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Car Insurance For First time Drivers

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Is it necessary to have car insurance?

Yes, it is necessary to get your car insured in the UK. If you are driving without an insurance policy, you might get fined. You can also get points on your license, have potentially higher insurance coverage, and in extreme cases, you can also get disqualified from driving.
Insurance for new drivers is essentially the same as regular car insurance. However, it is for those who are getting their vehicles insured for the first time.

Car Insurance For First time Drivers

Buying your first car is an unforgettable experience. It represents freedom and a step into adulthood. However, before the excitement of driving your car comes the responsibility of car insurance.
At first, car insurance can be confusing. Why do I need it? Why is it important? How can I get the best deal? Questions like these can be complex. With the wide variety of options available on the internet, it can be difficult to make a decision. It’s better to understand the coverage and prices offered by car insurers to choose a policy that best meets your needs.

What type of insurance do I need as a first-time driver?

If you are a first-time driver looking for car insurance for first time drivers, you have three options: Third-party insurance, Third-party, fire and theft insurance, and comprehensive car insurance.

THIRD-PARTY CAR INSURANCE:

This type of coverage is legally the minimum amount of coverage you need to drive on UK roads. It covers you financially if you damage someone else’s car or if someone else gets injured, both in the case of a collision. However, it will not cover any damage to you or your vehicle.

THIRD-PARTY, FIRE, AND THEFT:

This type of car insurance covers everything covered in third-party insurance, with the addition of coverage for your vehicle if it is stolen or in case of any fire incident. If you live in an area with a high crime rate or if you want more than just minimum legal coverage, this is the go-to policy for you.
It will cover the damage to someone else’s car or property, the injury you cause to others, fire damage, theft, and possibly the damage caused by attempted theft. However, a third-party, fire, and theft policy may not be suitable for you if you are looking to get comprehensive coverage which covers all your vehicle needs.

COMPREHENSIVE:

It is the highest level of coverage you can get for your car. It offers financial protection to you and your vehicle in case of an accident. You should purchase a comprehensive insurance policy if you own a costly vehicle or if you truly want financial security in the event of an emergency. In a comprehensive insurance policy, you are covered for: fire damage, theft, malicious damage, injuries you cause to yourself, passengers, or another driver, damage to another person or their vehicle, and accident damage to your vehicle.

How much does insurance cost for first time drivers?

If you are a first-time driver, the insurance premium charges are expected to be slightly higher than experienced drivers. This is because insurance companies anticipate a higher risk for first-time drivers. The insurance prices are decided considering the type of coverage you want to opt for and the vehicle you want to insure. Here is a brief detail of factors which may impact the cost of car insurance.

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Age

Your age is an important factor in deciding the cost of your coverage policy. If you are a first-time driver, you will be expected to pay more. This is because there is a higher risk of accidents in the younger age demographic.

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Location

Where you live and drive also plays a big role in how much you pay for insurance. If you’re in a densely populated urban area, you’re more likely to be charged a higher price due to the increased risk of accidents, theft, and vandalism.

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Type of Vehicle

The type of car you drive will greatly affect the cost of your coverage policy. If you drive a more expensive car, which is expensive to repair in case of any damage, you will surely pay a higher amount for your coverage policy.

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Type of Coverage

Lastly, the type of coverage you choose will also determine the cost you pay for the insurance policy. However, contrary to what you might think, it is not always cheaper to get the minimum legal coverage.

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Insurance Company

Insurance prices vary among different insurance companies. You might observe the variance in the price range for the same type of coverage offered by different insurance providers. So, it’s always recommended to get quotes from various insurers and compare them to choose a suitable policy as per your needs and budget.

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Mileage

The annual mileage of your vehicle is considered to decide the price of car insurance. If you do not hit the upper limit specified by car insurers, then you are likely to be charged less. Mileage plays an important role in determining the car insurance price. If the annual mileage is below a certain limit, you’ll be eligible for discounts and lower car premiums for upcoming periods.

What are some extra coverage options I have as a first-time driver?

In addition to the standard cover provided by the policy you are choosing, you can always go for extra coverage depending on your needs. You can add extra coverage options to your existing policy by paying an additional fee.
The types of extras you can add to your coverage are:

Breakdown cover:

If you are on the road and your car breaks down, a breakdown cover might save you. A breakdown cover includes roadside repairs, towing to a garage, and sometimes help at home if your car won’t start.

Personal accident cover:

It offers financial support if you suffer a serious injury in a car accident and can’t work. Either for a short time or a longer period. Some comprehensive policies include it. But not all. Hence, it’s important to read the details closely. Look into what types of injuries are covered and whether your passengers are included. Also, don’t forget to check if you’re still protected when you’re riding in someone else’s car. Keep in mind that you can only claim this cover if you don’t already have a similar policy.

No claim bonus:

A no-claims bonus is also called a no-claims discount. It is a reward you earn for not making any insurance claims over time. The longer you drive without claiming, the bigger the discount you’ll get on your coverage. Some insurers let you pay a little extra to protect this bonus; that way, even if you do have to make a claim, you won’t lose all the discount you’ve built up.

