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Compare cheap quotes for car insurance if you’ve passed your test recently
New driver insurance is cover for those who have passed their driving test recently.
It gives new drivers the protection they need while they build up their driving experience.
There are several different options to choose from, so it pays to do your research and find one that offers the right price and cover for your needs.
Yes, car insurance for new drivers - particularly for those between the ages of 17 and 25 - can be expensive.
With less experience behind the wheel, you’re more likely to have an accident, so insurers see you as a higher risk.
As a result, premiums are often much higher as there’s a greater chance that new drivers will make a claim and insurers will have to pay out.
The price of car insurance depends on several factors. But generally, your premiums in the first three years of driving are the most expensive.
Because you’re statistically more likely to have a serious car accident if you’re aged between 17 and 24, the price of car insurance for new drivers under 25 is usually much higher.
Our data shows 25 year olds paid around £359 less than 17 year olds*.
The cost of claims for young drivers also tends to be higher which pushes up premiums.
The good news is that your insurance usually costs less as your driving experience increases. And there are several ways to help bring your premiums down.
The good news is your insurance should get cheaper the more experienced you gain. That’s assuming you don’t have to claim, and you build up a no-claims bonus (NCB).
*Average cost of annual comprehensive car insurance for policies bought through Go.Compare between Jan to November 2022 when the policyholder is 17, 21 or 25.
Insurers will consider your:
Older drivers will typically pay less than younger ones
Any driving convictions will increase the price and could even make it difficult to find cover
A high crime rate in your area can push up your premium
Some jobs require more driving and can increase the risk to your vehicle
Insurers look at the car you drive, including its engine size and value
Some will increase a car’s value and risk of having an accident, but safety modifications could lower your premium
If you’ve made any claims in the last five years, you’ll usually pay more
Many learner driver policies are automatically cancelled once you pass your test. So you’ll need to take out new cover before you can hit the road as a newly qualified driver.
There are three main types to choose from:
This is the minimum level of car insurance legally required in the UK. It covers any damage you cause to other cars and property, but you’ll have to pay for any damage to your car yourself
As well as providing third party cover, this type of policy will cover your car if it’s stolen or damaged by fire. In some cases, it’ll also cover damage from attempted theft
Fully comprehensive car insurance provides the highest level of cover and it’s usually the cheapest option. As well as providing cover for all of the above, it will also pay out for damage to your car
Although you’ll typically pay more for car insurance as a new driver, there are some ways to lower the cost:
As well as improving your skills and confidence on the road, advanced driver training might also help to reduce your car insurance costs
Adding a more experienced driver, like a parent, to your policy could reduce your risk to insurers and make your cover cheaper.
Be honest about who the main driver is though. Failure to do so could invalidate your policy or lead to a criminal conviction if you're involved in an accident.
Insurers group cars by make and model. Premiums for cars in higher groups are more expensive than those in lower ones, so look for a cheaper car with a small engine
Driving less over the course of a year can reduce the cost. Don’t pay for more than you need to
Driving carefully and responsibly means you’ll be less likely to make a claim which can help to make your insurance cheaper over time
It usually costs less to pay one annual premium than spreading it out over monthly instalments
Keeping your car on your driveway or in a locked garage overnight, or installing security measures like a tracking device, can lower the cost of insurance
If you’ll be learning and practising to drive in a car other than a qualified driving instructor’s vehicle, you’ll need learner driver insurance to make sure you’re covered. However, you’ll still need a new policy as soon as you pass your test
Also known as black box car insurance, insurers monitor your driving with a device fitted in your car, or through an app. The data on your driving habits can help lower your premiums (if you’re a safe driver) when it comes to renewal time
It can help lower your insurance costs if a new driver isn’t the only one driving the car. If you’re not the main driver, you can be added to the car owner’s policy. But if you are, you can add an experienced driver, like one of your parents, to your policy
Getting temporary car cover can be cheaper than an annual policy if you’ll only be driving the car for a limited time. It doesn’t affect the owner’s no claims discount and can be ideal for young drivers who occasionally use their parent’s car
If you’ll be driving less than 6,000 miles a year, you might be better off paying for your insurance by the hour or mile. You’ll pay a low monthly premium and then just a small amount each time you drive
Drivers who cover less than the average annual mileage can choose a policy with a low mileage cap. You’ll usually pay less the fewer miles you drive, but underestimating your mileage could void your cover
There can be a lot to take in when you’re considering which insurance to buy, but it’s useful to know about:
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*Average cost of annual comprehensive car insurance for policies bought through Go.Compare between Jan to November 2022 when the policyholder is 17, 21 or 25.
Page last reviewed: 15th June 2023
Page reviewed by: Jasmine Hembury