Where in the UK do young drivers pay the most for car insurance in 2026?
Key takeaways
Where you live can significantly affect how much you pay for car insurance as a young driver, as insurers factor in local data on accidents, traffic and car crime
London has some of the highest car insurance costs for young drivers, while more rural areas tend to offer cheaper quotes
Young drivers pay much more than older drivers on average, regardless of where they live
Will my location affect my car insurance price as a young driver?
Yes, where you live can have a significant impact on how much you pay for car insurance as a young driver.
Insurers use your postcode to assess risk. They look at factors such as local accident rates, traffic levels and car crime. Areas with more claims, thefts or busy roads are usually more expensive to insure in, while quieter areas with fewer incidents tend to be cheaper.
As a result, the same driver could pay very different prices depending on where they live. This matters more for young drivers (defined as 17-24 year-olds), who already face higher premiums due to limited driving experience. The average comprehensive car insurance cost for 17-19 year-olds is £1409.17
To show how much location affects costs, we’ve analysed car insurance prices for drivers aged 17–24 across the UK, highlighting the most and least expensive areas.
Where are the most expensive locations to insure a car for a young driver?
Top 10 most expensive locations | Average price |
|---|---|
East London | £2023.71 |
Southall and Uxbridge | £1843.26 |
Oldham | £1811.28 |
North West London | £1778.55 |
City of London | £1776.08 |
South East London | £1744.62 |
North London | £1729.16 |
Harrow | £1710.87 |
Bradford | £1707.73 |
Romford | £1684.48 |
Where are the least expensive locations to insure a car for a young driver?
Top 10 least expensive locations | Average price |
|---|---|
West Central London | £666.77 |
Shetland Islands | £850.10 |
Truro | £889.86 |
Llandrindod Wells | £907.23 |
Dundee | £938.95 |
Exeter | £958.04 |
Gloucester | £960.94 |
Isle Of Lewis | £964.11 |
Southampton | £968.03 |
Worcester | £973.78 |
Does age or location matter more for car insurance prices?
Age usually has a bigger impact on your car insurance price than location.
Young drivers are seen as higher risk because they have less experience and are more likely to be involved in an accident. So drivers aged 17–24 often pay significantly more than older drivers, regardless of where you live. But living in a high-risk area can push your premium up further.
If I have two addresses, which should I use for car insurance?
You should use the address where your car is kept most of the time on your car insurance. This applies to university students, young people who move between multiple family homes, and anyone with more than one address.
Insurers use your address to assess risk based on location, so it needs to reflect where the car is usually parked. Giving the wrong address to get a cheaper quote could invalidate your car insurance policy or lead to a rejected claim.
If your circumstances change during the year, for example if you move between home and university, you should tell your insurer so your details stay up to date.
Why do young drivers pay more for car insurance?
Young drivers face higher premiums because insurers associate limited driving history with greater risk. Statistics show that drivers aged 17–24 are more likely to be involved in accidents, particularly at night or on unfamiliar roads. According to the road safety charity Brake, 1 in 5 drivers crash within a year of passing their test.
Insurers set their prices based on this data, which is why premiums typically fall as drivers gain more experience and accumulate no-claims bonuses.
How can young drivers get cheaper car insurance?
While location plays a key role, young drivers still have plenty of ways to cut the cost of car insurance:
Choose a car in a lower insurance group: Models with smaller engines and strong safety ratings attract cheaper premiums.
Black box (telematics) policies: These track your driving behaviour and can reward safe habits with lower costs.
Add an experienced named driver: A parent or guardian with a clean record can sometimes reduce the risk profile.
Increase your voluntary excess: As long as it’s affordable, this can bring premiums down.
Build your no-claims discount: Even one claim-free year helps reduce costs over time.
Perhaps most importantly of all, compare insurance for young drivers before you buy or auto-renew your car insurance policy to see if you can find a better deal. Comparing car insurance quotes can save you up to £513
Reviewer
Beth Leslie
Senior Insurance Content Editor
Beth is an experienced writer and editor who specialises in financial and economic content. She is currently the Senior Insurance Content Editor for MoneySuperMarket. Beth is passionate about making...
