As a learner driver with a provisional licence, you have a few options available to you when it comes to getting insured. The best way to figure out what policy is most suited to you is by considering your personal situation. If you expect to pass your test and get your full licence within a few months, then temporary insurance might be more suited to you. But if you think you'll need a longer learner period, an annual policy could be the way to go.
Other factors influence your decision too, such as budget, age or licence restrictions.
Temporary car insurance
Annual car insurance
Named driver
Each insurer has its own eligibility criteria, so you may not be offered prices from all the insurers we work with.
The cost of your policy depends on your personal circumstances. It's commonly thought that comprehensive cover is the most expensive because it offers the highest protection, but more often than not it works out to be the cheapest. It's worth keeping this in mind when getting your quote.
| Level of cover | Licence type | Average policy cost¹ |
|---|---|---|
|
Comprehensive
|
Provisional
|
£524
|
|
Third-party, fire & theft
|
Provisional
|
£660
|
|
Third-party
|
Provisional
|
£1,070
|
The cost of your insurance is based on many factors, including:
It's important you answer honestly when you buy car insurance, even if costs more. If you leave things out, or lie, your insurance could be invalid and you could be convicted of insurance fraud.
1Confused.com data December 2022 - April 2023.
If you're driving someone else's car while learning, a short-term car insurance policy might suit your needs. Cover starts from £522 per day, or £982 for 22 days, if you're looking for a longer period.
You can use a temporary policy alongside any existing policy the car owner might have. Even if you have an accident and make a claim, it shouldn't affect the owner's policy or existing no-claims bonus.
2Average cost to insure a learner driver based on Tempcover data, April 23.
Our trusted partner Tempcover is a leading provider of short-term car insurance. They compare comprehensive insurance policies from a range of insurers to help you find the cover you need.
Flexible, short-term car insurance is available from 12 hours to 28 days, for drivers aged between 17 and 75.
Finding affordable insurance while holding a provisional licence can be a struggle, but there are things you can do to help keep your costs down:
Consider the car you drive, if possible. Car insurance companies group all cars from 1-50 for insurance purposes. Generally, the higher the car insurance group, the more expensive your insurance is. Cars with more powerful engines, for example, are generally in higher insurance groups.
Black box, or telematics insurance, adjusts the price of your insurance based on your driving habits. The insurer uses an app or a device installed in your car to monitor your driving. The idea is to reward safer drivers with cheaper prices, meaning telematics car insurance can be more affordable for young and inexperienced drivers.
Increase your voluntary excess. Voluntary excess is the amount you’re willing to pay towards repairs in event of a claim, this can help reduce the price of your insurance. But remember not to go for more than you could realistically afford to pay if you needed to make a claim.
Be accurate when estimating your mileage so you’re only paying for miles you’re driving. The average yearly mileage is around 6,6003.
3Based on Confused.com data January - May 2023.
"If you're practicing your driving with a parent or friend then you'll need to arrange insurance before you start. As a new driver, navigating the world of insurance for the first time can be overwhelming. But we're here to help you choose the option that best suits your needs, and your budget of course!"
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Page last reviewed: 09 June 2023
Reviewed by: Louise Thomas
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