Hire car cover:

Hire car cover gives you a temporary vehicle to use if your own car is stolen, under repair, or written off after an accident. Usually, the replacement car will be similar in size and type to your original one. Keep in mind that there’s often a time limit on how long you can keep the hire car. Always read the policy details to know exactly what’s included.

Windscreen coverage:

Most comprehensive policies include cover for windscreen repairs. But if you went for a more basic level of insurance, or you would rather not claim through your main policy and pay the full excess. The windscreen cover can be added separately. It’s a handy add-on if you want to avoid extra costs for chips or cracks.

How to get cheaper insurance as first time drivers?

Insurance can be expensive for first-time drivers due to the high risk associated with new drivers. Car insurance is a legal requirement in the UK for all drivers. If you are found driving a car without vehicle insurance, you’ll have to face legal consequences, which may include fines or penalties, and in some cases, it may lead to disqualification.
There are, however, a few ways you can decrease the cost of your coverage policy:
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Buy a cheaper car:

The value of your private car will affect the cost of your coverage policy directly. As a new driver, you might want to go for a cheaper car in order to get a cheaper insurance policy.

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Share a vehicle with a parent:

If you add an experienced driver, such as your parents, to your named driver car insurance policy, you can possibly get cheaper insurance being a first-time driver.
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Consider a black box policy:

A black box is a small monitoring device installed inside your vehicle to keep track of your driving. With the black box, your insurer can monitor your driving, and you can get a cheaper policy when you come to renew.

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Drive less:

The number of miles you drive significantly impacts your insurance cost. By decreasing your annual mileage, you can be seen as less of a risk by your insurance provider. This can help decrease the cost of your coverage policy.
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Choose pay as you go:

Pay as you go is a flexible alternative to your standard insurance policy. Instead of paying a fixed amount monthly or annually, this policy allows you to pay for how much you drive and how well you drive. This could be a cheaper alternative for those who do not drive frequently and want to save on extra costs spent on vehicle insurance.
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Pay annually:

It’s easy to pay your insurance every month. But it also means that you will be paying a higher interest rate. If you can afford to pay your insurance fee annually, it will be cheaper for you than paying it monthly. Annual car insurance is the best choice for drivers who do not want to spend extra money on vehicle insurance.

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Improve security:

Your insurance provider will always consider the potential risk you might be putting your vehicle through. It is better to pay attention to the security of your vehicle by parking in safe driveways or any designated private parking. Adding a few security tools, such as a dashcam, steering lock, and an alarm system, might also decrease your overall coverage cost.
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Paying higher excess:

Excess is the amount you will pay if you have to make a claim. By choosing a higher excess, you significantly reduce your insurance cost. But, before choosing a higher excess, make sure you can afford it, in case of a claim.
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Compare prices:

While choosing the right insurance policy for your vehicle, do not forget to get quotes from different insurance companies. Some companies might provide the same level of coverage but at cheaper rates. However, make sure the coverage you are getting is worth it and fulfils your vehicle’s needs.
first time drivers car

When does insurance start to go down for new drivers?

When you’re just starting as a driver, insurance costs more than average. That’s normal. However, the longer you’ve had your license, the more likely your insurance costs will start to go down. Even after just a year. Many new drivers begin to see lower rates. Continue with your insurance for five years, and the difference can be quite big. But experience isn’t the only factor that matters. Other factors matter as well, like your age, where you live, what car you drive, and if you’ve made any claims. Still, being a more experienced driver definitely helps bring those prices down over time.

What is temporary car insurance?

As a new driver, you might not have the need to drive your car a lot. It is possible that you are using public transport and use your vehicle only occasionally. However, the prices of your coverage policy can become an issue as you have to pay in full, even when you are not using your vehicle regularly. This is where temporary car insurance comes in. If you are using your car occasionally, you can get it insured only for the period of time you intend to use it. Temporary car insurance can be done for up to thirty days.
first time car insurance driver with family

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best insurance group for young drivers?

If you’re trying to find affordable car insurance as a new driver, cars in insurance group 1 are usually your best bet. These are the cheapest cars to insure. On the other end, group 50 includes the most expensive ones. That said, your insurance cost isn’t only about the group your car falls into. Things like your age, past claims, and even your postcode also affect the final price of your car insurance policy.

What is a car insurance compulsory excess?

A compulsory excess is the set amount you’re required to pay if you make a claim. Your insurer decides this amount, and it’s non-negotiable. On top of that, there’s also a voluntary excess. This is an extra amount you choose when taking out your policy. Usually, if you agree to pay a higher voluntary excess, your overall premium could be a bit lower. It’s a trade-off—pay more later to save now.

What is a no-claim bonus?

A no-claims bonus is a reward for safe driving. If you go a year or more without making a claim, your insurer gives you a discount. The longer you stay claim-free, the bigger the discount gets. It’s one of the simplest ways to save money on your car insurance over time.

What are insurance groups?

Insurance groups help companies figure out how risky a car is to insure. Every car is placed into a group from 1 to 50. Group 1 is usually the cheapest, while Group 50 tends to be the most expensive. Several things decide where a car lands on that scale. These include how much it costs to repair, how powerful it is, what kind of security it has, and how likely it is to be involved in a claim. All of this helps insurers set a fair price for your cover.

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