Young drivers are often burdened with having to pay very high insurance premiums. When you are new to the world of driving, navigating your way around the various car insurance options available can be confusing. For most drivers, once you hit 21, your insurance premiums become significantly cheaper than before, but under 21 car insurance UK is often eye-wateringly high.
The reason for the higher cost is that statistics have shown those under 21 are more likely to be involved in an accident on the road. This means you are seen as a higher risk by insurance companies, and premiums will be high to protect against this risk. While under 21 car insurance UK is not going to be cheap, there are a few things you can do to make sure you are getting the very best deal.
Understand The Types Of Under 21 Car Insurance UK
Before you begin shopping around for the best car insurance deal, you will need to understand the various types on offer:
Third-Party: Third-party car insurance is the most basic level of cover you can have. It will pay out for any damage that is caused to other people’s property and compensation for injuries to others. This type of under 21 car insurance UK doesn’t provide any cover for your own vehicle.
Third-Party, Fire And Theft: This is the next level up from third party cover and will cover your vehicle if it is stolen or damaged by fire. It does not protect your car if it is damaged in an accident that was your fault.
Fully Comprehensive: Comprehensive car insurance is the highest cover level and will protect against all damage to your own vehicle even if an accident is your fault.
Even with these three main types of under 21 car insurance UK, each individual policy can be slightly different. Before choosing an insurance policy, check the terms and conditions to check exactly what is included. Comprehensive cover is generally seen as the most expensive, while many assume that third party is the cheapest. This is not always the case. If you’re looking for the best deals, look for quotes with all options to ensure you’re getting value for money.
How To Get The Best Deals For Under 21 Car Insurance UK
Add 2nd or 3rd Drivers
In some cases, adding another driver onto your policy can increase the cost, but it can also cause the price to go down depending on who you choose. If you have a family member or friend that is a responsible driver with many years no claims and a clean licence, then adding them to your policy could save you a lot in premiums.
It might seem counter-intuitive for more drivers to reduce the costs, but because insurance is all about risk, adding a low-risk driver can result in significant savings.
Choose Your Car With Insurance In Mind
Whether it is your first car or not, the type of vehicle you drive will impact your under 21 car insurance UK. Every vehicle on the market will be seen differently by car insurance providers, with some being considered lower risk than others.
Typically, the faster the car, the more expensive the insurance will be, so bear this in mind when you head out car shopping. The same goes for car modifications, such as body kits and alloy wheels. These kinds of alterations are known to put insurance premiums up considerably.
Increase Your Excess
Your excess is the amount you will have to pay upfront if you had to make an insurance claim. By choosing a higher excess instead of the compulsory excess that the provider asks for, you can reduce the cost of your premiums. Always bear in mind that you will need to pay this excess should you need to make a claim, so be realistic about what you can afford.
Young drivers might struggle to find £500 or more in the event of an accident, and statistics show that young drivers are most likely to claim in their first year of driving, so you may need to pay out this excess early on.
Use A Black Box
A black box policy, or a telematics policy, can save young drivers hundreds on under 21 car insurance UK. They work by having a small device fitted into your vehicle, which tracks how you drive. Your insurance company can then see how risky you are out on the road, and price your insurance policy accordingly.
This is an excellent option for under 21s trying to keep the cost of their insurance down, as your own driving determines the cost instead of statistics about your age group. Every black box policy is slightly different and will have different conditions. Some may limit the number of miles you can drive in a year, or how long you can drive without taking rest breaks.
If you’re looking to find the best deal for your under 21 car insurance, then why not talk to the car insurance specialists at MyFirst? We can help you secure the best deal thanks to our partnerships with some of the leading young driver insurers.
