I was insured at 18 on my first car which had a 2.0i engine so it was hefty (although I'm a girl which helps). Cheapest I could get was £1100 that first year with Direct Line.

Worrying to hear that Direct Line load premiums though, my dad rang them up! Not sure why, I never asked him to do it. :oS

Know what you're saying though, after that first time I have always rung up myself. In fact, it kinda pisses me off that I am now 21 running my own car (another 2.0i) with my own insurance, tax and repairs, and my friends at uni still get Daddy to pay for everything!

They'll have a shock in the real world lol!