7 Quick Tips: Cheap Insurance For Young Drivers

For the average motorist, it has been observed that the cost of car insurance has risen by over 50% this year alone according to the Automobile Association. Ordinarily this would be a cause for concern, as insurance is one of the most costly running expenses involved in owning your own vehicle. However, for young drivers the situation is even more dire. Many first-time, "just passed" drivers struggle to even pay for their first year's insurance.

With this in mind, your guides here at Car Throttle have compiled a handy quick fire guide to help you get those all important cheap auto insurance quotes, to make sure that your Christmas won't be ruined. Pay attention to these tips when you're shopping online for deals and when you're filling in forms - even the slightest amendments using the below information can knock of hundreds of pounds from your yearly premium.

1. Choose your car carefully. This goes without saying, but attempting to get insured on your father's sports car is nigh-on impossible and totally unaffordable for a young driver, especially a male one. This bias towards cheaper insurance for females is justified, given that males between the ages of 17 and 25 are most likely to be involved in a motor accident. Cars therefore with small engines and less power are likely to result in cheaper quotes.

2. Consider old bangers. Yes you probably won't look too cool, and you may have to learn how to plug a radiator leak, but old cars will have lower residual values and thus your insurance brokers will look a little more kindly upon your quote, as opposed to say, if you're hoping to drive a car worth £20k.

3. Shop around online. Young drivers and young people tend to be tech savvy. So use this to your advantage. Try and find cheap insurance quotes online by visiting price comparison websites and insurance companies directly. More often than not, you'll not only save time but a nice wad of cash - but make sure that you compare excess costs like for like.

4. Are you the named driver? Although it's nice to have your own policy and to build up your no claims bonus, why not consider putting one of your parents as the main policy holder and adding yourself as a named driver. This will significantly reduce your insurance costs and might mean you can get some tasty petrol contributions!

5. Park your car in a driveway or garage. Instead of parking your car on the street where the chances of burglary are high, if you have the option, then clear out your garage and make room for your new motor. It will mean your car and possessions are more secure, and your premium will be reduced.

6. Fit an alarm. Most insurance companies will ask you if your car has an immobiliser or alarm fitted to it, so that in the event of an attempted burglary, you'll be suitably informed. Most modern cars these days come with alarms which can even detect if the car has been lifted off the ground, but if you are driving an older car, consider fitting an alarm to it.

7. Use a Boris Bike. Okay, this one is half a joke, but why not ditch the car, get your heart pumping and use a bike? If you live in London, that means you can hop onto any of the bikes sponsored by Barclays for a small hourly fee. That or use your legs and walk a bit. Who knows, it might do you the world of good. Don't forget that if you are driving and you see a cyclist, respect your fellow road users. Car Buzz has a fantastic article on what drivers can do to be more cyclist aware.