How To Reduce Your Car Insurance By Reducing Your Risk

by: Mathew Cooper

Car insurance for younger people isn't the cheapest thing in the world.

Depending on your situation - like where you live or what gender you happen to be - and depending on the car you buy, often insurance can work out as the most expensive part of having a car. However, there is hope - there are some things that you can do to get the best deal on car insurance, even if you're a young and newly qualified driver.

1) Be conservative about the car you want to drive. Even if you can get a great deal on a flash sports car, you'll end up paying the difference in your insurance. Basically, for the first two years after passing your test you want to drive a car with a small engine and one that's fairly cheap to buy new; insurance is worked out based on the value of your car and the more expensive it is the more you'll have to pay...

2) Don't mod your car. Basically, for the same reason as 1) - you'll have to pay more if you do. In fact, modifying your car when you're young can increase your insurance massively. And don't think about not telling your insurer - if you have to claim and you haven't been honest, you'll lose all your rights and end up with a broken car and the possibility of additional costs.

3) Take part in a Pass Plus training scheme. This is one of the most effective ways of reducing the cost of car insurance for young people. Basically these short courses give you a certificate in addition to your driving test, stating that you've had specific training in driving in circumstances beyond those covered in the driving test. Commonly this includes lessons on driving at night, on the motorway or in heavily congested areas such as in the middle of towns. Taking a Pass Plus course could cut anything up to a third off your insurance.

4) Find an insurer who really wants your business. Like any market, motor insurers recognise the value of targeting a specific audience. If you find an insurer who wants to take on young drivers then you could save money in a number of ways - and not just through a lower excess or standard rate. Whilst many conventional car insurance providers won't give a no-claims bonus until you've been on the road for a fair while, those targeting younger drivers are often much fairer. They can let you start earning your no-claims record within months of getting on the road - and if you're careful, this can pay off in a big way.