Car insurance for teenagers

Key takeaways

• Learners with a provisional licence are covered by their driving school’s insurance when with a certified instructor

• Insurance is most expensive for 17-19-year-olds (£1587.87 on average) and decreases with age

• To reduce insurance costs, opt for a comprehensive policy, choose lower insurance group cars, pay annually, consider telematics policies, add experienced drivers, and keep the mileage low

• The Fiat 500 Pop tends to be the cheapest car to insure for teenagers

Driving is a rite of passage for many teenagers, but with the newfound freedom comes the responsibility of ensuring they are properly insured, and the cost that comes with it.

In the UK, the rules are clear: car insurance is a legal requirement for all drivers, and teenagers are no exception. Whether they're 17 or 18, they must be covered before they can hit the road. Here’s what you need to know, and how to manage both cover and cost.

Where to find cheap teen car insurance

It doesn’t matter how old you are: if you’re driving a car on public roads in the UK, you need car insurance. And teenagers are no exception – 17- and 18-year-olds must have car insurance in place before they get behind the wheel.

The process is slightly different for those still holding a provisional licence and learning through an accredited driving school. As long as a certified instructor is present, the driving school's insurance has you covered.

However, if the learner is under the guidance of a family member or friend, learner driver insurance becomes a necessity.

Can a 16 year old get car insurance in the UK?

Sometimes. If you are 16 and receive either the enhanced or higher rate of mobility component for the Personal Independent Payment (PIP) or the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), then you can apply for a provisional licence, start driving lessons, take your tests, and once passed, drive legally on the roads at 16.

It is unfairly difficult for disabled drivers to secure car insurance at any age, but at 16 it’s especially tricky. MoneySuperMarket is one of the few comparison sites that can help.

Can I add a teenager to an existing car insurance policy?

Yes, you can add a teenager to your own car insurance policy, usually from aged 17. Parents and teens looking to keep costs down can add their child as a ‘named driver’.

This is usually more budget-friendly than buying a separate policy for the teen, as insurers assume the car is mostly driven by a more experienced driver.

However, be wary of the illegal practice known as ‘fronting’, where the teenager is the main user of the vehicle but the parent is listed as the name driver instead.

If the teenager is the primary driver, they should be listed as such, with the parent added as a named driver.

Can teenagers get their own car insurance?

Yes, insurers offer the same cover to teenage drivers that every other driver has. This includes additional options like courtesy car and motor legal protection. Teenagers can also start building up a valuable no claims bonus too.

However, car insurance for young adults often comes with a significant heavier price tag.

The cost of insurance for teenage drivers can be eye-watering. As a general rule, the younger you are, the more expensive car insurance is likely to be – and teenagers pay more than anyone.

Luckily, once you get into your mid-twenties with a few years’ driving under your belt, your premiums should start to become more affordable.

Why is car insurance more expensive for teenagers?

Insurers view younger drivers as higher-risk due to a greater statistical likelihood of being involved in accidents. This perceived risk translates directly into higher premiums for teenage drivers.

Finding affordable insurance for teenagers

Despite the high baseline costs, there are strategies to help teens find more affordable car insurance:

• Opt for fully comprehensive car insurance over third-party insurance

• Choose a car that falls into a lower insurance group

• Pay for the insurance annually if possible, as paying annually typically results in savings

• Consider telematics policies, which reward safe driving with lower premiums

• Add an experienced named driver to the policy to potentially lower costs

• Keep annual mileage reasonable to decrease perceived risk

Can an advanced driving course save money?

There's a common belief that taking advanced driving courses, such as Pass Plus or IAM Roadsmart (formerly called the Institute of Advanced Motorists), can lead to reduced insurance costs.

However, MoneySuperMarket data indicates that these courses don't necessarily translate into significant savings. Nonetheless, they are valuable for enhancing driving skills.

What are the cheapest cars to insure for teenagers?

When it comes to choosing a car, affordability is key. The Fiat 500 Pop reigns as the most economical option for teenage insurance, with average premiums sitting around £1,097.

The top 10 cheapest cars to insure can offer a starting point for those looking for cheaper premiums.

Are used cars cheaper to insure for teenagers?

While older vehicles might come with lower insurance rates, they often fall down when it comes to modern safety features and may incur higher replacement part costs.

Whether or not they are cheaper to insure will depend on your specific model, as well as mileage, location, and other factors that determine how much car insurance costs.

Comparing insurance options

Comparing car insurance quotes on MoneySuperMarket is the best way to browse deals from multiple providers.

All you need to do is enter a few details about yourself, your car and driving history, and you’ll be able to see car insurance deals tailored for you and your vehicle.

Once you’ve found the best quote for you, click on the deal and you’ll go straight to the provider’s website.