Car Insurance For 17 Year Olds

Insuring your car once you own one and have passed your test is the final step towards becoming a fully fledged driver, but today it is very difficult for 17 year olds to find good quality insurance that is affordable for them. This is because a lot of insurance companies will calculate their insurance based on the experience of the driver, and at 17 they will deem that you’ve not had enough road experience to be considered less of a risk. This then means that you have to pay higher premiums, even if you are the most conscientious driver in the world.

You can find ways to get lower car insurance, however, and some companies will offer you a special discounted rate especially for 17 years olds for third party insurance and even full cover. In any case, third party insurance is usually a lot cheaper than full coverage, but it could end up costing you more in the long run if you ever need to claim. Third party insurance just offers a payout to the other person in an accident or collision, the third party, and in most cases you are left to shoulder the costs of repairs on your own car all by yourself. Full cover is different to this and will, of course, help cover the costs for you and the other driver.

There are several other ways you can lower your insurance premiums before you start, and these quick tips will allow you to get a lot more favour with the insurance company as it will show you’re a good and conscientious driver. A lot of driving instructors offer you the chance to go on a pass plus course with them after you pass your test and this gives you confidence and instruction on motorways. By having this pass plus you’re showing the insurance company that you’re dedicated to being a safe and aware driver, plus it gives you that extra help. If you fit things like car alarms and immobilisers to your car for security and keep it in a safe place like a locked garage then this will lower your premium more than it would if your car was simply left on the street on a night. Check with your insurer which safety measures are approved by them and follow as many as possible. Driving a car with a smaller engine with no fancy modifications and fixtures will also work in your favour as high powered cars are more of a risk to insurers. Finally, adding a parent or more experienced driver to your policy as well can lower the premiums- but don’t take out a policy in their name if they’re not the main driver as this is illegal.

When looking at car insurance you should compare lots of different options and take into account what your car is worth and what coverage you need. An expensive car will, of course, need full coverage, but if you have a cheaper, second hand car you can often afford to just go with third party coverage- so look closely at what you might need.