UK car insurance for new and young drivers will never be cheap! This is for one reason and one reason alone young and new drivers are a bigger risk to insure than the average car driver. Newly qualified UK drivers are more likely to have an accident during their first year of year of driving than at any other time.
The facts are stark:
Per mile of driving, the risk of an accident involving injury or death is about seven times greater for 17-20 years old than for those aged 40 or over.
Young drivers under 21 are involved in 15% of all car accident deaths.
New drivers make up just 10% of license holders, but are involved in 29% of accidents.
The following tips will help reduce the cost of young drivers car insurance:
1) Take the Pass Plus driving exam. This is an intensive training course that aims to make new drivers better drivers. Successfully pass the Pass Plus and you will receive a discount of up 35% off your car insurance. The Pass Plus costs around 100 but given the high cost of car insurance it a still a worth while investment. Ask your driving instructor for details.
2) Volunteer to pay a higher excess. Insurers will insist on a minimum amount that you have to contribute to any car insurance claim. The standard amount is 100. As new and young drivers if you volunteer a higher amount you could save on your car insurance premium.
3) Pay your car insurance annually. It is cheaper to pay your years car insurance in one lump sum rather than in monthly installments. Most car insurance companies charge interest of around 15% APR (some up to 30%) to allow you to pay your premium in monthly installments.
4) Adding a named older driver to your car insurance policy, i.e. your parents, can save you 10% on your insurance premium. Likewise, avoid having younger named drivers on your policy.
5) Enhance your car security. Thatcham approved car alarms are recognized by all insurers and most will discount your premium if you have these fitted. If you have a garage then use it. Your car is less likely to be stolen from your garage or from your drive than if it is parked in the street. Insurance companies will recognize this and offer cheaper premiums.
6) Buy your car insurance policy online. Most car insurance companies offer a discount if you buy online via their web site.
7) Be born a woman. Car insurance for women is cheaper. Why? Because the average female is a safer driver than the average male.
8) According to the Association of British Insurers it is possible to save 35% on a car insurance premium by simply comparing several insurance companies against each other. As young drivers such a discount can be considerable. So get as many insurance quotes, online or otherwise, as you can. It will save you money.
