New Young Drivers - insurance Help Please
Discussion
I know, i know. Done to death but the search on PH is infuriating.
My Daughter had her first lesson yesterday and i'm thinking ahead. We're told the test is at least 6 months out due to how busy things are and a massive backlog in our area. i wanted her on the road for Christmas but ho hum.
We have a few quid put away for her first car and was hoping to put some of that towards insurance but i'm hearing that it's just a minefield. She will have about £9k to play with to buy a car and to insure it in year one although i'll likely end up either gifting the insurance funds to her to let her get into something newer and put some away for fuel / running costs etc. But where do i even start?
Black box is always the first thing that anyone says and we're OK with that - gives me *some* reassurance she isn't going to bin it on day one (yeah, i'm a hypocrite).
I see admiral do a plug and play thing - it plugs into the 12v socket and she takes it from one car to another that is registered on the policy. If she shares a car with her mum (2012 Fiat 500) does she simply unplug it when she isn't driving then puts it back in when she is? Sure that's wide open for abuse?
If she sticks to something small engine, 998, 3 cyl then i believe this is the key and after year 2 it will drop significantly providing she keeps her nose clear.
My Daughter had her first lesson yesterday and i'm thinking ahead. We're told the test is at least 6 months out due to how busy things are and a massive backlog in our area. i wanted her on the road for Christmas but ho hum.
We have a few quid put away for her first car and was hoping to put some of that towards insurance but i'm hearing that it's just a minefield. She will have about £9k to play with to buy a car and to insure it in year one although i'll likely end up either gifting the insurance funds to her to let her get into something newer and put some away for fuel / running costs etc. But where do i even start?
Black box is always the first thing that anyone says and we're OK with that - gives me *some* reassurance she isn't going to bin it on day one (yeah, i'm a hypocrite).
I see admiral do a plug and play thing - it plugs into the 12v socket and she takes it from one car to another that is registered on the policy. If she shares a car with her mum (2012 Fiat 500) does she simply unplug it when she isn't driving then puts it back in when she is? Sure that's wide open for abuse?
If she sticks to something small engine, 998, 3 cyl then i believe this is the key and after year 2 it will drop significantly providing she keeps her nose clear.
Davie_GLA said:
Black box is always the first thing that anyone says and we're OK with that - gives me *some* reassurance she isn't going to bin it on day one (yeah, i'm a hypocrite).
I see admiral do a plug and play thing - it plugs into the 12v socket and she takes it from one car to another that is registered on the policy. If she shares a car with her mum (2012 Fiat 500) does she simply unplug it when she isn't driving then puts it back in when she is?
I expect so. My son's "black box" is just an app on his phone.I see admiral do a plug and play thing - it plugs into the 12v socket and she takes it from one car to another that is registered on the policy. If she shares a car with her mum (2012 Fiat 500) does she simply unplug it when she isn't driving then puts it back in when she is?
My lad passed 6 years ago, ended up with a blackbox policy through Admiral, was £750 / 3k miles first year which after year 3 was down around the £350 mark. He’s 23 now and paying not far off what I would pay.
We chose a car suited to insurance and spent ages typing reg numbers into Compare the Market and the like to get a basic list and went from there.
If you or your wife are down as additional drivers (and you have good records) it can make a huge difference - but obviously only if you do really use it. I used my sons as a station hack a few times a week.
You / she has far more budget than I was going to throw at my kids! I spent £900 on a 1.2 06 Plate Clio Campus, one old lady owner, serviced to the max. Sold it last week for £450 at 115k miles! We probably spent at least what it cost in servicing with cambelt and a clutch! He’s been everywhere in it, Scotland, Lakes, North Wales, Cornwall - if it has anything resembling a cliff or a mountain that’s climable, the Clio was parked close by.
When it came to my daughter, we just didn’t have space on the drive, so we got her a supplementary policy on my wife’s 2013 1.2 Fiat 500. Relatively expensive, £25 per 100 miles - but it’s pay as you go - and has a GPS box that she pairs with her phone if she drives. She’s at Uni 8 months of the year so actually, for the 8-900 she does it’s brilliant. It’s with Marmalade. Every month or two I get an email with another £25 on my card…..
