How Can 17-Year-Olds Bring the Cost of Car Insurance Down?
It's the dream, right? Pass your test, hop in your first car, and hit the road with your mates - windows down, music up. But then the reality hits: the cost of car insurance. It's eye-watering. It's more than the car. It's the thing nobody warned you about when you were busy mastering parallel parking.
But here's the deal, just because insurance is expensive at 17 doesn't mean you're powerless. In fact, with a bit of smart thinking and the right strategy, you can knock hundreds of pounds off the price. You've already conquered the driving test. This? Just a different kind of try out.
"Here's how it unfolds..."
You've just passed your test. The L plates have been ceremoniously binned. You've scraped together enough for a second-hand Corsa, and the road is calling. But then you go to insure it... and the quote makes you choke on your tea. Two thousand pounds? For *what*?
It's a common story. 17-year-olds are classed as high risk, no matter how well you drive. No history, no no-claims, no way to prove you're not going to launch the car into a hedge. But that doesn't mean you have to just accept it.
Which Insurers Offer Car Cover for 17-Year-Olds?
There are insurers in the UK who are open to offering cover to new drivers - some with telematics, some without. Here are a few that regularly provide options for 17-year-olds:
- Admiral: Offers policies tailored for new drivers and multicar discounts if you're on the same policy as family members.
- Direct Line: Doesn't appear on comparison sites but offers standalone young driver cover and sometimes includes black box-free options.
- Hastings Direct YouDrive: A flexible telematics policy with a mobile app rather than a fitted device; less hassle, same potential savings.
- Insurethebox: Specialises in black box insurance, rewarding safe driving over time with mileage top-ups.
- QuoteMeHappy (by Aviva): Online-only, often one of the more accessible options for younger drivers.
Some policies will require a black box, whilst others may give you the choice. If you're not fussed about being monitored and you're confident in your driving, telematics can seriously help lower your premium after a few months of safe driving.
Tips That Can Seriously Cut the Cost
It's not just about the insurer. There are ways to game the system (legally, of course) and show insurers you're worth the risk. Here's how:
- Add a parent as a named driver: Not the other way round; no "fronting." But having an experienced driver on your policy can cut costs.
- Pick the right car: Stick to low insurance group cars with small engines. Think Ford Ka, Hyundai i10, or Toyota Aygo - nothing with a turbo.
- Drive fewer miles: If you're only using your car to nip around locally, make sure that's reflected in your quote.
- Increase your voluntary excess: As long as it's realistic, a higher excess can knock down the price.
- Take a Pass Plus course: It's not a miracle, but some insurers reward the extra effort.
Oh, and always compare quotes. Every insurer calculates risk differently, and what's eye-watering from one might be surprisingly reasonable from another.
Telematics vs Traditional: Should You Accept the Black Box?
This one divides opinions. Some 17-year-olds are all for it - it's a way to prove you're not a maniac behind the wheel and slowly earn cheaper cover. Others see it as a digital backseat driver, constantly judging them for braking too hard or driving past 10pm.
If you're comfortable with it, a black box can be a powerful money-saver. Just drive sensibly, and you could see your premium drop significantly in your first year. But if the idea stresses you out, non-telematics policies are still out there, though you'll need to do a bit more hunting to find a decent deal.
Ready to Get on the Road for Less?
Yes, insurance at 17 is steep. But it's not unmanageable. With the right insurer, the right car, and a few smart moves, you can find a deal that gets you behind the wheel without emptying your savings (or your parents').
So don't just take the first quote you see - get a few, compare properly, and make your choice based on more than just price. Whether it's black box or not, you're bound to locate a policy that fits. And once you're sorted? You're free to get out there and make the most of every drive; just maybe keep the revs down.
Start weighing one insurer's quote against another now and find the right deal for your first car, your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.