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Finding the Best Car Insurance for 17-21 Year Olds

Many younger drivers can find it difficult to arrange an affordable Car Insurance deal. Having recently passed their tests, young drivers have clocked up fewer miles, making it more difficult to prove their driving credentials. Furthermore, statistics for this age group tend to show it as a high-risk group for accidents, which drives up the cost of policies.

At Free Price Compare, we want to help drivers aged 17 to 21 to find the best Car Insurance deal for them. We search through quotes from more than 110 insurance companies so you can find the best price possible. Simply provide us with a few pieces of information and we will do the rest, sifting through dozens of quotes so you don't have to.

What information do I need to help me find cheaper car insurance?

All you need to do is enter your details into our online insurance comparison tool. We need to know:

  • Information about your vehicle including model, make, engine type, fuel type and mileage.
  • Your claims history. This will, of course, not apply if you have only just passed your test.
  • Personal details and some information about your driving licence, which you need to have to hand.
  • Information about any other drivers being covered by the insurance. This can impact on the premium offered.
  • The type of policy you wish to have, whether that's Fully Comprehensive, Third Party Fire and Theft or Third Party only.
  • The voluntary excess you wish to include.

Simply tell us these details and at the touch of a button, you'll have access to more than 100 car insurance quotes from a host of providers, including big names such as Axa, RAC and Hastings. You'll be able to easily see who is offering the best deal on your insurance.

Why is Car Insurance More Expensive for 17-21 Year Olds?

There are several reasons why the cost of Car Insurance tends to be higher for young drivers:

  1. Lack of driving experience: As a new driver, you're still developing your skills and judgment on the road.
  2. Higher accident risk: Statistics show that young drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents compared to older, more experienced drivers.
  3. Increased likelihood of claims: With a higher accident risk comes a greater chance of making insurance claims, which can lead to higher costs for insurers.
  4. Driving behaviour: Some young drivers may engage in riskier driving behaviours, such as speeding or distracted driving, which increases the level of risk for insurers.
  5. Type of car: Young drivers often choose smaller, more affordable cars, which can be more expensive to insure due to higher repair costs and theft rates.
Why is Car Insurance More Expensive for 17-21 Year Olds

Factors Affecting Car Insurance Premiums for 17-21 Year Olds

In addition to age and driving experience, several other factors can impact Car Insurance premiums for young drivers:

  1. Location: Insurance rates vary by postcode due to differences in accident rates, crime rates, and population density.
  2. Type of car: The make, model, age, and top speed of your vehicle can significantly affect your premiums. Choosing one of the cheapest cars to insure can help lower your costs.
  3. Annual mileage: The more you drive, the higher your risk of accidents, which can lead to higher premiums.
  4. Driving history: Any accidents, claims, or driving convictions can result in increased premiums.
  5. Credit score: Some insurers use credit scores to assess risk, with lower scores potentially leading to higher premiums.
  6. Level of cover: Comprehensive insurance is more expensive than third-party options but offers greater protection, including theft cover and personal injury cover.
  7. Voluntary excess: Choosing a higher voluntary excess can lower your premiums but means paying more out of pocket if you make a claim.

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Young Driver Accident and Claim Statistics

Young Driver Accident and Claim Statistics

To illustrate the higher risks associated with young drivers, consider the following statistics:

Age Group Percentage of Total UK Driving Licence Holders Percentage of Drivers Involved in Accidents Average Claim Cost
17-19 1.5% 5% £3,500
20-24 7% 15% £2,800
25-29 9% 12% £2,200
30+ 82.5% 68% £1,800

*Data based on DVLA and ABI reports.

The table clearly shows that despite holding a small percentage of licences, drivers aged 17-24 are disproportionately involved in accidents and have higher average claim costs compared to older age groups. This data highlights the importance of road safety for young drivers and the impact it can have on the cost of Car Insurance.