We chose a car suited to insurance and spent ages typing reg numbers into Compare the Market and the like to get a basic list and went from there.
If you or your wife are down as additional drivers (and you have good records) it can make a huge difference - but obviously only if you do really use it. I used my sons as a station hack a few times a week.
You / she has far more budget than I was going to throw at my kids! I spent £900 on a 1.2 06 Plate Clio Campus, one old lady owner, serviced to the max. Sold it last week for £450 at 115k miles! We probably spent at least what it cost in servicing with cambelt and a clutch! He’s been everywhere in it, Scotland, Lakes, North Wales, Cornwall - if it has anything resembling a cliff or a mountain that’s climable, the Clio was parked close by.
When it came to my daughter, we just didn’t have space on the drive, so we got her a supplementary policy on my wife’s 2013 1.2 Fiat 500. Relatively expensive, £25 per 100 miles - but it’s pay as you go - and has a GPS box that she pairs with her phone if she drives. She’s at Uni 8 months of the year so actually, for the 8-900 she does it’s brilliant. It’s with Marmalade. Every month or two I get an email with another £25 on my card…..
Edited by grumpy_dave on Thursday 7th August 13:00
said:
I consider it good practice to put all members of the household on the policy, and/or all family members even living away so that anybody can drive legally should the need arise.
MustangGT said:
said:
I consider it good practice to put all members of the household on the policy, and/or all family members even living away so that anybody can drive legally should the need arise.
Conversely, I wouldn’t put either of them on my 911 insurance, very poor practice, even if I could find an insurer stupid enough. Did try and find day insurance for him for a recent Scotland run, no flipping chance….
It was a few years ago (6 for my youngest). But with my kids I found non black box policies were cheaper than black box ones.
I did get them each a car and insure it in their name as soon as they were 17, so they had an insurance track record, that meant once they had a full licence they were not a new risk to the insurers.
I think car type makes a difference too, we avoided things like Corsa's and Clios (boy racer favourites) and went for Skoda and Mazda. Skoda was a 1.4 and the Mazda a 1.2.
I did get them each a car and insure it in their name as soon as they were 17, so they had an insurance track record, that meant once they had a full licence they were not a new risk to the insurers.
I think car type makes a difference too, we avoided things like Corsa's and Clios (boy racer favourites) and went for Skoda and Mazda. Skoda was a 1.4 and the Mazda a 1.2.
Edited by blueg33 on Thursday 7th August 14:07
My eldest daughter is 17 in 4 weeks time and is on at me for a Fiat 500...
I had to play with the online comparison sites, for both her being a learner and having 'just' passed her test, pick a registration number off a few cars from Autotrader and play with the details, I got some quote surprising quotes for her being 17.1/2 and just having passed her test of around £1,250 for a 11 year old Fiat 500.
Good luck. All of the best quotes were without a black box as well.
I had to play with the online comparison sites, for both her being a learner and having 'just' passed her test, pick a registration number off a few cars from Autotrader and play with the details, I got some quote surprising quotes for her being 17.1/2 and just having passed her test of around £1,250 for a 11 year old Fiat 500.
Good luck. All of the best quotes were without a black box as well.
In the last few years I've had both my lads pass their tests and had to insure them.
Oldest lad had a Tesco black box policy for the first year. No complaints, weren't overbearing, but he was quite sensible. Cost £2400 for the first year on a 2011 Seat Ibiza ST1.6tdi. At renewal they still wanted £1500, but we found we could pass his car to his brother to learn in and get him an NB mx-5 1.8 and insure it for £1200, so we did that. He still drives the mx-5 now and after 2 years driving his policy was down to £850 on the mx-5.
Youngest lad then learnt in the Ibiza. First year of insurance was with Admiral black box. Cost £2600. Not had any problem with it, and he hasn't been *that* fastidious at avoiding minor speeding or avoiding late nights. His renewal has come in at around £800, so he'll stay with them for another year.
Could have saved a lot of money by buying them a first car that was smaller and had less engine displacement/power.
Oldest lad had a Tesco black box policy for the first year. No complaints, weren't overbearing, but he was quite sensible. Cost £2400 for the first year on a 2011 Seat Ibiza ST1.6tdi. At renewal they still wanted £1500, but we found we could pass his car to his brother to learn in and get him an NB mx-5 1.8 and insure it for £1200, so we did that. He still drives the mx-5 now and after 2 years driving his policy was down to £850 on the mx-5.
