If you’re a young driver and/or inexperienced, looking for car insurance can be a rather frustrating experience. Some insurers will quote very high premiums; others may not even insure you on a particular vehicle, it can sometimes feel like you’re banging your head against a brick wall.
What can you do?
Motor Quote Direct has put together some helpful tips on how you can lower your insurance premiums if you’re any of the following:
- A new driver.
- A young driver.
- A driver in their early 20’s.
Why are premiums so high for new drivers?
Firstly it’s important to understand why insurance companies are quoting you high premiums.
- New or younger drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in an accident.
- Around 30% of deaths on UK roads are caused by young drivers in the 17 – 25 age bracket.
- Young drivers are likelier to have their cars broken into or to be victims of vandalism.
How can younger drivers get cheaper car insurance?
Your insurance premium is based on your risk. So if you are less likely to be involved in an accident, be the victim of theft or vandalism then you’ll find your insurance premiums will naturally be lower. As a new young driver there’s nothing you can do about being in the risky age bracket nor can you do anything about being less experienced.
The only bits you can focus on to reduce your premiums are things like:
- Pass plus scheme. Some insurers offer discounts to young or new drivers that have achieved the pass plus certificate.
- The type of car you drive. Cars with large size engine, turbo charged or sports cars, modified cars are all going to make your premiums go through the roof. It’s important to think conservative, 1.1 litre 3 door hatchbacks with no modifications, that’s more like it!
- Where you park your car. If you park your car on the street it’s more likely to be broken into than a car parked in a drive or a locked garage.
- When you use your car. Think about when you need to use your car, some insurers offer lower premiums to young drivers who agree to use their cars during the day and not between the hours of say 8pm and 5am.
- How you drive. Remember to drive carefully and try not to get any points on your license as this will cause your premiums to increase whatever your age.
- Getting insured under your own policy - In the long run it’s best to get your car insurance in your own name rather than be added to your parent’s. This means you will start to build up your own no claims bonus and in the future your premiums should be a lot cheaper.