11 Jul 2016

Young Drivers - How to Get the Best Deal on Car Insurance

Getting car insurance when you’ve just passed your test can be costly. Here are some tips on how to get the best deal on your insurance premium:

Buy a car that’s cheap to insure

While this might be too late for some, if you have already bought a car, or received one as a gift, for those who are yet to buy a car, note that insurance costs can vary widely. With over 50 different car insurance groups, it can be confusing! Generally, the cars that are most reasonably priced to insure are in groups one to five. Bear in mind that cars with added modifications will also be more expensive to insure.

Check the comparison sites

It’s always a good idea to check out several comparison sites to see exactly who’s offering what. Before going ahead with a policy from a comparison site, it’s also a good idea to check with the insurance company direct, to ensure that you’re getting the best possible price. When you’re checking out what’s on offer, try changing the excess (the amount you would be expected to pay up-front if you’re involved in an accident) to a higher amount.

Consider black box insurance

Black box insurance can be really beneficial to younger drivers – providing you drive safely and responsibly. A device will be fitted to your car which monitors data about your driving. This can include your speed, the time of day that you drive, and any sudden braking. Those whose driving is deemed to be safe will benefit from lower premiums. To find out more about how black box insurance could affect your insurance premiums, click here.

Add a named driver

While it is important that you are the main driver on your insurance policy, you may wish to consider adding a parent as a named driver. Adding a more experienced, older driver to your policy may help to reduce your premium.

Pay upfront

Usually, insurers will give you the choice of whether to pay for a full year of insurance up-front, or to pay monthly. While it might be tempting to opt for the pay monthly option to spread out the cost, it is generally cheaper to pay for the full year up front, where possible.

Take an advanced qualification

Taking an advanced driving qualification, such as the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) or Pass Plus driving certificate, can have a beneficial impact on your car insurance premium. These courses cover a range of advanced driving techniques, and can help you read the road further ahead, which can help you to avoid possible accidents. While not all insurers offer discounted premiums, many do recognise the benefits of this additional training, and lower their premiums accordingly.

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