Youngest lad then learnt in the Ibiza. First year of insurance was with Admiral black box. Cost £2600. Not had any problem with it, and he hasn't been *that* fastidious at avoiding minor speeding or avoiding late nights. His renewal has come in at around £800, so he'll stay with them for another year.
Could have saved a lot of money by buying them a first car that was smaller and had less engine displacement/power.
I've just been through all this with my eldest (now 18)
Ended up settling on a VW polo (2018 onwards the earlier cars are more expensive probably because they have less driving aids)
We ran so man cars though with wild insurance prices and the polo was the most reasonable
i picked up a FSH 60k mile 2018 TFSI se from Copart with a dented drivers door - they do a non turbo version too but its very slow. We paid £5500 and spent £2500 insuring him with a black box - second year its dropped to £1000
we found 3 cars that were reasonable
VW polo 2018 onwards
fiat 500
Alfa Mito (500 based)
We wanted him in something that could take a knock so avoided the 500s and mitos
VW came with apple car play etc he loves it
good luck
Ended up settling on a VW polo (2018 onwards the earlier cars are more expensive probably because they have less driving aids)
We ran so man cars though with wild insurance prices and the polo was the most reasonable
i picked up a FSH 60k mile 2018 TFSI se from Copart with a dented drivers door - they do a non turbo version too but its very slow. We paid £5500 and spent £2500 insuring him with a black box - second year its dropped to £1000
we found 3 cars that were reasonable
VW polo 2018 onwards
fiat 500
Alfa Mito (500 based)
We wanted him in something that could take a knock so avoided the 500s and mitos
VW came with apple car play etc he loves it
good luck
To answer the OP question about uplugging it when your child isn't driving it, I don't think they advise that. We've had a couple of policies and they say just leave it in. They will know when it's been unplugged (they have internal batteries - well his did) and they won't like it as it's easy way to keep your mileage down.
We had one which plugged into cigar lighter and one which plugged into OBD port.
Like others, I liked the fact he had it to keep him sensible but I did worry it would be over zealous in his 'score'. It was OK in the end although he scored poorly on nighttime driving despite not doing it that often.
We had one which plugged into cigar lighter and one which plugged into OBD port.
Like others, I liked the fact he had it to keep him sensible but I did worry it would be over zealous in his 'score'. It was OK in the end although he scored poorly on nighttime driving despite not doing it that often.
3 of my 4 kids have all had learner insurance through Marmalade.
With the last one she migrated seamlessly into a first year policy with the same company with the "black box" when she passed.
Super simple and very competitive on price.
She learnt & passed in our Vw Up.
£1800 with the box & app.
With the last one she migrated seamlessly into a first year policy with the same company with the "black box" when she passed.
Super simple and very competitive on price.
She learnt & passed in our Vw Up.
£1800 with the box & app.
Another thing to think about - To get a less expensive first year insurance quote, try to shop around and get insurance to start at least a fortnight or so after they pass. It'll be hell for them to not drive on their own insurance as soon as they pass their test, and hell for you to put up with them in that time ( 
) it, but some people do say leaving it a fortnight to a month to get insured after passing your test is cheaper, by a fair wedge, as the propensity to crash within that timefame was partly what was pushing up those early driving premiums.
) it, but some people do say leaving it a fortnight to a month to get insured after passing your test is cheaper, by a fair wedge, as the propensity to crash within that timefame was partly what was pushing up those early driving premiums.Edited by hurstg01 on Thursday 7th August 15:49
Been through this with three of them over the last 6 years...
We ended up with Admiral policy, no black box. We were on admiral multicar, and it worked out cheaper for good cover than many.
Admiral also give learner and new drivers as names folk NCB. This is worth a fortune in years to come - one of mine learned to drive on our small car, drove it for a 18 months and was given 2yrs NCB by Admiral - on a transit campervan!
Also, small cars and small engines can be more expensive to insure. We looked at things like 1lt Fiesta, Polo, Aygo. All were more expensive than the 'grandparent' cars such as a Transit 2.2, 1.8 Civic, 1.4 Ibiza estate or Mazda 3 they have ended up with as first cars.
