Getting affordable car insurance for young
drivers can be tough. This is true if you are new to driving in the UK. If you have a provisional licence or
just passed your driving test, the cost is often high. When you have your own car for the first time,
insurance costs do not go down much. The price is still high. This guide will help you find ways to pay less
for car insurance and still have good cover. You will read about real tips and ways that work to help bring
down your insurance costs.
Why Is Car Insurance So
Expensive for Young Drivers?
What makes young driver
insurance cost more?
Most insurance providers see younger drivers as a higher risk. They often do not have as much driving
experience as older people. Some of these drivers might also have driving convictions. Younger drivers are
also more likely to make a claim. For all these reasons, their insurance premiums are higher than what
older, more experienced drivers have to pay.
Factor
Impact on Premium
Age
Drivers under 25 face the highest premiums
Driving Experience
Less experience = higher risk
Annual Mileage
More miles = more exposure to accidents
Type of Cover
Comprehensive can be cheaper than third party
Insurance Group
Smaller cars = cheaper premiums
What Insurance Options
Are Available for Young Drivers?
Levels of Cover
Third Party – This is the lowest level of cover you need to have in the UK. It gives
the basic protection, but it may not always be the cheapest.
Third Party, Fire and Theft – This one gives the same level of cover as third party,
but it also covers the theft of your car and damage to it by fire.
Comprehensive Cover – This level of cover gives you all the benefits of the first
two, and it also pays out if your own car is damaged. At times, comprehensive cover can even cost
less because people who are considered lower-risk often choose this level of cover.
What Is Black Box Insurance?
Black box insurance, also known as telematics, uses a black box or an app that checks how
you drive. The black box will look at your speed, how you brake, and the times you drive. It gives you a
driving score. If you drive safely, you can get a lower premium when it is time for your renewal.
Monitored Data
Effect on Premium
Speed & Braking
Smooth driving = better score
Night-Time Driving
Fewer night journeys = lower risk
Route Regularity
Consistent, predictable routes = bonus points
Phone Usage
Mobile phone usage while driving may lower your score
Should You Add a Named Driver?
Adding a skilled named driver, like your parent or an older brother or sister, can help make your car
insurance cheaper. You should always tell the truth about who uses the car most. If you are the one who
drives it the most, you have to say you are the main driver. If you say someone else is the main driver when
it is not true, that is called fronting. Fronting is a type of fraud and can cause many problems for you.
Cars are put into different insurance groups. This helps decide how much you pay for
insurance. If you are new drivers, you should look at this when you pick a car.
Car Type
Why It Helps
Small hatchback
Lower insurance group, fewer modifications
Petrol, not hybrid
Cheaper to repair, fewer high-voltage components
Low-powered engine
Safer profile = reduced claims frequency
Learner Driver and Provisional
Insurance
If you are still learning to drive, you need to get a learner insurance policy. If you have a provisional
driving licence, it is important for you to use one of these. This type of insurance will let you drive the
car while someone is with you to watch as you practice before you take your test.
You can have cover if you drive your own car or if you use a car that belongs to your parent.
You can pick a policy for a short time or you can choose an annual policy.
A black box is sometimes included with this as standard.
Ways to Lower Insurance Premiums
Best Insurance Tips That
Actually Work
Make sure to compare car insurance from a few different insurers
before you buy any.
Try to keep your annual mileage down, as lower miles can make you less risky to
cover.
Pay for the whole year up front, so you do not end up with extra costs every month.
You can add a named driver on your policy if they are a low-risk person.
Pick comprehensive cover if it is cheaper for you and gives you more for the price.
Choose a car in a lower insurance group so you can have a better price.
Do not put extra changes or mods on the car, as these can cost you more.
Make sure you add breakdown cover and legal protection if your
policy does not come with them.
Use a Car Insurance Calculator
Before you buy, make sure to use a car insurance calculator. This tool
can help you see what your premium might be. It looks at things like your age, your car, your licence, your
insurance policy, and how much you want to drive. After you do this, compare car insurance quotes. This way,
you can find the best deal for you.
When Is the Best Time to Buy?
Get your quotes about 23 to 30 days before the renewal or start date. You will often get better deals at this
time. It is usually cheaper than buying at the last minute.
Don’t Forget: Compare Car Insurance
Always make sure that you compare car insurance on at least two different websites before you pick one. This
will help you see if the price is good or not. You can get a better deal, especially if you are a young
driver. These tools let you compare the level of cover, check the
excess costs, add extras if you like, and read what other people say about the insurer’s service.
Correct as of 12 June 2025
FAQs About Car Insurance for
Young Drivers
What’s the cheapest car insurance for young
drivers?
It can be different for each person. But if you get comprehensive cover with a black box, it is
often cheaper than getting third party insurance.
Can I use my mobile phone with telematics apps?
Yes. A lot of black box insurance companies now offer apps for your smartphone. They use these
black box apps to see how you drive. This helps them give you a driving score.
Is it better to
be a named driver?
It can help you save money. But, if you are the one who drives the car the most, you have to be
shown as the main driver.
Do I need learner insurance before passing my
test?
Yes, if you want to practice driving in your own car or in someone else’s car, you will need to
have learner insurance. This is important for any learner until you get your full licence.
How can I
reduce my insurance excess?
Some policies let you choose a lower excess. But if you pick it, your insurance premium might go
up a bit.
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