Young motorists opting for third-party only motor insurance in a bid to save money may find that this is no longer the way to cut the cost of their premiums, according to moneysupermarket.com.
- Young motorists pay much more for third-party only motor cover
- Renewals season underway – shop around for the best value motor insurance policy for you, says moneysupermarket.com
The price comparison site analysed the average cost of annual motor insurance policies for male and female motorists across the age-scale. The research reveals, despite offering the lowest level of cover, third-party only is the most expensive option for motorists, especially younger drivers, followed by third party, fire and theft. Fully comprehensive policies offer the most level of cover yet the lowest premiums1.
The research found on average third-party only cover for a driver under the age of 21 is £1,434 and 50 per cent more expensive than opting for fully comprehensive insurance at £955 (see table below for what is included in third-party only, third party, fire and theft and fully comprehensive cover). The average premium for third-party fire and theft costs £1,118 and 17 per cent over the cost of fully comprehensive cover.
Steve Sweeney, head of motor insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said: “This research shatters several myths. Traditionally motorists might assume a third-party only policy will be cheaper because of the reduced levels of cover, but in recent years, drivers with a more ‘risky’ profile, such as younger motorists, have opted for this cover to keep the cost of motoring down. Providers have reacted to this perceived increase in risk by driving up the cost of third-party only cover. It really does pay to shop around and do the research to find the best car insurance policy at the best price.”
Here is some tips to younger drivers to cut motor insurance costs :
- Shop around – The Association of British Insurers says you can save 35 per cent by comparing as few as five insurance providers.
- Buy online – Many car insurance providers offer discounts to customers that buy online.
- Mileage limit – Consider a mileage limit or to only drive at certain hours of the day.
- Car security – Make sure you have an alarm and immobiliser.
- Drive a car with a smaller engine – A newer, more reliable car that is less likely to be used by ‘boy racers’ will have a cheaper premium. Aim to drive a car like this for at least two years after passing your test – and forget about turbo-charged cars, with big spoilers, fat tyres, alloy rims and other “sexy” extras.
- Parents – If at all possible, avoid being added to a parent’s insurance policy. It prevents you from building up your own no-claims bonus. And if you are the main driver or registered keeper of the car, DO NOT insure it in your parents’ name and put yourself down as a named driver. This is known as “fronting” and in the event of an accident it could mean the claim is not paid. Moreover, the younger driver can be charged with driving without insurance.
- Pass Plus – This is a certificate where a young driver who has already passed his or her driving test receives specific lessons in night, motorway and town traffic driving; achieving Pass Plus can earn significant discounts (as much as 35%) on your car insurance.
Notes to Editors:
|
Fully Comprehensive |
Third Party Fire & Theft |
Third Party |
|
Fully comprehensive will cover all damage and injury to anybody involved in an accident. |
Third Party Fire and Theft will cover the costs of any damage or injury you cause to anybody else, it also covers your vehicle against accidental fire or theft. |
Third Party will cover the costs of any damage or injury you cause to anybody else. |
Fully comprehensive vs. third party insurance
1Full breakdown of tables showing spread of policies by age and gender
| YY | Gender | Fully Comp | Third Party | Third Party
(Fire and Theft) |
Average |
| 17-21 | Male | £ 1,188.57 | £ 1,763.31 | £ 1,214.85 | £ 1,388.91 |
| Female | £ 721.73 | £ 1,104.74 | £ 719.30 | £ 848.59 | |
| 17-21 Total | £ 955.15 | £ 1,434.02 | £ 967.07 | £ 1,118.75 | |
| 22-25 | Male | £ 573.12 | £ 1,058.41 | £ 708.55 | £ 780.03 |
| Female | £ 401.52 | £ 743.70 | £ 485.81 | £ 543.68 | |
| 22-25 Total | £ 487.32 | £ 901.06 | £ 597.18 | £ 661.85 | |
| 26-29 | Male | £ 415.83 | £ 778.96 | £ 510.75 | £ 568.51 |
| Female | £ 331.29 | £ 653.52 | £ 386.45 | £ 457.09 | |
| 26-29 Total | £ 373.56 | £ 716.24 | £ 448.60 | £ 512.80 | |
| 30-39 | Male | £ 282.32 | £ 626.58 | £ 405.99 | £ 438.30 |
| Female | £ 276.24 | £ 606.80 | £ 394.18 | £ 425.74 | |
| 30-39 Total | £ 279.28 | £ 616.69 | £ 400.09 | £ 432.02 | |
| 40-49 | Male | £ 348.96 | £ 809.73 | £ 550.98 | £ 569.89 |
| Female | £ 363.13 | £ 1,070.86 | £ 717.86 | £ 717.28 | |
| 40-49 Total | £ 356.05 | £ 940.29 | £ 634.42 | £ 643.59 | |
| 50-59 | Male | £ 338.42 | £ 840.41 | £ 602.83 | £ 593.89 |
| Female | £ 306.93 | £ 882.28 | £ 607.41 | £ 598.87 | |
| 50-59 Total | £ 322.67 | £ 861.34 | £ 605.12 | £ 596.38 | |
| 60-65 | Male | £ 229.44 | £ 605.64 | £ 493.06 | £ 442.72 |
| Female | £ 190.97 | £ 491.27 | £ 393.56 | £ 358.60 | |
| 60-65 Total | £ 210.21 | £ 548.46 | £ 443.31 | £ 400.66 | |
| 66+ | Male | £ 235.39 | £ 592.50 | £ 401.80 | £ 409.90 |
| Female | £ 201.34 | £ 532.26 | £ 361.05 | £ 364.88 | |
| 66+ Total | £ 218.36 | £ 562.38 | £ 381.43 | £ 387.39 | |
| Ave | £ 400.33 | £ 822.56 | £ 559.65 | £ 594.18 |
Sourced by http://www.moneysupermarket.com/ 17.08.2009
Scenario: Research based on 1.5m motor insurance quotes between July 8th and August 17th 2009.