Lastly, their behaviour behind the wheel is not governed by a black box. It's their attitude and understanding of responsibilities. Having mates in car or late nights is a huge risk. Ours were under a 'one strike and you are off the insurance' - any bump (no matter fault) or any complaints - they are off driving.
Funnily enough all had friends who were bought cars, parents paid insurance, and then went on to crash cars... Only to have them replaced. Our three have not scratched a single car in 6 years....
We ended up with Admiral policy, no black box. We were on admiral multicar, and it worked out cheaper for good cover than many.
Admiral also give learner and new drivers as names folk NCB. This is worth a fortune in years to come - one of mine learned to drive on our small car, drove it for a 18 months and was given 2yrs NCB by Admiral - on a transit campervan!
Also, small cars and small engines can be more expensive to insure. We looked at things like 1lt Fiesta, Polo, Aygo. All were more expensive than the 'grandparent' cars such as a Transit 2.2, 1.8 Civic, 1.4 Ibiza estate or Mazda 3 they have ended up with as first cars.
Lastly, their behaviour behind the wheel is not governed by a black box. It's their attitude and understanding of responsibilities. Having mates in car or late nights is a huge risk. Ours were under a 'one strike and you are off the insurance' - any bump (no matter fault) or any complaints - they are off driving.
Funnily enough all had friends who were bought cars, parents paid insurance, and then went on to crash cars... Only to have them replaced. Our three have not scratched a single car in 6 years....
When my 3 children went through this we followed a pattern insuring each as learners via Admirals multi car ( after the first obviously ) and then the first acted as admin for the other two as applicable.
All in their names and us both as named drivers ( I think we both drove all of them occasionally but there is absolutely no requirement to do so ) with also restricting the annual mileage from memory to 7,000 pa for each of them.
No black box required - or wanted.
Obviously when they all passed premium was hiked accordingly !
I had made it clear that getting to their first years NCB was vital ( Admiral gave the 1 year irrespective of how much time they had as full licence holders ) and as such if they did I would continue to pay the premium.
It worked in each case.
All in their names and us both as named drivers ( I think we both drove all of them occasionally but there is absolutely no requirement to do so ) with also restricting the annual mileage from memory to 7,000 pa for each of them.
No black box required - or wanted.
Obviously when they all passed premium was hiked accordingly !
I had made it clear that getting to their first years NCB was vital ( Admiral gave the 1 year irrespective of how much time they had as full licence holders ) and as such if they did I would continue to pay the premium.
It worked in each case.
hurstg01 said:
Another thing to think about - To get a less expensive first year insurance quote, try to shop around and get insurance to start at least a fortnight or so after they pass. It'll be hell for them to not drive on their own insurance as soon as they pass their test, and hell for you to put up with them in that time ( ) it, but some people do say leaving it a fortnight to a month to get insured after passing your test is cheaper, by a fair wedge, as the propensity to crash within that timefame was partly what was pushing up those early driving premiums.
Buying insurance in advance is the key. Buy car insurance 3-4 weeks before their test. If they fail cancel the insurance at no cost. Buying on the day your insurance is due to start, regardless of being a new driver costs way way more. ) it, but some people do say leaving it a fortnight to a month to get insured after passing your test is cheaper, by a fair wedge, as the propensity to crash within that timefame was partly what was pushing up those early driving premiums.Edited by hurstg01 on Thursday 7th August 15:49
Newer petrol Mini's seem to deliver decent insurance costs, relative to power, reasonable running costs and driving experience
My daughter (17 at the time) passed her test back in Feb.
Ran numerous quotes through various online comparison sites.
Fiat 500, VW Up, Skoda Citigo, 108 and Aygo all came back fairly reasonable.
Whilst learning she did have cover as a named driver on my old Peugeot 207, however the cost went up considerably for once she passed her test.
In the end we bought a Toyota Aygo and insured it though my admiral multi cover policy with no black box. The car and insurance are all in her name, and they will give her a full years NCB come November when all the policies are due for renewal, even although she will have only been driving for 9 months. I think it was about 1100 quid for her policy which is fully comp and includes business use for all.
