Recently passed your driving test and ready to get on the road? One essential you will need is new driver insurance - this guide will help you know what to look for and some features that can play a part in how much your cover is likely to cost.
When it comes to finding new driver insurance in the UK you should be aware that premiums can often be higher for people from the age of 17 to 25 that may have less experience driving.
There are different levels of insurance you can choose from as a new driver so find out more about each type of policy to know which kind of protection your new vehicle needs.
In this section:
- Car insurance for new drivers
- Types of car insurance for new drivers
- How much is insurance for a new driver?
- How to get cheap car insurance for new drivers
- Frequently asked questions
Car insurance for new drivers
If you’re looking for car insurance quotes for new drivers, you’re likely to see higher rates than more experienced drivers. As a young driver or someone with less experience on the road, you are generally at a higher risk of getting into an accident or collision.
This means that when finding the right car insurance for new drivers, you should compare policies from a range of providers and consider which type of car insurance is right for you.
It’s worth knowing that UK law requires you to have third-party car insurance as a minimum and driving without a valid insurance policy puts you at risk of fines, court prosecution and having your car confiscated or destroyed.
Types of car insurance for new drivers
Browsing different types of car insurance as a new driver might be initially confusing so it’s worth learning about the three main types of cover you’ll find.
Fully comprehensive
For the highest level of safety from your insurance policy, comprehensive cover gives you and your car protection from any damage you may cause to your vehicle or other motorists. You’ll also be covered for medical expenses, fire damage, repairs and in case of vehicle theft.
Third Party, Fire and Theft Car Insurance
This type of policy is limited to any repair costs you might incur for damage caused by fire, theft and third-party individuals.
Third-party car insurance
This is the minimum type of cover you need to have on UK roads and only applies to damage you might cause to other vehicles on the road and property.
Comprehensive cover is generally the most expensive type of car insurance you will find and third-party car insurance will be the cheapest as it includes simply the most basic features.
How much is insurance for a new driver?
If you’re between the ages of 17 and 20, average new drivers insurance quotes are around £1,800 although this comes down to around £1,000 for 21 to 25 year olds.
This cost will also depend on your choice of car with each model assigned an insurance group somewhere between one and fifty. The lower the number, the cheaper your car will be to insure so be sure to check this before purchasing a new or used vehicle.
In general, a model with fewer miles that is low-cost to repair will also help you to find the most cost-effective insurance policy.
How to get cheap car insurance for new drivers
With higher than average policy costs combined with the expense of your new vehicle and lessons, you may well be wondering how to get cheap car insurance for new drivers.
Thankfully there are a few easy steps you can take to cut the cost of your insurance over time.
- Pay on a yearly basis – as interest is charged on monthly payments, paying upfront for your policy for the year is nearly always cheaper
- Buy a safe and affordable car – cars which are safe to drive and don’t attract thieves tend to be cheaper to insure
- Keep an eye on your mileage – if you’re on the road less often, you have a lower chance of accidents and a cheaper policy
- Park your car safely – protecting your car with a locked garage makes your vehicle less likely to be stolen and keeps your policy cost down
- Install a telematics device – tracking good driving habits builds trust with your insurer and can bring premiums down over time
- Add a named driver to your policy – showing insurers an experienced driver will be on your policy gives reassurance and can reduce your new car insurance costs
- Do an advanced driving course – this tells your insurer that you will be less likely to get into an accident so can help you to cut insurance costs
Frequently asked questions
Ready to insure your vehicle as a new driver?
Check out our range of tailor-made policies at AXA to find the right cover for you today.
