Cars Insurances Guides

Think about the level of cover you need

The Pass Plus scheme is a training course aimed at helping new drivers become more adept on the road. It takes around six hours to complete and, while not all insurers officially recognise the scheme, big names such as the AA, Churchill and Endsleigh offer discounts to drivers who have passed it. It is available to anyone, including those with points.

If there ever was a way to get the cheapest insurance for young drivers, then the Pass Plus scheme is perhaps the simplest of them all. After you pass your test, sign up for the Pass Plus lessons immediately with your driving instructor — if they are qualified to offer it — so you can get it out of the way and start looking for cheaper car insurance sooner.

Pay per year, not per month

With the average car insurance premium well over £900, it can be tempting for young drivers to stagger payments rather than shelling out for the cover all in one go. It’s usually much cheaper to pay for the whole year in advance rather than paying monthly, if you can afford to. You’ll avoid the monthly interest charges and could save a substantial amount.

Choosing to pay a higher voluntary excess on top of the compulsory excess you’re quoted — the amount you’d have to pay up front if you made a claim — can significantly reduce the cost of your car insurance. However, make sure you’re able to afford to pay the excess if you do have an accident — young drivers with little money could struggle to stump up £500 or more after a crash. Furthermore, statistically speaking, young drivers are more likely to make a claim within the first year of driving, so beware that you could end up forking out the higher voluntary excess early on.