8 tips to save money on car insurance
Cheap car insurance is something many young drivers look out for when they pass their driving test. Whilst it may seem difficult to get a low-cost car insurance quote for drivers under 25, there are ways to save – you just need to know what to look for. From knowing what car to buy to finding the right policy for your needs, there’s suitable cover for everyone. We’ve taken a look at some of the ways you could save money on car insurance…
1Choose the right car
Think very carefully about the type of car you want before you seal the deal.
The make and model of a vehicle are just two of the many things factored into an insurance quote. Every vehicle is put into an ‘insurance group’ numbered from 1 to 50. A powerful, expensive, and rare car will sit in a higher group, increasing the insurance costs.
It’s always worth checking out the insurance groups of the different cars you’re considering before making your purchase. We’ve got a guide to help you discover cars in low groups, which could save you some money when it comes to purchasing your policy.
2Black box technology
Insurance prices are based on the likelihood of you having to make a claim. Unfortunately, this can be quite high for young drivers because of a lack of experience on the roads. One way you could combat this is to have black box technology installed in your car.
Black box insurance is designed to help young drivers keep their insurance costs down. The device will monitor how you drive on every journey – drive well, and you could see your insurance premium come down at renewal.
There are lots of misconceptions around black box insurance; for instance, did you know our black box insurance has no curfews, meaning you can drive whenever you like? If you’re unsure and want to find out more about black boxes, be sure to read our Black Box Myth Busters.
3Consider how much you'll be driving
If you’re not going to be driving all that much, but you’ll still need to get behind the wheel every now and then, you might find buying a car and paying for an annual insurance policy can be costly. Instead, you could consider a Pay as You Go insurance policy. This way, you’ll only pay for the miles you drive so, if you’re not driving a lot, you could save more than you think.
4Explore your options
If you’re insuring your own car, your first thought may be to head over to a comparison site. Likewise, if you’re a parent looking to get your child covered on your current policy, you may think it’s best just to call your own insurance company, but this may not be the most suitable way to get your teen covered.
The best deals might not always be on comparison sites either, so make sure you check out direct sites and ask friends for recommendations. It’s also worth remembering this: it’s not all about the price. Choose an insurance provider you can trust to help you if you need to make a claim. Checking out their ratings on an independent review site, like Trustpilot, is a great way to help you decide. Sometimes, paying a little bit more is worth it for peace of mind alone.
5Look out for discounts
Always check if you’re eligible for any discounts. For example, if you have Learner Driver Insurance with us, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your next policy with Marmalade when you become a full licence holder.
6Buy annual insurance while learning
You don’t have to wait until you’ve passed your test to get insurance. More and more young drivers are taking extra driving practice outside of their lessons, either in a car of their own or a parent’s vehicle. If you know what car you’ll be driving once you’re qualified, it could be more cost effective to buy your cover whilst you’re still learning.
If you pass your test whilst insured with a black box policy through Marmalade, your premium won’t change mid-term. It’s important to check the terms of a policy before you buy annual insurance on a provisional licence, and that’s because, unlike Marmalade, some black box policies will increase your premium once you’ve torn up those ‘L’ plates.
Young drivers on our learner driver insurance policy are eligible for a 10% discount on cover with Marmalade after they pass. Our Black Box Insurance is aimed at young drivers who are the main driver of their own car; it allows them to prove to insurers that they are safe drivers which, in turn, gives them a more personalised premium at renewal.
Our Named Young Driver Insurance is directed towards young drivers who are sharing a parent’s car. A small telematics tag determines when the young driver is behind the wheel and monitors their journeys, helping them to hone their skills and bring their renewal costs down.
7Third party cover could cost more than you think
If you do opt for third party cover, you will need to consider the extra costs you’ll incur if you’re involved in an accident and need to make a claim - as only the third party is covered. This means you might not be able to claim for any damage or a replacement vehicle, and a courtesy car wouldn’t be covered or provided either.
8Avoid car modifications
Whilst a flashy set of wheels with a sub-woofer or styling kit may be tempting, it’s likely to drive up the cost of your insurance. This is because modifications can change the way a car handles or make the car more appealing to thieves – either way, it can increase the likelihood of a claim.
Want car insurance for a young driver under £1000? We can’t guarantee that we can help you get a three-figure quote, but by avoiding a car with modifications and following the tips above, you’ll have a chance of finding a price you’re happy with.
Get set for the open road
9 out of 10 of our black box customers have recommended Marmalade to friends or family.
Join thousands of young drivers enjoying comprehensive cover with no curfews or night-time driving restrictions
Based on an online survey of 622 Marmalade Black Box Insurance customers and parents in April 2019.
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