Young drivers fail to get the message that small is beautiful

The majority of young drivers are trying to insure inappropriate cars according to new figures from leading insurance comparison site Gocompare.com.

The study reveals that 17 to 21 year olds are the biggest users of comparison sites. However, a high percentage of these drivers (63 per cent) are quoting for cars with engine sizes greater than 1250cc or with modifications. As a result, they could be missing out on big savings by choosing cars which are more expensive to insure.

Gocompare.com's figures also support the ‘boy racer' stereotype, with two thirds of 17 to 21 year old males driving cars with an engine size of over 1250cc compared with 55 per cent of female drivers of the same age. The research also found that males in this age group were more than twice as likely to quote for a car with modifications than female drivers in the same age group.

Hayley Parsons, chief executive of Gocompare.com, said, "While young drivers are savvy about using comparison sites to get a better deal on their insurance, the majority still haven't got the message that ‘small is beautiful' when it comes to choosing a car."

"Young drivers find it notoriously difficult to find affordable car insurance, but comparison sites can help make a significant difference in getting these drivers on the road. Premiums for young drivers often represent a significant percentage of the value of their car, so shopping around for the best deal is essential and comparison sites can help take much of the leg work out of this. It was no surprise to us that 17 to 21 year olds were the biggest users of our site for motor insurance - this group stands to make significant savings because policies for the same risk can vary by hundreds of pounds."

"However, these motorists can drive down their insurance costs further by choosing the right car. The car you drive has a dramatic impact on your premium - not just the value of the car, but the performance and engine size. Vehicles with big engines and body modifications are more expensive to insure."

Gocompare.com has produced the following checklist to help younger drivers keep their premiums low:

Generally, the lower the engine capacity, the lower the premium - ideally an engine size of less than 1250cc is best.

Avoid vehicles with any modifications from the standard manufacture.

Consider taking the Pass Plus training course which is designed to give, new drivers additional practical driving experience if they have just passed their test. Once completed, the course normally entitles drivers to reduced premiums. Visit passplus.org.uk for more information.

Shop around for your insurance - don't settle for the first quote you are given.