurance policy

When you take out young driver’s insurance with us, we’ll ask you if you want to add a named driver to your policy. Adding a more experienced driver with a claim-free history, such as a parent, guardian or older sibling, may reduce the cost of your premium.

You mustn’t declare them as the main driver, though, as this misleads the insurer and you could be accused of ‘fronting’, which can invalidate your insurance.

Consider paying a higher voluntary excess

Your excess is the amount of money you’ll have to pay towards a claim made on your policy. Paying a higher voluntary excess amount will help to reduce your insurance premium. But bear in mind that if you do make a claim, you’ll have to pay both the compulsory and voluntary excess, so pick an amount that you can afford.

Drive safely

Young drivers tend to be more at risk on the road because of their lack of experience and the tendency of many to take risks. As a new driver, it’s important to ease yourself into driving while you build up your experience on the road.

If you’re a safe and responsible young driver, you can soon build up a No Claims Bonus in your own name, which will reduce the cost of your car insurance.

Here are some tips to help you on your way:

• Stick to the speed limits.
• Don’t approach bends and corners too fast.
• Be extra careful in poor driving conditions.
• Be wary of other road users.
• Avoid dangerous overtaking.
• Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front.
• Avoid driving when you’re tired.

Avoid some car modifications

Modifications can affect the cost of your car insurance, no matter how minor. They can be either cosmetic or performance-enhancing. Examples include altering your suspension, upgrading your exhaust or investing in alloy wheels.

However, not all modifications will increase your premium. For example, fitting a security device may help lower your premium.

If you want to know how a modification could affect your car insurance, check with your provider.

You must always declare any modification, as some may invalidate your insurance if not disclosed.

Improve your security

Improving your vehicle’s security could help you get cheaper young drivers’ insurance. First and foremost, you should keep your car somewhere safe, such as a garage, driveway or somewhere in sight of a CCTV camera.

Additionally, you could invest in a quality security device for your vehicle. This could help reduce your premium, as well as give you peace of mind. But bear in mind that the amount you might save on your cover might not outweigh your investment.

When considering what to buy, look for devices approved by Thatcham Research, an independent group that rates the different types of car alarms and immobilisers on the market.

Pay annually

While this may be difficult for young drivers, it’s usually cheaper to pay your insurance upfront for the year rather than in monthly instalments. If possible, try to put away a little money each month for next year’s insurance.