Tips for Getting Cheaper Car Insurance for 17-21 Year Olds

While Car Insurance for young drivers tends to be more expensive, there are several ways to reduce your premiums:

  1. Choose a car in a lower insurance group: Look for smaller, less powerful cars with good safety features and security features to lower your risk profile.
  2. Increase your voluntary excess: A higher excess can lower your premiums but ensure you can afford it if you need to claim.
  3. Limit your mileage: The less you drive, the lower your risk of accidents, which can result in cheaper premiums.
  4. Maintain a clean driving record: Avoid accidents, claims, and driving convictions to keep your premiums down and prove you're a safe driver.
  5. Consider a black box policy: Telematics insurance rewards safe driving habits with lower premiums and can be an excellent option for young drivers looking to save money.
  6. Add an experienced named driver: Adding an older, more experienced driver to your policy can help reduce your premiums, but be sure to list the young driver as the main driver if they will be using the car more frequently.
  7. Pay annually: Paying your premium in one lump sum can be cheaper than monthly payments, which often include interest charges.
  8. Improve your car's security: Installing approved security devices can lead to lower premiums by reducing the risk of theft.
  9. Shop around: Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best deals for your specific needs and budget.

Car Insurance Options for 17-21 Year Olds

When comparing Car Insurance quotes, it's essential to choose a level of cover that suits your needs and budget. The main options are:

  1. Comprehensive cover: The most extensive protection, covering damage to your car and other vehicles, as well as theft, fire, personal accident cover, medical expenses, and Breakdown Cover.
  2. Third-party fire and theft (TPFT): Covers damage to other vehicles, along with fire and theft cover for your own car.
  3. Third-party only (TPO): The minimum legal requirement, covering damage to other vehicles but not your own.

While comprehensive insurance is the most expensive, it offers the greatest protection and may be required if you have a car on finance. TPFT and TPO can be cheaper options but leave you financially responsible for repairing or replacing your own vehicle if you're at fault in an accident.

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Optional Extras for Young Driver Car Insurance

When taking out Car Insurance as a young driver, you may want to consider adding optional extras to your policy for added protection and peace of mind. Some popular optional extras include:

  1. Breakdown Cover: Provides assistance if your car breaks down, including roadside repairs and recovery services.
  2. Legal protection: Covers legal expenses in the event of an accident that wasn't your fault, helping you recover uninsured losses and pursue personal injury claims.
  3. Personal accident cover: Offers financial support if you or your passengers are injured in an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
  4. Key cover: Covers the cost of replacing lost or stolen keys and locks.
  5. Courtesy car: Provides a replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired following an insured incident.

Remember to weigh the costs and benefits of each optional extra when deciding which ones to include in your policy.

Specialist Young Driver Insurance Providers

Some insurers specialise in providing cover for young drivers, offering tailored policies and benefits. These include:

  1. Marmalade: Offers black box insurance, named driver policies, and cars with free insurance for 17-24 year olds.
  2. Insure The Box: Provides telematics insurance with tailored renewal prices based on your driving score.
  3. Direct Line DrivePlus: Uses a black box to monitor driving behaviour and offers discounts for safe driving.

Consider these specialist providers alongside quotes from mainstream insurers to find the best deal for your needs.

Specialist Young Driver Insurance Providers

Start Comparing Car Insurance Quotes for 17-21 Year Olds

Finding affordable Car Insurance as a young driver doesn't have to be a struggle. By understanding the factors affecting your premiums and following our tips, you can get the cover you need at a price that fits your budget. Free Price Compare makes it easy to compare quotes from top UK insurers, helping you find the best deals for your specific needs. Start comparing now and see how much you could save on your Car Insurance premiums.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The average cost of car insurance for 17-21 year olds is around £1,500 per year, but this can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances and the level of cover. Factors such as location, driving history, and the type of car can all impact the cost of young driver car insurance.

Adding an experienced named driver to your policy can help lower your premiums. However, being a named driver on someone else's policy means you won't build up your own no claims discount, which can help reduce the cost of Car Insurance in the long run.

Black box (or telematics) policies use a device installed in your car to monitor your driving habits, such as speed, braking, and acceleration. Safe driving is rewarded with lower premiums, making it a popular choice for young drivers looking to save money on car insurance.

Yes, you can get Car Insurance with a provisional licence. In fact, many insurers offer specialised policies for learner drivers. It's essential to have the appropriate level of cover in place before getting behind the wheel, even if you haven't passed your driving test yet.

You can build up a no claims discount (NCD) by driving safely and avoiding accidents. For each year you don't make a claim, you'll earn a discount on your premium, which can accumulate over time. Many insurers offer NCD protection as an optional extra, allowing you to make a claim without losing your hard-earned discount.

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Page last updated on: 09/05/2024

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

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