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Vehicle Type
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Why is car insurance more expensive for 17-year-olds?
Car insurance for 17-year-olds can be expensive because, simply put, young drivers carry more risk to insurance providers. Insurers know that accidents are more common among 17-year-olds, so policies for this age group cost more than those for older drivers.
It's nothing personal. Even careful 17-year-olds can pay more for car insurance than older drivers because insurers have to factor in experience, reaction times, and accident statistics. However, with careful choices, you can secure affordable insurance without compromise.
How much does car insurance cost for 18-year-olds?
You already know that car insurance for young drivers costs more, but how much more? On average, 17-24-year-olds pay around £1,340 a year, with 17-18-year-olds at the higher end.
| Region | Average Cost for 18 Year Olds | Overall UK Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | £1,805 | £991 | +£814 |
| Manchester | £1,403 | £714 | +£689 |
| Birmingham | £1,495 | £787 | +£708 |
| South West | £1,005 | £502 | +£503 |
| Wales | £1,112 | £542 | +£570 |
What type of car insurance do 17-18-year-olds need?
When it comes to young driver insurance, there are three main types with different levels of protection:
Fully comprehensive
Comprehensive car insurance provides the highest level of protection. It covers damage to other vehicles and property, and also pays out if your car is damaged, even when you're at fault or the cause cannot be proven.
Third-party, fire and theft
This level sits between basic cover and full comprehensive. It protects against damage you cause to other vehicles or property and also covers your own car if it’s stolen or damaged by fire.
Third-party only
As the most basic level of car insurance, this meets the legal minimum. It covers damage you cause to other vehicles, property, drivers, or passengers, but does not pay for damage to your car.
How to get cheap car insurance at 18
To keep your car insurance affordable:
Save £200-£400
Add a named driver who genuinely uses the car to lower your premium.
Save £500-£1,000
Pick a car in a low insurance group with good safety ratings.
Save £140-£400
Park in a secure spot like a driveway or garage.
Save £100-£300
Raise your voluntary excess to cut costs, but keep it manageable.
Save £50-£150
Renew or switch two to three weeks before your policy starts.
Save £100-£200
Pay annually to avoid monthly interest charges.
Save £200-£500
Finally, 17-year-olds get the best deals by comparing car insurance policies.
Car insurance savings calculator
Use our calculator to find out exactly how much you can save. Compare options, adjust coverage, and take steps to lower the cost of your insurance today.
Savings premium calculator
- Add an Experienced Named Driver
- Choose Your Car Wisely
- Park Somewhere Safe
- Consider Black Box Insurance
- Bump Up Your Excess
- Get Your Timing Right
- Pay Annually
- Shop Around Every Year
Check insurance eligibility
Your savings estimate
What do I need to get a car insurance quote?
Getting a quote is quick, often taking just a few minutes, but having some details on hand makes it easier to get an accurate price. You'll need to share:
- Your age and occupation
- Home address and where the vehicle stays overnight
- How you use the car (social, commuting, business)
- Estimated annual mileage
- Driving licence number
- Car registration and purchase date
- Any modifications to the vehicle
- Your No Claims Discount
- Car usage (social, commuting, business)
- Accident or claims history from the past five years
- Any convictions or penalties in the last five years
- Information on additional drivers
What are the best car insurance add-ons for 17-year-olds?
Add-ons to your insurance are available to make life easier:
Why choose Car Insurance Plus for your first policy?
- Compare quotes from over 120 insurers in minutes
- Get specialist advice for drivers aged 17 or 18
- Choose black box options to reduce young driver car insurance premiums
- Avoid hidden fees or unexpected surprises
We guide young drivers through options like temporary insurance, comparing multiple deals, and building a No Claims Discount so they can find a policy that fits their needs and budget.
Where is car insurance most expensive or cheapest for 18-year-olds?
Car insurance costs in the UK are irregular:
Most expensive areas
Premiums for cars for 17-year-olds are highest in busy cities with heavy traffic, frequent accidents, and higher vehicle crime. Expensive repairs and historic claims also push prices up:
| City | Average Price |
|---|---|
| London (East) | £3,250 |
| Birmingham | £3,100 |
| Manchester | £3,050 |
| Bradford | £2,980 |
| Liverpool | £2,950 |
Best value areas
Quieter towns and rural areas offer lower premiums for drivers aged 17 and 18 years. Lower theft, safer parking, and cheaper repairs make insurance more affordable:
| City | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Exeter | £1,450 |
| Norwich | £1,520 |
| Aberdeen | £1,580 |
| York | £1,600 |
| Inverness | £1,650 |
Best cars to insure for 18 year olds
Insurance Group 1 cars
- Citroen C1
- Fiat Panda
- Chevrolet Spark
- Ford Ka +
- Hyundai i10
- Kia Picanto
- Kia Rio
- Nissan Micra
- SEAT Mii
- Skoda Citigo
Why are these the cheapest cars to insure?
- Small engines with modest power (up to 1.2 litres for lower insurance groups)
- Good safety and security features (alarms, immobilisers, crash ratings)
- Affordable parts and simple repairs
- Telematics-friendly options that reward careful driving
What to avoid when buying your first car if you want low premiums
- Cadillac Escalade
- Chevrolet Corvette
- Dodge Challenger
- Ford Mustang
- Mitsubishi Lancer
- Dodge Charger
- Nissan Maxima
- Chevrolet Avalanche
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Mitsubishi Eclipse
Could Black Box insurance be your secret weapon for cheaper premiums?
Black box insurance uses a small telematics device or phone app to monitor your driving, including speed and habits like harsh braking or sharp cornering. This reduces the cost of an insurance policy and rewards safer driving.
How to compare car insurance quotes for 18-year-olds
Save money on your car insurance by following good practices and steering clear of bad ones.
Golden rules
- Examine the different types of insurance to find what fits your needs
- Check total excess amounts, including voluntary and compulsory
- Consider add-ons, such as breakdown cover, a courtesy car, or legal protection
- Look at the annual cost, not just monthly payments
- Read exclusions carefully before deciding
Red flags
- Extra admin fees for changes or cancellations
- Strict telematics rules that penalise normal driving
- Limited cover for courtesy cars or windscreens
- Unknown brands with unrealistic prices
What else should 18-year-old drivers know?
- Swap your provisional for a full one and update your insurance, checking black box rules if needed
- Keep a claim-free record, add experienced drivers, and report correct mileage to strengthen your position
- Choose between a single annual payment and monthly instalments, considering interest and credit checks
FAQ
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- Prices for car insurance for 17-year-olds change often, so securing today's rate could work in your favour
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- There's no pressure to buy: take your time and decide when it feels right!
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