Handy Tips for Younger Drivers Buying Car Insurance

The bad weather conditions at the end of 2010 resulted in a high volume of claims, helping to inflate insurance premiums for 2011 at an all time high. This is costly for all drivers, particularly the young or ‘inexperienced’, and so outlined below is some cost saving ideas to take into account when purchasing insurance.



When obtaining quotes it is of great importance to have a registration number of a car at hand. This is because the make and model of the car determines the insurance risk and can greatly affect your premium. Even if you are shopping for potential quotes without having brought the vehicle, make sure you know the make and model of the car you intend to buy so as to get an accurate quote.



Generally a smaller and lower-powered car or bike will be cheaper to insure as a younger driver.



Do not be tempted to add your name to a policy held by another driver if you are in fact going to be the main driver of the vehicle – this is known as "fronting" and can result in your insurance being invalid in the event of a claim.



You will start earning your no claims bonus (NCB) as soon as you have insurance and building up your no claims bonus discount is the best and quickest way to reduce your insurance premiums over the next few years. So drive carefully and also keep your speed down as convictions will also increase your insurance costs.



Consider carefully whether you need to have fully comprehensive or lesser cover. Check the relative cost of each type of cover for the vehicle you will be driving before you decide which policy to buy.



If you are paying for your insurance by instalments check the interest rate you are going to be charged – you might be better off using a credit card to spread the payments.



And finally do look at taking the Pass Plus course after you have passed your driving test. Many insurers will give a discount to young drivers who do this.



To get the best car insurance quotes make sure you shop around using comparison sites.