Today, car insurance is broken down into many sectors. These vary depending on the driver, the vehicle and other circumstances.
There are particular insurance policies for different age groups, male and female insurance, students and first time car insurers.
As a new driver or first time car insurer, it is unlikely that a cheap policy will be issued due to the lack of history between insurer and driver and also because first time car insurance is usually underwritten for young and high risk drivers. The most expensive premiums belong to new drivers simply because of their lack of experience on the road and the increased number of claims coming from inexperienced and new drivers.
However, there are certain factors to take into consideration if you are a first time car insurer. If possible make sure that your first car is in a low risk category. For example a big-engine sports car or a highly modified car would attract higher premiums than a relatively old small-engine vehicle.
Additionally, make sure to approach an insurer that provide tailor-made policies for the first time car driver. Some insurance companies may quote a standard policy which does not take the new or first time driver into consideration and premiums may be higher. Furthermore, some insurers are even reluctant to even give new drivers a quote let alone an actual policy. Look for a bespoke insurance for your particular age and sex if you are a first time driver. The best piece of advice, as always with insurance, is to research the market in order to find the best solution.
An option which is not necessarily advised but can cut down costs to a first time insurer is to become a second or additional driver on somebody else’s policy, say a parent or brother or sister who have experience. Sharing the policy will ensure a lower premium for the new driver however it will refrain from building up a history between the driver and insurer meaning that if the new driver applied for their own insurance policy one day they will be back at stage one with a high quote and no claims bonus.
Some governments offer incentives to new drivers to help lower their first policy. For example the ‘Plus Pass’ in the UK results in cheaper car insurance once the driver has passed an advanced driving course. Similarly the US government offer lower rates should a student do particularly well academically.
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