Car insurance tips for new drivers
Confused.com has revealed that the Vauxhall Corsa is still the most popular first car for new drivers, in a top 10 entirely dominated by little hatchbacks.
The research suggests most new drivers select vehicles of a smaller engine size with 17% choosing a modest 1.2 engine and 75% choosing engines of 1.4 or under. The Vauxhall Golf, top 10 in the first half of the year, has dropped out to be replaced with the seemingly more sensible Astra.
The choice of vehicle for new drivers suggests awareness that smaller, less powerful cars represent a smaller risk when it comes to insurance, which is especially pertinent for new drivers who are deemed a much higher, and therefore more expensive, risk when it comes to the premiums they have to pay. With the Confused.com/EMB price index showing male drivers between 17 - 20 suffered a 10% rise last year and females of the same age suffered 7% - on average young drivers were paying £1714 in 2009. The latest index reveals a further hike this quarter of 6.6%, young drivers really need to make the cuts they can in order to keep themselves on the road.
Will Thomas, Head of motor at Confused.com comments "With the cost of motoring rocketing in 2010, ways to reduce the outlay are on everyone's minds. It's particularly bad news for young drivers - who already pay the most when it comes to premiums.
Corsa may well top the charts due to its status as a popular learner car but young drivers in the market for a new motor would do well to remember these tips:
Take Pass Plus: Whilst it's impossible to buy the experience that comes with time, this is a good indicator to insurance providers that you're taking driving seriously. 6% of all 17 - 25 year old males and 4% of females do. The savvy 6% of males will save, on average, a massive £1037.75 before they reach 25, with girls saving £390 on average.
Start with the classic small-engine run-around in order to build driving experience - note the fact that the modest Ford Ka returns the lowest premium on average.
If the car is low-value drivers might wish to consider a TPFT policy, as young driver excesses may make the comprehensive cover a pointless exercise
Typically, premiums will dip in price when drivers hit 25 but whilst they're waiting, building no claims bonus can lead to valuable discounts
"The best way to keep the costs down is by shopping around for cover, as not all insurance providers rate age the same way and some companies specialise in covering younger drivers. Price comparison is the ideal solution to getting the best price for the most suitable cover"