Young Drivers Warned of the Most Expensive Regions for Car Insurance

New data has revealed the UK regions with the highest car insurance premiums for young drivers. London, West Midlands and Yorkshire are among the worst places for young drivers to insure their cars, with average premiums reaching over two thousand pounds.

Price comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk analysed insurance premiums for 18 to 24-year-old drivers in different regions nationwide, ranking them from most to least expensive.

Soaring insurance costs have hit young motorists the hardest, as the cost-of-living crisis spiked premiums by more than 25% yearly, according to the ABI. The ABI looks at actual prices paid for policies rather than estimated quote values.

With the added costs of learning to drive and buying their first car, many drivers can’t afford to get on the road after passing their test, and of those who are driving, 25% are considering quitting due to rising costs.

The research conducted by Quotezone.co.uk revealed significant differences in insurance costs depending on where you live, with young Londoners paying nearly £1,500 more for cover than young drivers in Northern Ireland.

The insurance premiums for 18 to 24-year-olds in London have reached an eye-watering high, with young drivers forced to pay £2,811 on average to insure their vehicles.

Closely followed by average premiums of £2,392 in West Midlands and £2,327 in Yorkshire.

Also included in the top five most expensive regions are North West and South East England, where young drivers pay more than £2,105 for cover.

Young drivers in North East England, East Midlands, and Scotland are paying just under £2,000 on average, with Wales and South West England offering slightly better value at £1,835 and £1,714, respectively.

Young drivers in Northern Ireland spend the least on car insurance. However, drivers there have seen similar price hikes; they still enjoy relatively cheap insurance premiums compared to other regions in the UK, totalling £1,359 on average.

To keep the insurance costs down, drivers are encouraged to compare quotes from different providers, pay annually if possible, improve vehicle security and add an experienced driver to the policy.

Quotezone.co.uk CEO and car insurance expert Greg Wilson said: “Young drivers usually have to pay more for their premiums as they have less experience – something insurance providers use to base their risk analysis on and determine costs. However, insurance costs have soared recently, leaving drivers wondering if they can afford to drive.

“With cover for under 25-year-olds now approaching or exceeding £2,000 annually across most UK regions, many young people struggle to get behind the wheel, relying on strike-prone public transport after investing over £3000 on learning to drive and pass their tests.

“Hopefully, our tips will help young drivers start reviewing their insurance policies and exploring where they can find savings. Simple tweaks such as job title, purchase time, and payment method can all help cut costs.

“Insurance premiums may look to stabilise this year, but they are unlikely to come down, so drivers must hunt for better deals.”

Savings experts at Quotezone have created a complete car insurance index of average premium prices across all age ranges throughout the UK to help drivers review and find savings.

Here Are Quotezone.co.uk’s Top Tips to Help Young Drivers Cut Insurance Costs:

1. Check Your Vehicle Use

Premium prices can vary depending on how you use the vehicle. It may work out cheaper if a driver is using it for ‘social only’ purposes rather than for ‘social and commuting’, so check how the options affect the price and consider whether you can make any changes—just be careful that all changes are accurate and reflect how you use the vehicle.

2. Check Your Job Title

Job titles often affect the overall premium price. A tweak to your title could help you reduce your premium, so try quoting with variations. Ensure the title is accurate and describes your job; incorrect information could invalidate your insurance.

3. Review Prices Three Weeks Before Renewal

The prices are most competitive three weeks before your policy is due for renewal, so keep an eye on your due date.

4. Opt for a Smaller Engine

Be sure to check your vehicle’s engine size and horsepower. Both can impact the cost of your premium. Also, some small engines are turbocharged, which can give them more power than expected, which will likely cause the premium to increase.

5. Park in a Safe Place

If possible, drivers should use their garages, driveways or carports for overnight parking. This can keep premium costs down because the safer you can save your car, the cheaper it is to insure, likely a reduction of at least £140 if you can move your vehicle from the roadside to a private driveway overnight.

6. Opt for Telematics or a Black Box

A telematics policy, or black box insurance, starts collecting driving data immediately, which can help the insurer with risk analysis. This way, young drivers can demonstrate their safe driving skills and increase their chances of getting a competitive premium.

7. Pay Annually

If you can, it’s best to pay the annual premium all in one go to knock cash off your policy. Paying annually is usually cheaper because there is no interest to pay.

8. Add Another Driver

Adding a low-risk driver to your policy could reduce the premium costs, especially if the other driver is experienced and has a clean record. Just make sure the main driver is the one who drives the car the most, or you could be charged with insurance fraud.

9. Improve Vehicle Security

Improving the vehicle’s security by fitting anti-theft devices or dash cams can help drivers get cheaper premiums. It’s worth getting the policy quotes first to consider whether the savings justify the extra cost of the devices.

10. Shop Around

Never let a policy auto-renew. Even if your provider was your cheapest option last year, it doesn’t mean they will be the most affordable this year. Always shop around and compare products, and don’t be afraid to switch providers. It’s an easy process that could lead to substantial savings. Comparison sites are ideal ways to find better-quality products and more competitive prices.

Young Drivers Index Ages 18-24 (Jan 2024)
	Region	Ave. Premium
1	London	£2,811.38
2	West Midlands	£2,392.30
3	Yorkshire	£2,327.01
4	North West England	£2,297.97
5	South East England	£2,105.06
6	East of England	£2,030.26
7	North East England	£1,966.55
8	East Midlands	£1,964.62
9	Scotland	£1,907.56
10	Wales	£1,835.09
11	South West England	£1,714.21
12	Northern Ireland	£1,359.12

Data tables—The data uses a random sample of over 100,000 UK car insurance policies from January 2023 to January 2024.