Tips for Young Drivers

Age is an important factor in explaining accident rates

The ABI (Association British Insurers) have developed ten steps for young drivers to take if they wish to reduce motoring costs. The aim is to encourage young drivers to drive more efficient and safer cars, reducing the likelihood of theft, accidents, and reducing higher insurance premiums and other motoring costs:

1) Drive safely
The most effective way of reducing motoring costs is to drive safely. Insurers base expectations of future accident risks in part upon past driving experiences. The best way to show you are a safe driver is – unsurprisingly - to make fewer or no claims! Just one claim free year can result in premium reductions in the second year, with 30-60% discounts available.

2) Choose lower risk cars

The car you drive is taken into account when setting your premium. Many factors, such as car performance are related to the risk that you will make an insurance claim. Premiums can be reduced by selecting vehicles in lower risk groups. Avoid modified vehicles (kit cars, alloy wheels, expensive sound systems etc) - being expensive to repair, they make the car more attractive to thieves, usually incurring a higher premium.

3) Improve vehicle security

Insurers can advise on additional security features that can be fitted, reducing theft risk.
Discounts are available if you fit extra security devices, ranging from crook-locks to tracking systems. Discounts may also be available if your vehicle is stored in a garage or on a driveway.

4) Buy a lower value car

Brand new cars can lose a lot of their value in the first year alone. Different models hold their values to varying degrees. The best way to avoid high depreciation costs is to buy used cars with lower initial values.

5) Check for faults

While used cars can provide excellent value for money, they remain more likely to develop faults compared with new cars. Minimise future servicing costs by checking thoroughly for faults. Consider paying for a professional inspection. Several online guides to used car reliability are available, e.g. www.whatcar.co.uk

Other safeguards to buying the right vehicle are to obtain a car data check. This verifies the genuine history of the vehicle giving the purchaser peace of mind.

6) Change how you drive
Driving at slower speeds with less braking and accelerating can significantly lower your fuel consumption, leading to lower driving and repair costs as well as fewer emissions.

7) Use your car less
Many insurers take annual mileage into account when calculating premiums as the less time the vehicle is on the road, the lower the accident risk and, therefore, the premium.

8) Consider insurance needs

You could choose a higher policy excess. However, while this reduces your insurance premium, it would require you to pay a larger amount in the event of a claim, and so may not be suitable for all drivers. It is also worth considering if you want the comfort of cover for fire or theft protection or whether you would rather retain this risk yourself and opt for a cheaper insurance policy.

9) Shop around

From quote selection, the AA found that 17-19 year-olds could save an average of 46% by shopping around for their insurance. There are specialist young driver insurers who can advise you. Do not settle for the first quote you’re given.
Additionally, if you pay monthly including interest payments, consider paying annually as it is often cheaper in the long run.

10) Take additional driving qualifications

Many insurers offer discounts for drivers who have additional driver accreditations, such as Pass Plus, or the Skill For Life Advanced Driving course which promotes safer driving.