How to get cheap car insurance for young drivers
Car insurance for young drivers can feel sky-high, but the good news is there are proven ways to bring those premiums down. The key is to show insurers that you're a lower-risk driver. Here are nine strategies that could save you money:
1. Add an experienced driver to your policy
Including a parent or another experienced driver with a clean record can reduce your overall risk in the eyes of insurers. Just be honest: the main driver must always be the person who uses the car most often. Listing yourself as a secondary driver while doing most of the driving is called fronting — it's fraud and could invalidate your policy. This is one of the most common mistakes people make when shopping for car insurance for new drivers.
2. Choose a car in a low insurance group
Cars are ranked into groups from 1 to 50. The lower the group, the cheaper the insurance. If you're shopping for a car, check its group rating before you buy, especially if you're looking for affordable car insurance for young drivers.
3. Boost security, but skip modifications
Adding safety features like dash cams, parking sensors or anti-theft devices may cut costs by reducing risk. But think twice before modifying your car's engine or appearance — many insurers either won't cover modifications or will charge more for them. Keeping your car simple and secure is usually better when applying for car insurance for new drivers.
4. Be accurate with mileage
Your annual mileage is a key factor in your premium. The more you drive, the more you'll pay. Estimate honestly — exaggerating can make your policy invalid, while over-estimating could mean you're paying more than necessary.
5. Adjust your voluntary excess
Setting a higher voluntary excess (the amount you pay out of pocket on a claim) can lower your premiums. Just make sure it's an amount you could realistically afford if you needed to make a claim.
6. Build your credit score
Insurers often consider your credit score when setting premiums. A stronger score can make you seem more reliable — and cheaper to insure.
7. Drive safely
Tickets, accidents and penalty points will all push your premiums up. Safe, steady driving not only keeps you out of trouble but also helps you build a good claims history. Some insurers even give discounts to drivers who complete extra training like the Pass Plus course. This can make a big difference in lowering the cost of car insurance for young drivers.
8. Register on the electoral roll
Being on the electoral register makes it easier for insurers to confirm your identity, which can lower your risk profile — and your costs. It only takes a few minutes to sign up.
9. Consider telematics (black box insurance)
A telematics device records your driving habits. If you drive safely, you may earn discounts and rewards. If not, your premium might increase — so this option works best if you're confident in your driving style. It's becoming a popular way to cut the high costs of car insurance for new drivers.
A note on third-party insurance
It may seem cheaper to choose third-party coverage (which only covers damage to others), but it's not always the best value. If your own car is damaged or written off, you'll be left paying the full cost. In some cases, fully comprehensive cover is not only more protective but also cheaper.
Young drivers face higher insurance premiums, but by making smart choices — from car selection to safe driving habits — you can significantly reduce what you pay for car insurance for young drivers.