Are there bespoke insurances for new drivers?

By Ané Theron

No - if you’re a new driver between 18 and 25, you are considered high-risk to most insurance companies, and it can cost you a fair bit of money to insure your wheels. Why, you ask? First and foremost, your youth and inexperience count against you. When you are young, you’re more prone to high-risk behaviour, such as aggressive or drunk driving, speeding, and texting while you drive. It’s a fact of life - most people only start acting more responsibly from the age of 25 and up. Even if you’re a complete goody-two-shoes and you’re a careful, responsible driver (regardless of being 20), you have your irresponsible peers to thank for the bad rap. As mentioned before, your inexperience also counts against you in a big way - the old adage of ‘practice makes perfect’ is very relevant when it comes to driving a car. Statistics also show that a new driver is more likely to have an accident in the first year after obtaining his/her license, than at any other time in their automotive lives.

So what can you do?

There are ways to bring down your insurance premiums when you’re a newly licensed, fresh-faced driver.

• You can spend a few bucks on a defensive driving course certificate or diploma - this not only improves your driving habits but makes you less of a risk in general.
• Don’t go for the fastest car you can afford - cars with high power outputs are considered risky or dangerous, especially amongst the younger (and therefore, wilder) crowd. Pick a sensible car - splurging on an old performance model won’t do your premium any favours. Keep the GTI, R, RS and ST acronyms as far away as possible, for now.
• Take out an insurance policy in your own name, and don’t engage in driving behaviour that causes you to be seen as a risk to insure. The best thing to do is to drive as carefully as possible, adhering to the rules of the road. What you are doing, is effectively building a good, no-claims driving history. Eventually, your rates will become lower as you continue to prove that you are a safe and responsible road-user.
• Take out a policy that limits your monthly mileage. If you spend less time on the road, you’re less likely to be involved in an accident - and this translates to a lower premium.
• If you elect to pay a higher excess, it goes without saying that your premium will lower. But will you be able to cover the excess if you have to make a claim? You need to be very sure of this.
• Make your car as safe as possible. Park in a safe place at night (if you can), and don’t leave things to chance. Always check that your car doors are locked when you leave, as thieves can easily block the signal via remote jamming. Be aware that some cars are in high demand by thieves - and most of these carry a VW or Toyota badge.To find out which used cars are less expensive to ensure, click here. 
• Shop around! Don’t just go with the first insurance quote. Use AutoTrader’s handy tool to get an instant quote from different, trustworthy insurers. Click here for more information.

Is it a possibility to buy a car without insurance at all? Click here for more info.