Guide How to Reduce New-Driver Car Insurance Costs

September 9, 2024September 9, 2024 @CarExamer

This guide will provide actionable tips to help reduce new-driver car insurance costs. For new drivers, car insurance can be one of the biggest expenses when getting behind the wheel for the first time. Insurance providers often view inexperienced drivers as higher risk, leading to higher premiums. However, there are several ways to lower your insurance costs as a new driver without compromising on coverage.

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1. Choose the Right Car

The type of car you drive has a significant impact on your insurance premium. New drivers should consider choosing a car that’s cheaper to insure.

How to Save on Car Choice:

Opt for a Small, Safe Car: Vehicles with high safety ratings and low repair costs are typically cheaper to insure. Look for cars with features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control.
Avoid High-Performance Cars: Sports cars or cars with large engines are more expensive to insure due to their higher risk of accidents and theft.
Check Insurance Costs Before Buying: Before purchasing a car, use online tools or contact insurers to compare insurance rates for different models.

2. Compare Quotes from Different Insurers

One of the easiest ways to reduce car insurance costs is by shopping around. Different insurers may offer different rates, even for the same coverage.

How to Save by Comparing:

Use Comparison Websites: Use insurance comparison websites to quickly get quotes from multiple providers. This allows you to see which insurer offers the best rates for new drivers.
Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Contact several insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Consider Smaller Insurers: Sometimes, smaller or regional insurers can offer lower premiums than big-name companies.

3. Why insurance is that expensive for the drivers?

Insurance is based on assessing the likelihood of risk, and new or newly qualified drivers are considered higher risk. Due to their inexperience, they are more likely to be involved in accidents. As a result, it’s not surprising that the average premium (the amount paid to an insurance company for coverage) for drivers aged 18 to 20 is £972, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

However, there are ways to lower the cost of car insurance for new drivers.

4. Consider Pay-As-You-Go Insurance

If you’re a new driver who doesn’t drive frequently, pay-as-you-go or usage-based insurance might be a cost-effective option. This type of insurance bases your premium on how much and how well you drive, rather than a fixed annual rate.

How Pay-As-You-Go Insurance Saves You Money:

Lower Premiums for Infrequent Drivers: If you drive fewer miles, you’ll pay less in premiums compared to traditional insurance plans.
Telematics Devices: Usage-based insurance typically requires a telematics device to be installed in your car to monitor driving behavior. Safe drivers who avoid hard braking and speeding can benefit from further discounts.

5. Add a More Experienced Driver to Your Policy

Adding an experienced driver, such as a parent or older sibling, to your insurance policy can lower your overall premium. This works because insurers assume the experienced driver will occasionally drive the car, reducing the perceived risk.

How to Save with an Additional Driver:

Choose a Driver with a Clean Record: The additional driver should have a clean driving record and several years of driving experience.
Be Honest About Who Drives: Ensure that the primary driver is accurately represented to avoid any issues with claims.

6. Increase Your Excess

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in for a claim. By opting for a higher deductible, you can lower your monthly or annual premium.

How Increasing the Deductible Saves Money:

Lower Premiums: A higher deductible reduces your insurer’s financial risk, which leads to lower premiums.
Balance Risk and Savings: Choose a deductible you can comfortably afford in case of an accident, but high enough to make a noticeable difference in your premium.

7. Take Advantage of Discounts

Most insurers offer a range of discounts that new drivers can take advantage of to reduce their insurance costs.

Common Discounts for New Drivers:

Good Student Discount: Many insurers offer discounts for students who maintain a high GPA. If you’re a student, check if you qualify for a good student discount.
Low-Mileage Discount: If you don’t drive a lot, you may be eligible for a low-mileage discount. This is especially beneficial for new drivers who only drive occasionally.
Bundling Discounts: If your family has multiple insurance policies (such as home and auto), bundling them with the same provider can result in significant savings.

8. Improve Your Credit Score

In many areas, insurance companies consider your credit score when determining your premium. A better credit score can help reduce your insurance costs over time.

How to Save by Improving Your Credit Score:

Pay Bills on Time: Late payments can negatively impact your credit score, so make sure to pay bills on time to maintain a good score.
Keep Balances Low: Avoid maxing out credit cards and keep your credit utilization rate low.