If you're new to driving, there's so much information coming your way, it can be a real challenge to take it all in. This guide is intended to make things a little simpler, giving first time drivers like you a better understanding of how to get insurance on your first car.
Car insurance advice for new drivers
How to reduce the cost of car insurance
Let's get the bad news out of the way first. If you're a first-time driver (and particularly if you're under 21), you'll probably pay more for car insurance than an experienced driver.
There are, however, some things you can do to help keep your insurance costs down.
1. Choose the right car
If you haven't picked your car yet, it's worth bearing in mind that your choice can have a major bearing on the cost of insurance. Every car is given an insurance group number, (set out by the Group Rating Panel) from 1-50, with one being the cheapest.
The group rating for each vehicle is measured on the following:
- Vehicle Performance (speed, acceleration etc.)
- Standard safety features (such as AEB)
- Value of the car as new
- Repair costs and times
- The price of parts
- Bumper compatibility (depending on insurer's criteria)
- Security features (alarms, locks, or immobilisers)
When choosing your first car, it's not only the price, but the insurance rating that counts.
2. Pick the right cover
The different types of cover available are:
- Third party. This is usually the cheapest option, but only covers damage to the other vehicle(s) and property, or injury to others. If your vehicle is damaged, you could end up bearing the cost of repair or replacement.
- Third party, fire and theft. This is the same as the above, with the addition of cover if your car catches fire or is stolen.
- Comprehensive cover. This includes all the above, as well as cover when your own car is damaged, even if the accident was your fault.
If third party looks like your cheapest option, it's worth looking into the costs of repairing your vehicle and weighing up the risks before deciding.
Some insurance packages will come with a host of additional benefits, like breakdown cover and a guarantee on repair work, so it's worth considering this too.
We've got you covered!
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More tips to bring insurance costs down
- A telematics (or black box) insurance policy monitors your journeys and records you for safer driving.
- Adding a second (more experienced) driver to your policy.
- Installing an alarm or other security features.
- Parking your car securely overnight, ideally in a private garage or driveway.
- Paying for your insurance in a single, annual payment usually costs less than monthly instalments.
- If you're a younger first-time driver, consider taking the Pass Plus course.
If you own a vehicle from one of these brands, you may save money with annual car insurance. Packages can include 24-hour accident recovery and courtesy car (subject to availability), so you can be confident you, and your vehicle, will be well looked after.
