Young driver insurance tips

seanflynn

Hi there,
I will be turning 17 in the coming weeks and will be looking start driving Asap!! I have done my theory test and am aware of all the things I need to do like lessons and all that good stuff!

Anyways my main question is about insurance. I need to get my own insurance on my own car. I can't be a named driver as all my family are on trade insurance. Quotes have ranged from 3000 to 6000 which I a joke. I would be willing to pay a large sum for excess. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Sean

Alanstrainor

Best bet is to call everyone really. Brokers, insurance companies, the lot. Google them or get a phone book. And I emphasise the call bit, online quotes are a waste for high risk drivers.

What car are you looking to insure? If you don't have a car yet, may I suggest getting lessons first and then when you're close to doing your test thinking about the car. Cars are massively expensive to own and run, excluding the cost to buy.

thesimpsons

even though you can't go named on parents insurance, if you put them down as named on your insurance, it will cheapen yours. Also, offer to pay in one lump sum rather than installments and often it comes cheaper too. I saw recent quote for one of my kids come from 1200e down to 900e by paying lump sum and then down to 815e for putting experienced adult on as a named person.

waiting till you have full licence will make it cheaper too of course. got a rebate for both my kids when they went from learner permit to fully licenced driver.

jack7

Try ARB insurance, I heard they are fairly new and have very good prices

seanflynn

Cheers for all the advice lads. I'm hoping to get insured on something like a focus, golf or polo. I need to start driving immediately for work and school. Dont think I could wait untill I finish the lessons.

I have rang 5 insurance companies so far, 2 refused to quote me and spoke to robots and was put on hold for over 6 minutes before giving up! Is it worth my spending the extra money on a safer car to lower insurance or just buying a €800 junker?

Days 298

To be honest you shouldnt be driving unaccompanied which I think you are implying with no lessons or test. If you are the main driver prepare to pay big if you are 17 and on a learner permit.

The next road safety bill includes penalty points for being unaccompanied so you could be off the road when that is brought in.

Tbh an €800 junker is going to have extra running and maintenance costs unless you are lucky. Cheaper cars dont necessarily have cheaper insurance. Golf and a Focus are definitely not in the cheap bracket as they are popular for young drivers.

Even a 2 grand car is going to have maintenance costs. You could get unlucky with a 5 grand car.

First lesson of motoring is it aint cheap. And safety should always come first. But a car is only as safe as the driver....