Young Driver Car Insurance

In general young driver car insurance costs are higher than for older people.

This is down to a combination of factors that insurance companies consider being higher risk, including lack of experience, no driving history to build up a no claims bonus (or No Claims Discount), licence penalty points and general statistics showing the frequency with which young drivers are involved in accidents, many of which are serious.

Male drivers under 25 cause the most serious and fatal accidents of any age group. 17-25 year olds hold just 10% of all driving licenses but cause more than 20% of car accidents.

Recognising the issues faced by young drivers seeking car insurance, some companies have seen an opportunity to specialise in this area and have developed good quality policies at realistic cost.

To help keep the cost of young drivers car insurance to a minimum consider the following:

  • Choose cars from the lower car insurance groups - Insurance companies define car insurance groups into which all cars are categorized eg
    • Group 5 - Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.4i 16v 5dr
    • Group 11 - Audi A3 1.6 FSI 3dr
    • Group 18 - Volkswagen Golf R32 V6 4MOTION 3dr

    The insurance group indicates the level of risk the insurance company feels there is associated with the vehicle. As you move up the groups the level of risk increases, so too in general does the level of insurance cost.


  • No Modifications - Keeping your car as standard will help keep your premiums down. Spoilers, Alloy Wheels, Trim Kits, Exhaust and muffler modifications all give a bad message to your insurer about your driving style. Not to mention making your car more of a target to thieves. Also avoid any heavy engine modifications such as turbo kits unless you want to pay a hefty bill for your insurance.
  • Pass Plus - Taking this extra qualification can help you gain cheaper insurance during your first years of driving. It is a course backed by the Government's Driving Standards Agency and entails 6 practical modules covering driving in all weather conditions, around town, on dual carriageways, rural roads and motorways and driving at night.
  • Alarms - Thatcham approved alarm systems installed by qualified and certified professionals can save you considerably on your insurance premiums.
  • Off-road Parking - Parking on a drive way or secured garage can help bring the cost of your insurance down by reducing the risk of accidental damage, break-ins or theft.
  • Mileage - If you state a lower estimated mileage this can give you a cheaper premium. But never purposely under estimate your mileage as this will lead to complications should you need to make a claim.
  • Cover Type - Comprehensive insurance is often substantially more expensive than any third party types of cover. But it may be worth the extra cost for all the advantages you will receive with this type of cover. For more information on the types of car insurance cover availabe see the article Understanding the Type of Car Insurance You Need

Tempting as it may seem to purposely mislead your insurer and give false details to achieve lower quotes this practice is not at all advised and can lead to many complications later when you come to make a claim. It may save you a small amount now but when your insurance claim is rejected after the most unexpected of serious accidents you may have to pay the price of the whole affair; including damage to other vehicles involved, road furniture and injury compensation. Not to mention the legal fees and a possible criminal prosecution.

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