What is Young Driver Insurance?
Reviewed & fact checked
By: Verity Hogan - Finance Editor
What is young driver insurance
Young driver insurance is car insurance for motorists aged 17–25, typically priced higher due to limited driving history and greater accident risk.
It doesn’t have to feel impossible. Comparing quotes from 120+ insurers, choosing a smaller car, or using telematics can reduce premiums without cutting cover.
This guide explains the main cover options, what affects price, and how to compare quotes.
How to get your young driver insurance quotes
1. Get your quotes
Fill one simple form to compare young driver insurance across 120+ insurers
2. Compare policies
See the different types of cover available and choose monthly or annual payments
3. Buy online
Pick the best deal and buy online, you could be covered in minutes
Compare quotes from over 120 car insurance providers
You could save up to £515 on young driver insurance*
*51% of consumers could save £515.24 on their car insurance. The saving was calculated by comparing the cheapest price found with the average of the next six cheapest prices quoted by insurance providers on Seopa Ltd’s insurance comparison website. This is based on representative cost savings from December 2024 data. The savings you could achieve are
dependent on your individual circumstances and how you selected your current insurance supplier.
How young driver insurance works
Young driver insurance works like any other car insurance. You choose a level of cover: Comprehensive, Third party only, or Third party, fire and theft. You then tell insurers about your car and how you use it, and they set the price based on factors such as age, mileage, postcode and claims history. Many young drivers consider black box telematics or pay-as-you-go options, which use real driving data and can reward safe habits.
Types of car insurance cover
Before looking at young driver policies, it helps to know the three main levels of cover available in the UK.
- Comprehensive insurance – the highest level of protection, covering you and your car as well as other people, vehicles, and property
- Third party, fire and theft (TPFT) – covers third-party damage plus your own car if it is stolen or damaged by fire
- Third party only – the legal minimum, covering damage or injury to other people but not your own car
Types of young driver insurance
Different drivers need different cover. Here is a quick overview of the main options available.
Ready to see your options? One simple form compares quotes from over 120 insurers so you can find cover that fits your budget.
Black box insurance
Cut your premium with a telematics policy that rewards safe driving
No black box car insurance
Prefer not to be monitored? Find insurers who do not require a black box.
Learner driver insurance
Get cover for private practice in a friend’s or family member’s car
Temporary car insurance (coming soon)
Short term cover from one day to a few weeks, ideal for borrowing a car
Van insurance for young drivers
Specialist cover if you drive your own van or a work van
Courier insurance
Policies designed for young drivers delivering parcels, food, or other goods.
Student car insurance (coming soon)
Flexible options whether you are at home, at uni, or splitting time between both
What information do I need for a young driver insurance quote?
When you start comparing young driver insurance, you’ll be asked for a few details so insurers can calculate your premium:
- Personal details – your name, age, address, and occupation
- Car details – registration number, make, model, and current value
- How you use your car – whether it’s just for social trips, commuting, or business, plus your estimated annual mileage
- Driving history – any claims, convictions, or no-claims discount you can transfer
- Additional drivers – details of other people who’ll be insured on the same policy
- Level of cover – fully comprehensive, third party only, or third party, fire and theft insurance
Fact: Adding a more experienced named driver can lower your premium — just be sure they genuinely drive the car.
Tip: Adding a more experienced named driver can reduce the premium.
Why is young driver insurance so expensive?
Premiums are higher because young drivers (17 and 25) have less experience, fewer no-claims years, and higher accident and claim rates in insurer data.
Other factors that raise costs include your car’s insurance group, your mileage and whether you commute, your postcode and occupation, any previous claims or convictions, and where the car is parked.
Fact: Cars in lower insurance groups are typically cheaper to insure.
Fact: Adding a more experienced named driver can reduce the premium.
Fact: Smaller, less powerful cars are cheaper to insure for young drivers.
By understanding what drives up insurance premiums, you’ll be in a stronger position to compare quotes and save money on your next policy.
How to save money on young driver insurance
Finding cheap car insurance quotes starts with comparing young driver policies, then reducing costs by choosing a smaller car, adding a named driver, paying annually, or improving your car’s security.
