United Kingdom
When comparing car insurance as a young driver, you’ll have three main levels of cover to choose from — each offering a different level of protection:
This is the minimum legal requirement to drive in the UK. It covers damage or injury caused to other people or their property, but won’t cover your own vehicle if you’re at fault in an accident.
Includes everything from third-party cover, with added protection if your car is stolen or damaged by fire. However, it still won’t cover your vehicle after an at-fault accident.
The highest level of cover — it protects you, your car, and others, even if you’re at fault. And despite offering the most protection, comprehensive cover can often be the cheapest option for young drivers when you compare quotes.
Young driver insurance refers to car insurance for drivers aged 17 to 24. While it’s not a separate type of policy, premiums for this age group are typically higher — as insurers see new and less experienced drivers as a higher risk.
Finding cheap car insurance as a young driver can be challenging, but there are ways to cut costs and still get the cover you need.
At Clarity Compare, we help you explore affordable options, compare quotes, and discover ways to save — so you can hit the road with confidence.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to car insurance for young drivers — but there are a few options that could help you save and find the right fit for how you drive:
This type of policy uses a small device or app to monitor your driving habits. If you drive safely, you could be rewarded with lower premiums — ideal for young drivers looking to prove they’re low risk.
If you don’t drive often, a pay-per-mile or PAYG policy could work in your favour. Instead of paying a full annual premium, you’ll only pay for the miles you actually drive.
Adding an experienced driver — like a parent — to your policy could reduce your premium, especially if they’ll be sharing the driving. Just make sure the main driver is correctly listed to avoid ‘fronting’ (insurance fraud).
Still learning? Learner driver insurance lets you practise in someone else’s car without affecting their no-claims bonus if something goes wrong. It provides separate cover while you're behind the wheel.
Young motorists now pay an average of £2,829 a year to run a car — down £280 from £3,109 in 2023. While that’s good news, car insurance still makes up 63% of the total cost for young drivers.³
That’s why it’s more important than ever to compare quotes and find the best value cover. At Clarity Compare, we’re here to help you save where it matters most.
| Cost | 2023 | 2024 | % of total cost (2024)[3] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car Insurance | £1,929 | £1,769 | 63% |
| Fuel | £945 | £815 | 29% |
| Est. VED (Road Tax) | £180 | £190 | 7% |
| MOT | £55 | £55 | 2% |
| Total cost per year | £3,109 | £2,829 | 100% |
Cars in insurance groups 1 to 10 typically offer the lowest premiums. These are usually smaller, less powerful vehicles — ideal for first-time drivers.
If you’d prefer not to use telematics, comparing standard comprehensive policies is your best bet. Shopping around is key to finding affordable cover without a black box.
Yes — you can add optional extras like breakdown cover, key cover, or motor legal protection. Just make sure you’re only paying for what you really need.
Absolutely. Some insurers offer temporary or flexible cover for car-sharing arrangements. Just ensure the policy covers the way you plan to use the vehicle.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but comparing quotes is the most effective way to find the cheapest option. Factors like your car, mileage, and driving history all influence the price — so it’s worth checking regularly.
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