Your guide to car insurance for 17 year olds

You've finally passed your test, and are ready to hit the road with your new-found sense of freedom. However, before you get started, you face the challenge of insuring your first car. Car insurance for 17 year olds can be surprisingly expensive, as insurers consider them high risk due to limited experience and a higher likelihood of accidents.

However, equipped with the right knowledge and choices, there are plenty of ways to lower your premiums and make car insurance more affordable. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to get started.

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Why is car insurance more expensive for 17 year olds?

Insurance premiums are calculated based on risk, and when you first get on the road, your limited experience is seen as a higher risk by insurers. According to statistics from road safety charity Brake*, while 50% of new drivers pass their test first time, 1 in 5 end up in a crash within their first year of driving.

What's more, the same report by Brake found that approximately half of drivers aged 17-24 admit to using their mobile phones while driving - which is the highest out of all age groups. And worse still, road traffic accidents account for the leading cause of death among people between the age of 15-29 worldwide.

With young drivers being at a greater risk of crashing compared to other age groups, insurers calculate premiums based on the increased probability of needing to cover more claims compared to those of an experienced driver. But fear not, as there are still ways to reduce the cost of your car insurance, which we will detail below.

Which types of car insurance are available for 17 year olds?

There are three types of cover available for young drivers:

• Third party - This is the minimum legal requirement of cover for any motor insurance, and it covers you for any damage caused to another person, their vehicle or their property.

• Third party, fire and theft (TPFT) - This type of cover includes everything covered by a third-party policy, as well as protecting you against theft and fire damage to your car.

• Fully comprehensive cover - This policy provides the most extensive cover, including all of the above as well as loss or damage to you, your car and your property, even if you're at fault.

How much is car insurance for 17 year olds?

There are a number of factors which can affect the amount you pay for your car insurance as a young driver. These typically include:

• • Driving experience.

  • Age.

  • Type of vehicle.

  • Where you live.

  • How much you drive.

  • Any no claims bonus you may have accumulated as a learner driver.

  • Your annual mileage.

  • Where you keep your vehicle parked overnight.

  • How you pay for your insurance - upfront or monthly.

To get a better idea of how much your policy will cost, contact an insurance broker to get a quote.

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What's the cheapest way to insure a 17 year old?

Although certain factors, like age and experience, are beyond your control, there are still a number of ways to reduce the cost of car insurance for young drivers. Below we have put together a list of all best the ways to do this.

Pick a car that's cheap to insure

Opting for a car in a low insurance group is a practical way to keep premiums affordable, especially for new drivers. Cars in group 1 are the cheapest to insure, while group 50 is the most expensive. Smaller, less powerful vehicles with modern safety features generally fall into lower groups and are more budget-friendly to insure. So if you're still deciding on a car, make sure you do your research!

Add a parent or experienced driver to your policy

Young or learner drivers can lower their car insurance premiums by including an experienced older driver, like a parent, on their policy as a named driver. This can help lower the risk because it shows that a more experienced driver will also be using the car, reducing the average cost of the policy. However, this person must also regularly drive the vehicle - failing to do so may result in being accused of 'fronting', which is a form of driving fraud.

Add a voluntary excess

Choosing to add an excess to your policy can also help reduce the cost. In general, the larger the excess you choose, the lower the premium. Make sure you choose an amount you'll be able to afford in the event of a claim.

Choose a black box policy

A black box, also known as a telematics device, records and transmits data about a vehicle's driving habits, such as speed, acceleration, and braking, to an insurance company. Taking out black box insurance can reduce your premium rate when its time for renewal - given that you drive safely and sensibly - as it shows your insurer that you are a responsible driver.

Consider taking an advanced driving course

After passing your test, you can also take the Pass Plus scheme, a course which can boost your confidence on the road and help you learn additional skills. Taking additional driving courses such as this demonstrates to your insurer that you're committed to becoming the safest driver you can - making you a lower risk on the road which is often rewarded with lower premium rates.

Consider a limited mileage policy

Some insurers offer limited mileage policies, which is a type of car insurance designed for drivers who don't drive much each year. It typically offers lower premiums in exchange for agreeing to stay within a certain annual mileage limit. You should track how much you drive, because exceeding the mileage on the policy can result in higher premiums or even cancellation.

Only insure for the amount you need

Another way to save money on your car insurance is by getting temporary car insurance, rather than an annual policy, depending on how frequently you feel you will use your vehicle.

Avoid modifications

The only vehicle modifications that could lower your premium are those that improve the vehicles' safety. These must be industry-approved, and your insurer must be informed before installation.

Generally speaking, it's best to avoid modifying your car - vehicles equipped with aftermarket stereo systems or alloy wheels, for example, tend to attract thieves and are more likely to be stolen. Some insurers outright refuse to provide cover for modified cars, and those that do will charge much higher premiums.

What are the cheapest cars to insure for 17 year olds?

As mentioned above, the cheapest cars are those in the lowest insurance groups. According to the RAC, the cheapest car to insure in 2025 is a Fiat 500. Below are the top ten cheapest cars to insure for 17 year olds:

1. Fiat 500

2. Peugeot 108

3. Hyundai i20

4. Ford Fiesta

5. Vauxhall Corsa

6. Renault Clio

7. Peugeot 208

8. Toyota Aygo

9. Skoda Fabia

10. Citroen C1

Source: RAC

Can you get temporary car insurance for young drivers?

The short answer is yes. Temporary car insurance is a great option for 17-year-olds who aren't ready to commit to a full policy, or don't need to be covered on their vehicle for the full year and want to save some money.

It can also be handy for borrowing a car temporarily or getting cover on a parent's vehicle during the holidays. With flexible short-term cover, you can select the duration, ranging from a few hours to several weeks, ensuring you only pay for what you need. Plus, if you make a claim, it won’t impact the vehicle owner’s no-claims bonus.

Can 17 year olds get classic car insurance?

While classic car insurance for 17-year-olds is technically possible, it’s not all that common. Very few insurers offer classic car insurance to drivers who are so new to driving. As with regular car insurance, more experience you have, the more comfortable insurers feel about insuring you.

Car insurance for 17 year olds: quickfire summary

Car insurance is generally more expensive for 17-year-olds due to their limited driving experience and higher risk of accidents.

Despite this, there are many ways to reduce premiums, including:

• Choosing a car that's cheap to insure.

• Adding an experienced driver to your policy.

• Increasing your voluntary excess.

• Considering black box insurance.

• Taking an advanced driving course.

• Limiting mileage.

• Avoiding modifications.

Temporary car insurance is a flexible alternative for 17-year-olds who don’t need annual coverage. It allows for short-term use, such as borrowing a car or practising with a family member.

While classic car insurance is technically possible for 17 year olds, it’s exceedingly rare.

With good research, the right choices, and safe driving, you can save on car insurance as a new driver!

*Source: Brake