Last Updated on August 23, 2024
Learning to drive is a significant milestone for many young people, but it often comes with substantial costs, which can include insuring a learner driver. Understanding the options and costs involved can help parents and guardians make informed decisions. This blog explores what you need to know about learner driver insurance and insuring a learner on your car, the available options, and the associated costs.
What Options Are There for Insuring a Learner on My Car?
There are several options available when it comes to insuring a learner driver on your car. Each has its own advantages and cost implications.
Adding a Learner to My Existing Policy
Adding a learner driver to your existing policy can be convenient but may increase your premium significantly. Some insurers view learner drivers as high-risk, which can be reflected in higher costs. This option could be suitable for learners who wish to practice driving regularly and provides comprehensive coverage. However, any claims made could affect your no claims bonus.
For example, when looking at the average cost of a full licence insurance policy for a 40-year-old on a Renault Clio Extreme, the average cost of full licence insurance annual policy is £3409.59 (comprehensive cover with £250 voluntary excess). When adding a 17 year old provisional licence holder as the additional driver, the average annual cost is £3909.09 (comprehensive cover with £250 voluntary excess). This shows an average cost of £505.50 to add a learner driver to your existing car insurance policy*.
*correct as of 14/06/2024
Black Box Insurance
Black box insurance, also known as telematics insurance, involves installing a device in the car that monitors driving behaviour. This can be a good option for learner drivers as it encourages safe driving. The premium can be lower if the driver follows safe driving practices. However, black box policies can be restrictive, with penalties for driving outside certain hours or exceeding mileage limits.
Short-Term Learner Driver Insurance
Short-term learner driver insurance is ideal for occasional practice sessions, or if there’s a driving test in the near future. Policies can be purchased for a day, a week, or a month, providing flexibility and cost savings. If the learner driver does not own a car, learner insurance is often a separate policy, meaning the vehicle owners No Claims Bonus can remain protected.
It’s also a great option for learners who need infrequent practice sessions.
Annual Learner Driver Insurance
For learners who wish to drive regularly over an extended period, annual learner driver insurance might be the most cost-effective option. While the upfront cost can be higher than short-term insurance, it can often work out cheaper per month. This option provides continuous coverage, ensuring the learner is insured for 12 months.
Learner Driver Insurance With Collingwood
How Much Does Short-Term Learner Driver Insurance Cost?
Short-term learner driver insurance offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for building driving skills and confidence. With Collingwood, prices start from as little as 78p per day*. Policies are available for a minimum of 28 days, with the option to top up from just 7 days. This allows learners to practice in a friend or family member’s car, or their own car, without a long-term commitment.
How Much Does Annual Learner Driver Insurance Cost?
Annual learner driver insurance provides coverage for 12 months, allowing you to practice driving in your own car, or a family member’s or friend’s car. Starting from just 72p per day this option supports regular practice over a 12 month period without risking the car owner’s No Claims Bonus Alternatively, if the learner driver owns their own car, they can start to build their own No Claims Bonus with 10 months uninterrupted, claim free driving. Annual learner insurance can offer an economical and practical solution for boosting driving skills and confidence over a longer period. Check out Collingwood’s competitive rates and get a quote to start your journey on the road!
*price correct as of 07/05/2024
Conclusion
Insuring a learner driver can seem daunting, but understanding the options and costs involved can make the process much smoother. Whether you choose to add a learner to your existing policy, opt for black box insurance, or select short-term or annual learner driver insurance, each option has its unique benefits tailored to different needs and driving frequencies. By carefully evaluating your situation and comparing quotes, you can find a cost-effective and comprehensive insurance solution that ensures safety and peace of mind for both the learner driver and yourself. As your learner gains confidence and skills behind the wheel, the right insurance coverage can provide the essential support for a successful driving journey.
FAQs
Most policies will allow you to add a learner driver to your policy, however this will likely increase your premium due to the higher risk associated with learner drivers. It’s also important to check how this will affect your No Claims Bonus. Please check your individual policy before adding a learner driver.
If you add a learner driver to your existing policy, any claims made while they are driving could impact your No Claims Bonus. Collingwood learner driver insurance policies are separate and can protect your no claims bonus.
Black box insurance can be a good option as it promotes safe driving through monitoring. It can result in lower premiums if the learner drives safely. However, it can also impose restrictions and penalties for certain driving behaviours.
The cheapest way to insure a learner driver depends on their driving frequency. For occasional practice, or if a driving test is in the near future, short-term learner driver insurance is often the most economical. For regular driving over 12 months, annual black box insurance or adding a learner to an existing policy may be more cost-effective over time.
Understanding these options and considering your specific needs can help you choose the best and most cost-effective insurance for a learner driver. Always compare quotes and read the policy details carefully to ensure comprehensive coverage and value for money.
