After the excitement of passing the driving test, many young drivers find the brakes slammed on their joy. Car insurance for young drivers can be very expensive. Nevertheless, we've got some tips on how to lower your premium.
Buy a car in a low insurance group
Avoid purchasing a vehicle in in the highest car insurance groups – 50 is the highest rating in the UK. Cars in group 1 generally have the cheapest insurance premiums.
Don't modify your car
It may be tempting to add modifications such as alloy wheels and spoilers to the motor – but they're likely to increase your insurance bill.
Compare like with like car insurance
Car insurance policies with the same price may not offer the same level of benefits. So remember to check that a policy covers everything you need.
Car security
Thinking about the security of your car could help reduce your premium.
- Where your car is kept overnight – Keep your car secure by storing it in a locked garage or park it off the road. And make sure you remove valuables when you lock the car.
- Security devices – Purchasing additional devices such as an alarm system, ignition lock and glass etching will help to attract lower premiums. Your insurer can advise what devices are suitable for your car.
Earn a no claims discount
It may be obvious, but follow the Highway Code and drive within the speed limit. So by driving safely you'll reduce the chance of being involved in an accident, and this will help earn a no claims discount when renewing your car insurance.
Consider fitting a black box
What's a black box? Black box insurance is where the insurer fits a small black box, or telematics, to your car. The device collects information about when and how you drive, whether you drive too fast and brake sharply, and your total mileage.
Agreeing to have a black box could mean an upfront discount, plus a more accurate premium based on your recorded driving behaviour when you come to renew.
Finally, always look closely at the policy details, particularly at the compulsory excess, which you have to pay when making a claim. Just searching for cheap car insurance for young drivers may work out costly if the excess is more than you can afford.
Author: The AA. Published 18 July 2016. Updated 18 December 2024.
