Just Passed Your Driving Test?

Here are some insurance tips you need to know..

For many first time drivers, passing their test is the easy part – it’s finding affordable first-time car insurance that’s the real challenge. In order to qualify for the cheapest insurance premiums, you need a track record of safe driving behind you, but if it’s your first time behind the wheel you’re starting with a clean slate and no insurer knows how responsible and safe a driver you’re going to be.

Insurers don’t want to take risks with their money, and unfortunately the inexperience of the first time driver combined with the fact that younger drivers tend to take more risks on the road, means that in the eyes of the insurers, you’re the riskiest customer there is.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. While you might not be offered the cheapest insurance rates available, there are plenty of things that you can do that will at least help to keep the cost of your insurance down. In the meantime, you should concentrate on driving safely so that you can build up your no-claims bonus which will help you find even cheaper car insurance in the future.

Choosing the right motor

The type of car that you choose can have a big effect on the price of your insurance. Large cars that are more difficult to handle, and cars that are capable of reaching super-speeds are a real no-no as insurers are likely to doubt your ability to drive them safely. So when you go looking for a first time car, remember that in insurance terms the smaller the engine size the better. Check out individual insurer ratings for vehicles so you have a guide as to what cars are deemed less risky.

It’s not just the size and engine power that needs some considerations, but also the cost of repairs. By choosing a standard model whose parts are easy and cheap to repair you’ll be reducing the potential cost to your insurer should you need to make a claim. Cars whose spares are readily available are cheaper to insure than rare models or modified models.

Choosing the right insurance

Different types of insurance have different prices, and the more comprehensive the policy, the more you’ll have to pay for it. Third party fire and theft cover is popular among first time drivers as it’s the cheapest. However, if you should have an accident, this type of insurance will only pay for damage caused to other driver’s vehicles and property and any injuries caused to them by your vehicle.

This means that you’ll be left to foot the bill for any damage to your own car, unless your car is stolen or damaged by fire through no fault of your own. This type of policy is only really an option if you have enough money, or have bought a cheap enough car, that the cost of having to replace it is realistically affordable for you.

If you do opt for third party fire and theft cover, then you should definitely consider taking out some added breakdown cover too. Having an accident or breakdown in the middle of nowhere is no fun, and the cost of towing your car from the road alone will cost more than most breakdown policies will, so it’s a worthwhile investment.

Choosing the right driving school..

Many insurers now recognise specific driving schools, like Erne, and offer discounts to those who have learnt to drive there. It pays to do a bit of research and find out if insurers offer discounts through any motor schools in your area.

Choosing to prove that you’re a responsible driver..

Insurers look very favourably on those who have taken advanced driving courses, such as defensive driving courses and the Pass Plus course in the UK. Anything that shows the insurance companies that you are serious and responsible in your attitude towards driving, as well as giving you added experience and confidence on the roads, is of great benefit. Many insurers will offer you at least 10% off your first policy if you pass such a course - just make sure that you check which courses are recognized by which insurers before you go spending your hard earned cash on any extra tuition fees.

Choosing the internet..

It also helps if you shop around as much as possible when you go shopping for insurance, as not all insurers are alike, and many are keen to help out first-time and younger drivers. Use the internet as a search tool as here you’ll find the biggest selection of insurers and prices, and the internet makes it really easy to compare policies.

You’ll often find that insurers offer their cheapest rates to customers who sign up to online policies, as it means less paperwork and less cost for them, and hence savings for you. Keep your search criteria as broad as possible, checking out specialist insurance brokers as well as big name insurers like Kwik Fit Insurance who offer reduced rates if you take out a car insurance policy with them online. By keeping your options open like this, you’ll be less likely to miss a money-saving deal.