Insurance for new drivers can be costly, but it doesn’t have to ruin the fun of hitting the road for the first time. Looking for the ultimate lowdown? Read on.
Key takeaways
- First time driver insurance policies can come with a hefty premium. But adding a named driver or increasing your voluntary excess can help save you money.
- Not all cars are insured equally. Play the group system right and pick a car from categories 1-10 to keep costs low.
- Practicing in your parents’ car? You’ll still need insurance. Take out non-owner insurance or get added to their policy as a named driver.
- Getting a black box insurance can help bring down the price of your premium. But you can be penalised for unsafe driving.
Preparing for your first policy
Learning to drive is a major milestone. But before you get behind the wheel, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got the right car insurance.
The good news is that first time driver insurance is pretty easy to get. It’s offered by most car insurance providers and is quick and simple to secure.
So, what’s the catch?
Car insurance for new drivers can be costly. In most cases, it’s the biggest expense for drivers. This is because when you have less experience, you’re seen as a higher risk to providers.
While getting insured for the first time might leave a dent in your pocket, there are ways to bring the price of your premium down. All it takes is a bit of research and car-insurance savvy.
Choosing the right car: Insurance groups 1-50
In the UK, all cars are categorised into a 1-50 group system. It’s basically a way for providers to determine how risky a vehicle is - and how high they should set their premiums.
The group system takes into account things like engine size, repair costs, safety features and the overall value of a vehicle.
Cars that are cheap to repair and have built-in safety features tend to be on the lower end of the grouping scale. And luxury, high-performance cars typically sit in groups 30-50.
Here’s how that looks:
| Vehicle group | Features | Example vehicles |
|---|---|---|
|
Groups 1-10
|
Built-in safety features, cheap to repair, low buying price
|
Citroen C1, Kia Picanto, Vauxhall Corsa, Skoda Fabia, Hyundai i10
|
|
Groups 11-20
|
Family cars and hatchbacks, affordable repair costs
|
Vauxhall Astra, SEAT Leon, BMW 1 Series, Volkswagen Golf
|
|
Groups 21-30
|
Mid-range cars, better performance, standard repair costs
|
Nissan Leaf, Kia Sorento, Mini Cooper S, Skoda Octavia vRS
|
|
Groups 31-40
|
Premium vehicles, high-performance engine, costly to repair
|
BMW 3 Series, Range Rover Sport, Jaguar XF, Audi A5
|
|
Groups 41-50
|
Sports cars and supercars, high performance, high repair costs
|
Tesla Model S, Porsche 718 Cayman, Bentley Bentayga
|
The higher the group, the higher the premium. So, if you’re looking to keep your first time driver insurance costs low, it helps to pick a car model from categories 1-10.
Can I insure a car I don’t own?
Yes, in many cases you can insure a car you don’t own. It all hinges on whether you have something called ‘insurable interest’.
This could be if you’re driving a parent’s or a partner’s vehicle. Or, if you’ve taken out a lease agreement for a car. Essentially, if a car being damaged or stolen would affect you financially, you probably have insurable interest.
If you fit the criteria, you can get insured one of four ways:
-
Non-owner insurance: A standalone policy that covers you for a car you don’t own but drive occasionally. Usually only provides liability coverage - meaning you’ll only be covered for injury or damage to others.
-
Temporary insurance: If you plan on driving a car, but only on a short-term basis. If you’re a first-time driver or you’re learning to drive, this can sometimes be more cost-effective than taking out a full policy.
-
Get added as a named driver: Rather than taking out a separate policy, you can be added to the main driver’s insurance. But, it’s their premium that will be affected if there’s a crash - even if they weren’t the one behind the wheel.
-
Driving other cars (DOC) cover: Best for emergencies and one-offs. This is a type of extension that can sometimes be added to existing comprehensive policies. The terms vary between providers, so it’s always worth checking your policy documents.
Whatever option you pick, just remember to let your insurer know who the registered keeper of the car is. That way, you can drive off into the sunset knowing your policy is watertight.
How to find the cheapest insurance for new drivers
Want to find cheap new driver insurance? We’ve got you.
While getting insured for the first time can be a costly business, there are a few tips and tricks that can help push down the price of your premium.
It might seem counterintuitive, but adding an extra named driver to your policy can sometimes swing in your favour. This is because sharing a vehicle with an older, more experienced driver lowers the overall risk.
If it’s in your budget, you can also save money by paying for your policy annually, rather than month-by-month. Or, you can reduce your premium by upping your voluntary excess.
Still haven't picked out your first car? Skip the Tesla and opt for a low group vehicle instead. And, if you want to drive down insurance prices even more, you can look into getting a black box fitted.
Black box insurance: Proof of safe driving
One way you can bring down your car insurance premium is by choosing a black box policy. Also known as telematics insurance, it involves getting a small tracking device installed in your car.
Basically, the goal is to prove you’re a safe driver. It’ll track your speed, braking, and other driving habits like what time of day or night you tend to drive.
The result? A personalised car insurance premium that reflects how careful you are behind the wheel. If you drive with caution, it’s a win. But unsafe driving and speeding can result in higher premiums and fines.
What is fronting and why is it illegal?
Fronting is when you put someone else down as the main driver on your car insurance to try and get a cheaper price.
So, if you’re buying insurance for the first time and thinking about listing a more experienced driver as the policyholder to save money, it might seem like a smart move—but it’s actually illegal.
This is classed as insurance fraud, and insurers take it seriously. When you take out a policy, you need to be honest about who the main driver is. If not, any future car insurance claims could be refused.
It can also lead to more serious consequences, like having your car seized or being added to the Insurance Fraud Register. And let’s be honest, nothing kills the vibe quite like being permanently blacklisted.
New 2026 rules: Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
In Northern Ireland, the rules around new drivers are getting a refresh. Starting 1 October 2026, there’ll be some key changes.
Crucially, there'll be a night time curfew for new drivers aged 24 and under. Plus, the number of passengers you can have in your car will be restricted, too.
You can also expect new rules around test booking, motorway driving and R plate usage. It might seem like a lot, but don’t sweat it.
The rules are meant to help lower risk for young drivers. That means fewer accidents on the road and potentially lower premiums for first time car insurance.
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