PS the wee Aygo is actually a very good little car. It took me by surprise how good it is. Loads of room up front, not so much in the back. Decent head unit with phone connectivity, excellent fuel economy and currently £0 to tax, although that has changed and it will cost £20 the next time i tax it.
Ran numerous quotes through various online comparison sites.
Fiat 500, VW Up, Skoda Citigo, 108 and Aygo all came back fairly reasonable.
Whilst learning she did have cover as a named driver on my old Peugeot 207, however the cost went up considerably for once she passed her test.
In the end we bought a Toyota Aygo and insured it though my admiral multi cover policy with no black box. The car and insurance are all in her name, and they will give her a full years NCB come November when all the policies are due for renewal, even although she will have only been driving for 9 months. I think it was about 1100 quid for her policy which is fully comp and includes business use for all.
PS the wee Aygo is actually a very good little car. It took me by surprise how good it is. Loads of room up front, not so much in the back. Decent head unit with phone connectivity, excellent fuel economy and currently £0 to tax, although that has changed and it will cost £20 the next time i tax it.
Go for a leftfield car choice.
Got a quote for my lad (almost 17) on a a 10k 986 Boxster - figured not many 17 year olds would have one of those so not much crash data to scare a high premium. With only two seats reduces risk of crashing and maiming four others in the car. Premium was reasonable, granted it will jump threefold once he passed.
Big Volvo might be another peculiar choice that might surprise and prove safe.
Got a quote for my lad (almost 17) on a a 10k 986 Boxster - figured not many 17 year olds would have one of those so not much crash data to scare a high premium. With only two seats reduces risk of crashing and maiming four others in the car. Premium was reasonable, granted it will jump threefold once he passed.
Big Volvo might be another peculiar choice that might surprise and prove safe.
Davie_GLA said:
I know, i know. Done to death but the search on PH is infuriating.
My Daughter had her first lesson yesterday and i'm thinking ahead. We're told the test is at least 6 months out due to how busy things are and a massive backlog in our area. i wanted her on the road for Christmas but ho hum.
We have a few quid put away for her first car and was hoping to put some of that towards insurance but i'm hearing that it's just a minefield. She will have about £9k to play with to buy a car and to insure it in year one although i'll likely end up either gifting the insurance funds to her to let her get into something newer and put some away for fuel / running costs etc. But where do i even start?
Black box is always the first thing that anyone says and we're OK with that - gives me *some* reassurance she isn't going to bin it on day one (yeah, i'm a hypocrite).
I see admiral do a plug and play thing - it plugs into the 12v socket and she takes it from one car to another that is registered on the policy. If she shares a car with her mum (2012 Fiat 500) does she simply unplug it when she isn't driving then puts it back in when she is? Sure that's wide open for abuse?
If she sticks to something small engine, 998, 3 cyl then i believe this is the key and after year 2 it will drop significantly providing she keeps her nose clear.
Beware black box policies.My Daughter had her first lesson yesterday and i'm thinking ahead. We're told the test is at least 6 months out due to how busy things are and a massive backlog in our area. i wanted her on the road for Christmas but ho hum.
We have a few quid put away for her first car and was hoping to put some of that towards insurance but i'm hearing that it's just a minefield. She will have about £9k to play with to buy a car and to insure it in year one although i'll likely end up either gifting the insurance funds to her to let her get into something newer and put some away for fuel / running costs etc. But where do i even start?
Black box is always the first thing that anyone says and we're OK with that - gives me *some* reassurance she isn't going to bin it on day one (yeah, i'm a hypocrite).
I see admiral do a plug and play thing - it plugs into the 12v socket and she takes it from one car to another that is registered on the policy. If she shares a car with her mum (2012 Fiat 500) does she simply unplug it when she isn't driving then puts it back in when she is? Sure that's wide open for abuse?
If she sticks to something small engine, 998, 3 cyl then i believe this is the key and after year 2 it will drop significantly providing she keeps her nose clear.
Some of them require a fob / token or other small piece of hardware that will be manufactured for 10p. There are quite believable stories of them reporting stuff that didn't happen.
Also some black box insurance providers are b
ds. There is one named after a famous battle on the south coast, where Harold took an arrow in the eye. I would not use them for insurance again if it was free of charge.We found non-box policies not much more costly.
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