| A new study shows there is a steep fall in car | | | | males in particular are punished because of the "boy |
| insurance costs for 18-year-olds compared to | | | | racer" image. So with the Equality Bill allowing insurers |
| 17-year-olds as insurers use age to evaluate risk. So | | | | to base premiums on age, what can 17-year-olds do to |
| how can new drivers keep their costs down? | | | | keep their premiums manageable? |
| According to a comparison website, a 17-year-old | | | | The first step is to ensure they are driving an |
| male living in Lancaster will find car insurance averages | | | | appropriate vehicle. Don't pay for a high performance |
| £3,015 a year. However, by waiting until his 18th | | | | car as they may quickly pay just as much on |
| birthday to take out insurance the cost of the policy | | | | insurance. Instead they should keep their initial car |
| drops to £1,453. There are even more savings | | | | choice small, and conventional with no modifications. |
| to be made if the driver waits until his 19th birthday | | | | If you're a 17-year-old driver then consider taking the |
| when cover costs only £800 a year. | | | | Pass Plus course immediately after passing your |
| It is a similar situation for 17-year-old female drivers. | | | | driving test as it can earn discounts as high as 35 per |
| Though their premiums aren't as high as their male | | | | cent with some insurers. Also see if adding a parent to |
| counterparts, the differences based on age are still | | | | a policy as a named driver can help you save - but |
| staggering. A 17-year-old female faces car insurance | | | | never ask a parent to front a policy for you as this is |
| costs of £1,943 on average compared to an | | | | illegal. |
| 18-year-old female who is typically charged | | | | Many insurers offer premium reductions for enhanced |
| £843 a year. | | | | security such as parking in a garage, fitting a car alarm |
| Young and newly qualified drivers face high premiums | | | | or immobiliser. Many others will ask you to agree to a |
| due to their inexperience and a poor driving reputation - | | | | mileage limit in return for a discount. |