Cheaper car insurance

Add named drivers to your policy

You may save on premiums by adding an older driver
Adding named drivers to your policy can reduce premiums, particularly if they are older and more experienced than you.
If the car is to be insured in your name, transfer the car into your name too, as many insurers will not provide cover unless the main driver of the car is also the owner.
Increase the excess
Consider increasing the excess to save money on premiums. Be realistic, though – can you really afford a £600 excess after an accident?
Consider going for third-party insurance
Third-party, fire and theft cover may be cheaper for low-value cars, but fully comprehensive insurance can work out cheaper for more expensive cars.
Add yourself to an existing policy
If you occasionally use someone else's car, consider adding yourself to their existing insurance policy. Some insurers, including Quinn Direct and Direct Line, allow named drivers to earn their own no-claims discount.
It may be tempting to put the policy in someone else's name – one of your parents, for example – with you as the named driver. But if you're actually the main driver, this is known as ‘fronting’ and is illegal.
Insurers are increasingly tracing fronted policies. If you’re found out, the insurer may refuse to pay out in the case of an accident and may even pursue legal action for fraud.
Look at policies with certain restrictions
More Than’s DriveTime offers cheaper premiums in exchange for not driving between 11pm and 6am.
According to the Association of British Insurers, 50% of serious or fatal accidents among under-21s happen at night.
Avoid modifications

Modifications can make your insurance more expensive
Anything that increases the value, performance and desirability of your car to thieves is likely to boost your insurance premium.
Insurers will judge modifications differently, so shop around for the best deal if your car has already been altered from the factory specification.
Keep your car safe
As with all policies, premiums for young drivers are affected by where you live and where the car is kept.
Parking in a secure location, such as a garage or behind gates, can have a drastic impact on insurance bills. Fitting car security features, such as a Thatcham-rated alarm, is also useful.
What about insurance for older drivers?
Many insurers cover drivers aged 80 and older. To find our more, see the Which? guide to car insurance for older drivers.