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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.
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 you could afford to pay upfront can also affect your policy options.
| Type | Median cost paid for annual car insurance (January 2025) |
| Fully comprehensive | £418* |
| Third party, fire and theft (TPFT) | £408* |
| Third party only (TPO) | £559* |
There are three levels of cover available:
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.
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.
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.
Even with higher average premiums, students can still find easy ways to save:
Pay annually rather than monthly to reduce overall costs and manage insurance upfront.
Accept a higher voluntary excess to bring down premiums.
Reduce your mileage if possible; students who drive less often pay less.
Ramp up your car security with alarms or immobilisers.
Park securely in garages or well-lit areas.
Add an experienced driver to your policy to lower risk.
Avoid modifications that could increase premiums.
Take an advanced driving course to demonstrate skill and responsibility.
Shop around to find the best deal and get lower insurance rates.
Key things insurers look at when setting your premium:
Living in a smaller city or a low-theft area means lower premiums.
Cars with smaller engines or strong safety ratings usually cost less to insure.
A clean record with no accidents or penalties reduces costs.
Older students (mature learners) may get lower premiums than their younger peers.
Being married or in a long-term partnership can reduce perceived risk.
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.
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.
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:
To get a car insurance quote, you'll need to submit:
You now have the information needed to make an informed decision about student car insurance
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