High premiums are frustrating, but there are proven ways to cut the cost of cover without losing protection:
- Choose a smaller car – models in lower insurance groups are cheaper to insure
- Add a named driver –a parent or more experienced driver can help reduce costs (as long as they actually use the car)
- Increase your voluntary excess – agreeing to pay more towards a claim can lower your premium
- Pay annually – if you can afford it, a single payment is usually cheaper than monthly instalments
- Improve security – alarms, immobilisers and safe parking can make a difference
- Consider black box insurance –safe driving scores can lead to discounts
Fact: Adding a named driver who is more experienced can lower premiums.
Fact: Increasing your voluntary excess is one of the quickest ways to bring down insurance premiums.
Taking these steps won’t remove the higher risk insurers associate with young drivers, but they can help you find cheaper car insurance and save money on your policy.
❓ FAQs about provisional licences
Is it cheaper to be insured on my parents' or family car?
Yes, it’s often cheaper to be added as a named driver on a parent or family policy, but only if they genuinely use the car too. Pretending they are the main driver, known as fronting, is illegal and invalidates insurance.
What's the cheapest car insurance for new drivers?
The cheapest car insurance for new drivers is usually a black box (telematics) policy. These track how you drive, rewarding safe habits with lower premiums. Always compare quotes, because the cheapest insurer varies by age, car, driving history, and postcode.
Do I need a black box as a learner driver?
Learner drivers do not have to use black box insurance, but it can reduce costs by pricing cover based on your actual driving. If you build safe driving habits before passing, you may also save on premiums when switching to a full policy.
Is black box insurance always cheaper for young drivers
Black box insurance for young drivers is often cheaper than a standard policy, but not always. If you drive safely, a telematics device can cut your premium, though once you’ve built a no-claims bonus a standard policy may be better value.
How do I get young driver insurance quotes?
You can get young driver insurance quotes by using a comparison site. One quick form gives you prices from over 120 providers so you can compare cover levels and excesses side by side.
How do I choose the best insurer
- Compare quotes from several brands
- Claims service and reviews
- What is covered for your needs
- Excess and fees you will pay
- Black box or pay-as-you-go to lower costs, and check any curfews or limits on driving hours
What does third-party only insurance cover?
Third Party Only is the minimum legal requirement. It covers damage to other people’s cars or property, but not your own vehicle.
How long does temporary car insurance last?
Temporary cover can be as short as one hour or up to 30 days. It’s often used by learners or when borrowing a car for a short period.
Can I use my insurance to take the driving test?
Yes, if your policy covers you for the test. Always check with your insurer. For step-by-step checks, see our learner driver insurance guide.
How can I save money on young driver car insurance?
Compare quotes, consider a black box, and choose a smaller car in a low insurance group are just a few. Read our complete checklist on top tips to lower car insurance
Do young drivers have to pay a higher excess?
All drivers pay an excess, but young drivers may be asked for higher compulsory amounts. You can also increase your voluntary excess to reduce premiums, but make sure you can afford it if you claim.
Can I transfer my no-claims bonus to a new policy?
If you’ve built up a no-claims discount on a previous policy, you can usually transfer it when you buy a new car insurance policy. This helps lower premiums.
How long am I classed as a young driver?
Insurers typically treat anyone under 25 as a young driver. Premiums usually fall as you gain driving experience, build a no claims discount, or move into older age groups.
What happens if I already have an existing policy?
If you already have cover and want to switch, check for cancellation fees before taking out a new policy. Comparing quotes can still save money, even if you’re mid-policy.
How much is young driver insurance in the UK?
In 2025, average young driver car insurance for 17–24-year-olds is £1,251.95 in the UK, down from over £3,000 in 2024. Prices still vary by age, car, mileage, postcode and claims history, so compare quotes and consider black box telematics to save.
When does young driver car insurance go down?
Premiums usually start to fall around age 25 as you gain experience and build a no-claims discount. In 2025, drivers aged 25–34 paid about £371 less on average than 17–24-year-olds, but accidents or convictions can slow or reverse reductions.
How does black box insurance pricing work?
Instead of charging all young drivers the same, insurers use your black box data to set a price based on how you actually drive. Safe driving can make car insurance cheaper.
Black box insurance
Cut your premium with a telematics policy that tracks your driving and rewards safe habits
No black box insurance
Prefer to drive without monitoring? Find insurers who do not require a black box
Learner driver insurance
Get cover for private practice in a friend’s or family member’s car before you pass your test
