Car insurance premiums are generally higher for new drivers because they are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents compared to more experienced drivers.

However, insurers consider a range of factors when calculating your premium, not just how long you’ve been driving for. These factors include things like your postcode, your job, your estimated annual mileage, and the make and model of the car you drive.

While car insurance for new drivers tends to be more expensive, there are some steps you can take to help reduce your premium, such as:

• Comparing quotes: Shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance providers may help you find a policy at a price that suits you.
• Driving a smaller car with a less powerful engine: Cars with smaller engines and those in lower car insurance groups are often cheaper to insure.
• Avoiding modifications: Some insurers see modified cars as higher risk because they may be stolen more easily or be more expensive to repair.
• Adding an experienced named driver: Adding a more experienced driver (like a parent) to your policy as a named driver may help reduce your premium.
• Paying annually: Paying for your insurance in one lump sum instead of monthly instalments may help save you money as some insurers may charge extra for spreading the cost over time.
• Offering to pay a higher excess: A higher voluntary excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) may help lower your premium, as you’re agreeing to cover a larger share of any potential repair or claims costs.
• Limiting mileage: Insurers take into account the number of miles you plan to drive, and fewer miles may lead to cheaper premiums.
• Improving your car’s security: Installing additional security devices like alarms, steering locks, or immobilisers can make your car less attractive to thieves. Parking off-road or in a secure garage can also reduce the risk of theft, which may lower your insurance costs.
• Taking a driving course, like Pass Plus: Completing advanced driving courses, such as Pass Plus, can sometimes lead to discounts, as it indicates a lower likelihood of being involved in an accident.

When it comes to insurance costs, smaller cars with lower engine sizes and repair costs are typically the cheapest for new drivers to insure. Some popular cars known for their low insurance premiums include:

• Volkswagen Up!
• Skoda Citigo
• Toyota Aygo
• Kia Picanto
• Ford Ka+
• Hyundai i10

These are usually in car insurance groups 1–5, which can make them more affordable to insure.

In the UK, you are considered a new driver for the first two years after passing your driving test. During this period, you may face higher insurance premiums due to your lack of driving experience.

Yes, new drivers can be added as a named driver on their parent’s car insurance policy. However, the main driver should be the person who uses the car the most. It’s important to be honest with your insurer, as providing false information – often referred to as “fronting” – can lead to serious consequences, including potential fines, penalty points, or the rejection of claims.

There are several ways you might be able to lower your car insurance premium as a new driver, including:

• Shopping around to compare policies before renewing.
• Driving a car with a lower insurance group.
• Building up your No Claims Discount by driving safely and avoiding claims.
• Considering a telematics “black box” policy to reward your safe driving.

These are just a few factors that may impact the cost of your insurance premium. The best approach is to consider all your options when choosing a policy.