New data has revealed teenage learner drivers are paying up to 77% more on their car insurance premiums this year. Price comparison experts analysed insurance premiums for 17-19-year-olds to discover who spends the most on their coverage.
Soaring insurance premiums compared to prices from the previous year have hit new drivers and learners the hardest.
When directly compared to annual fees from 2023, 19-year-olds are paying 47% more, 18-year-olds are paying 60% more, and 17-year-olds are paying 77% more.
This year’s price increase means 17-year-old learner drivers are paying the most, over £3,400, for their yearly cover as of January 2024.
Young drivers can apply for a provisional licence when they are 15 years and nine months old, but they can’t officially take to the roads or apply for their test until they turn 17, meaning most 17-year-old drivers are learners.
The average premium is still high for 18- and 19-year-old drivers, at £2,985 and £2,435, respectively. Given the soaring cost of learning to drive and lengthy delays for lessons and tests, these ages are likely still learners or brand-new drivers.
As soon as drivers pass their test, they must update their insurance provider before they can get behind the wheel. They must change from a learner or provisional driver insurance policy, which is now void.
Insurance is a legal requirement; drivers who are caught driving without a valid policy could face hefty fines, penalty points, or even a driving ban.
Average UK Car Insurance Premiums For Teenagers |
||||
AGE |
01 January 2023 |
01 January 2024 |
12 Month Increase |
12 Month Average |
17 |
£1,974.98 | £3,495.92 | 77% | £2,717.21 |
18 |
£1,862.16 | £2,985.51 | 60% | £2,484.62 |
19 |
£1,657.42 | £2,435.02 | 47% | £2,141.06 |
Quotezone.co.uk CEO and car insurance expert Greg Wilson said: “Although it is ordinarily standard for learner and new drivers to pay more for their insurance policy, as they have less road experience, recent figures show staggering increases for these drivers.
“With 17-year-olds paying up to 77% more on their policies than last year, it is unsurprising that so many are being priced off the roads.
“Learning to drive comes with many costs, including driving lessons, tests, tax, and insurance. As the average age insurance price for 17-19-year-olds now approaches £3,000 at the start of the year, many cannot afford to get behind the wheel after passing their test.
“Insurance is an additional but significant cost. We urge the new driver to ensure their policy properly covers them, or they could find themselves unprotected.
“New drivers can opt to use green probationary or ‘P’ plates to indicate they have just passed their test, giving warning to other drivers to proceed with caution and help reduce the risk of incidents in their first year.
“In other areas of the UK, such as Northern Ireland, these drivers are known as restricted drivers and must display ‘R’ plates for a year after passing their test, with a maximum speed of 45 mph. This is in a bid to help improve safety for young drivers and protect all road users. It’ll also help raise premiums and start new drivers on the no-claims bonus ladder.
“Becoming a new driver can be a daunting experience. It’s sensible to take your time and display ‘P’ plates until you feel confident on the road. They won’t affect your insurance costs, so you should feel free to display them as long as you need them.
“There are ways brand new drivers can find savings. Telematics products, for one, help the insurance provider gather data on your driving ability more quickly, so you could be in for savings sooner—if you’re a good driver. Choosing a car with a smaller engine, paying annually, and comparing quotes via comparison sites can all help you find savings.”
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