Compare student car insurance quotes

Get cheaper car insurance and find the best policies with a few simple steps:

1

Tell us about yourself

Provide basic information like your age, address, occupation, and driving history. We'll find insurance options that match your profile.
2

Enter your car details and cover preferences

Add your vehicle's make, model, and any modifications. Specify how you use your car and the type of cover you want.
3

Compare quotes and choose your policy

Compare student car insurance quotes, check premiums and cover, and select the policy that offers the best value.

What is student car insurance?

Student car insurance is designed specifically for younger drivers who are in school, college, or university. Unlike standard car insurance cover, it accounts for the unique circumstances of students, such as driving fewer miles, using the car mainly for essential trips, or occasionally leaving it at home during term breaks.

Still, there are just as many risks as standard car insurance, not to mention the additional challenges student drivers face. So, the price ultimately reflects many factors.

Why is student car insurance in the UK more expensive?

Car insurance is notably more expensive for students because insurance companies see them as a higher-risk group. Students are typically younger and have limited driving experience, which means they are statistically more likely to make claims. As a result, insurers set higher premiums.

Even if a student drives carefully, their age and experience alone mean that higher insurance costs are often unavoidable. For a mature student, premiums may be higher than anticipated, too, since ‘student’ status is treated as higher risk.

However, the individual circumstances of the student can affect exactly how much the insurer will charge.

How much is car insurance for students?

How much you could afford to pay upfront can also affect your policy options.

TypeMedian cost paid for annual car insurance (January 2025)
Fully comprehensive£418*
Third party, fire and theft (TPFT)£408*
Third party only (TPO)£559*
*Disclaimer: Quotes shown are for illustration purposes only. Actual premiums depend on individual circumstances and are subject to insurer verification.
Updated on 04 December 2025

What type of car insurance is best for students?

There are three levels of cover available:

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Third-party insurance

This is the most basic option and a legal requirement in the UK. Third-party only cover protects other people and their property if you cause an accident. However, having third-party car insurance in place won’t help if your car is damaged or if you fall victim to car theft.

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Third-party, fire and theft insurance

This level of cover goes a step further. It protects you if your car is stolen or damaged by fire, in addition to covering third-party claims.

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Comprehensive insurance

If you need car insurance that covers accidents, theft, and other incidents, comprehensive insurance offers the most protection. It covers damage to your own car as well as third-party claims.


Disclaimer: Coverage suitability depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Consider your vehicle value and personal preferences when choosing.

How to lower your car insurance as a student

Even with higher average premiums, students can still find easy ways to save:

Pay annually

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Pay annually rather than monthly to reduce overall costs and manage insurance upfront.

Increase your voluntary excess

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Accept a higher voluntary excess to bring down premiums.

Reduce your mileage

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Reduce your mileage if possible; students who drive less often pay less.

Improve car security

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Ramp up your car security with alarms or immobilisers.

Choose secure parking

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Park securely in garages or well-lit areas.

Add an experienced driver

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Add an experienced driver to your policy to lower risk.

Avoid car modifications

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Avoid modifications that could increase premiums.

Take an advanced driving course

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Take an advanced driving course to demonstrate skill and responsibility.

Compare insurance providers

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Shop around to find the best deal and get lower insurance rates.

What affects the price of my student car insurance premium?

Key things insurers look at when setting your premium:

01

Location

Living in a smaller city or a low-theft area means lower premiums.

02

Car make and model

Cars with smaller engines or strong safety ratings usually cost less to insure.

03

Driving record

A clean record with no accidents or penalties reduces costs.

04

Age

Older students (mature learners) may get lower premiums than their younger peers.

05

Marital status

Being married or in a long-term partnership can reduce perceived risk.

06

Claims history

Having few or no past claims helps keep insurance prices down.


Also, being a secondary driver can be beneficial if the main driver is older and more experienced.

Is black box insurance good for students?

Black box insurance, or telematics car insurance, tracks how a student drives. A small device fitted in the car records speed, braking, cornering, and when the car is used. If you drive carefully, your insurer can offer discounts on your premiums.

So, black box insurance is a great option for students who want to build safer driving habits.

What optional extras do I need?

Regular car insurance policies usually provide enough coverage for most drivers. However, some people benefit from optional extras even if they already have cover in place:


What details do I need to get a car insurance quote?

To get a car insurance quote, you'll need to submit:

  • Age and occupation
  • Home address and where the car is parked overnight
  • Car usage (social, commuting, business)
  • Estimated annual mileage
  • Driving licence number
  • Car registration number
  • Purchase date of the car
  • Vehicle modifications
  • No Claims Discount and accident/claims history (last 5 years)
  • Convictions or penalties (last 5 years)
  • Additional drivers

FAQ


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You now have the information needed to make an informed decision about student car insurance

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