So, as a 17-year-old who has invested a lot of time and money into learning to drive and finding a car you can afford, there’s only one more thing to do: find insurance.
Unfortunately, prices are sky-high: particularly for young drivers. However, not all is lost, and there are a few tactics you can employ to reduce your premiums.
Read on to find out more.
In this article:
- Can 17-year-olds get car insurance?
- How much does car insurance cost for 17-year-olds?
- How to get cheaper car insurance as a 17-year-old
One of the best ways to get the most affordable car insurance is to use a comparison tool. You could save hundreds of pounds. Get a quote today.
Can 17-year-olds get car insurance?
Yes, 17-year-olds can absolutely get car insurance. However, it’s one of the most expensive age groups to insure due to a lack of experience and the higher likelihood of accidents among young drivers.
Most insurance providers offer policies for 17-year-olds, but they come with hefty price tags. The good news? There are ways to bring down those premiums, from choosing the right type of car to exploring telematics policies like black box insurance.
How much does car insurance cost for 17-year-olds?
The average cost of an insurance policy for 17-year-olds currently sits at a whopping £2,727 (according to Confused.com data).
As well as your age, your premium will be impacted by:
- Your car: Smaller, less powerful cars cost less to insure. So, as a 17-year-old driver, you’ll want a Toyota Aygo over a Toyota Land Cruiser.
- Your postcode: Have a postcode in an area with high crime rates or a high rate of car accidents? Expect to pay more.
- Policy type: Third-party insurance may seem cheaper upfront, but comprehensive insurance policies often provide better value for money (especially if you are in a crash and your car has thousands of pounds of damage you need to repair).
- Your gender: Statistics show that 17-year-old male drivers are far more likely to be in a crash than 17-year-old female drivers. Sorry gents.
How to get cheaper car insurance as a 17-year-old
1. Choose a car in a low insurance group
Cars are categorised into insurance groups, from 1 (cheapest) to 50 (most expensive). Sticking to a car in groups 1–3 will reduce your premiums the most. Typically, the more powerful the car, the more expensive it is to insure. Some of the cheapest cars to insure in the UK include:
- Hyundai i10
- Kia Picanto
- Volkswagen Polo
- Skoda Fabia
- Renault Clio
2. Add an experienced driver as a named driver
If a parent or guardian is added to your policy as a named driver, insurers often see this as less risky and lower your premiums. However, be careful of ‘fronting,’ which is when you claim to be the main driver but are not, in order to reduce the cost of your insurance.
3. Consider black box insurance
For 17-year-olds, black box insurance can be a game-changer. While it does come with some restrictions (like curfews or mileage limits), it’s often one of the most affordable insurance options for young drivers.
4. Shop around
Use comparison tools to find the best deals from a range of providers.
5. Pay annually
Paying upfront can save you money compared to monthly payments.
6. Take a driving course
Completing an advanced driving course can demonstrate your commitment to safe driving and reduce premiums.
7. Increase your voluntary excess
Offering to pay a higher voluntary excess in the event of a claim can lower your monthly premium.
Find the cheapest insurance for 17-year-olds
At Young Car Driver, we specialise in helping young drivers find affordable car insurance. Whether it’s telematics, named driver policies, or just the cheapest comprehensive cover, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to start saving? Use our comparison tool to search over 120 providers and find the best policy for your needs. Get a Quote Now.