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:

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Breakdown cover

Provides roadside assistance and vehicle recovery if your car stops working unexpectedly. This can help you avoid high call-out fees and get back on the road more quickly.

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Motor legal protection

Covers legal expenses following a road accident, such as solicitor fees or costs related to resolving disputes. It can be useful if you need support in claiming uninsured losses.

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Personal belongings cover

Protects items kept in your car, such as bags, laptops, or sports equipment, if they are stolen or damaged. This helps fill the gap where standard insurance may offer limited or no cover.

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Courtesy car cover

Gives you access to a temporary replacement car while your own vehicle is being repaired after an insured incident. It can help you stay mobile without disruption to daily routines.


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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What is the best type of car insurance for students?

For most students, fully comprehensive insurance is the best choice. Comprehensive student car insurance provides cover for both your own vehicle and third-party risks. But if money is tight, a third-party-only policy is the most affordable type of insurance for getting on the road legally.

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Can I pay for student car insurance monthly?

Yes. Spreading insurance costs over several months can make premiums more manageable. However, paying monthly can also be more expensive overall than paying the insurer upfront.

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Do students get discounts on car insurance?

Yes, students can benefit from discounts and special offers. Some providers offer cheap car insurance for students who drive less, complete advanced driving courses, or are added to a parent’s policy.

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Do students need comprehensive cover?

Students don't always need comprehensive car insurance, but it can be a smart choice. Comprehensive student car insurance covers the same risks as standard policies, including damage to your own car and third-party liabilities. This means students get full protection if an accident, theft, or other damage occurs.

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How does my car affect my student driver insurance?

Generally, car insurance tends to be higher for vehicles that are more powerful, expensive to repair, or have a higher risk of theft. Also, older cars with fewer safety features may cost more to insure.

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Will adding a parent as a named driver reduce my costs?

Yes, it can reduce the cost of your student car insurance. Insurers see additional experienced drivers as lowering the risk, so this helps you get cheaper insurance and keep your own cover in place.

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How does my car’s insurance group affect my premium?

This plays a big role in determining car insurance premiums. Cars in higher insurance groups will cost more to insure, usually because they’re faster, more expensive to repair, or more likely to be stolen.

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Should I use my home or term-time address for car insurance?

For motor insurance, you should use the address where your car is most often kept overnight.

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Can I insure my car at my university address?

Yes, you can insure your car at your university address. Your insurer needs to know the address where the car is usually parked so your policy remains valid and you can drive a car legally. If you use another address just to lower premiums, it could be considered false information.

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Is temporary car insurance a good option for students?

Temporary student car insurance can be useful for students who only need cover for short periods, such as during university breaks or occasional trips home. It provides valid insurance without committing to a full-year policy.


Ready to Compare Student Car Insurance Quotes?

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

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