As a new driver, you'll need to sort your car insurance before you hit the road.
This applies as soon as you get your provisional driving licence. If you are learning with an instructor or driving school, they will have insurance in place. However, if you are having lessons or practicing in another car - whether it’s your’s or someone else’s - you’ll need to be insured to drive it.
If you’re caught driving without insurance you can get 6 points on your licence, along with a fine. As a new driver, getting 6 points in your first 24 months since passing your test is enough to get your licence revoked.
What type of car insurance does a new driver need?
When you apply for your policy your insurer will also want to know what class of use you will fall into. This just means how and why you use your car. Classes include:
Social, domestic and pleasure
Social, domestic, pleasure and commuting
Personal business use (including all the above in addition to business driving).
If you need to make a claim on your insurance you will usually need to pay an excess, as you might on your home or travel insurance.
In addition to a compulsory excess, you may also agree to a voluntary excess as this can be an effective way of lowering the cost of car insurance.
How much is car insurance for new drivers?
The average cost of car insurance for new drivers is £2,562**. It’s no surprise that prices tend to be higher for those with little driving experience. This is because insurers base prices on risk.
Unfortunately, statistics show that 1 in 5 new drivers crash within a year of passing their test. Lack of experience and overconfidence can contribute to accidents.
Insurers don’t just look at driving experience though, they’ll look at a whole variety of factors including:
Your age as older drivers will pay less
Your postcode. If crime rates are higher in your area you may pay more
Your occupation as some jobs require you to drive more than others
The car you drive, which will be grouped from 1-50 for insurance purposes. Generally, the higher the car insurance group the more expensive insurance will be. Your car’s engine power and value will affect the cost of your insurance as well.
How can I get cheaper car insurance as a new driver?
There are some things you can do that could help make your car insurance cheaper:
Choose the right car
Shop around by comparing prices
Add a named driver
Pay annually
Drive carefully to build up your no-claims bonus
Consider a black box policy
Be accurate with your anticipated mileage
Increase your voluntary excess.
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