Checklists
New Driver Car Insurance Checklist
By Sipho Dlamini · 5 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Why it costs more
- Higher claim risk, no no-claim history yet
- Extra cost
- Young / inexperienced driver excess
- Bring it down
- Safe car, security, honest profile, build a record
New and young drivers pay more for car insurance because they statistically claim more, often face an extra young-driver excess, and have no no-claim history yet - but you can bring the cost down with the right car, security, an honest profile and a higher voluntary excess. This checklist walks you through getting cover that is both affordable and adequate.
The cheapest option is not always the best: skimping on liability or under-insuring can backfire badly for a new driver. Aim for sensible cover at a fair price.
Work through the list before you take your first policy.
Before you buy: choose the car wisely
Your car choice drives the premium more than almost anything:
- A modest, common, lower-powered car is cheaper to insure than a fast or high-theft model.
- Older, lower-value cars cost less to cover for damage, but weigh that against repair costs.
- Cars with good security and parts availability are cheaper to insure.
Pick a sensible first car and the premium follows.
Decide your cover level
- Comprehensive if the car is financed or valuable - the bank usually requires it.
- [Third party fire and theft](/claims/third-party-fire-and-theft-claim/) for an older car where theft is your main worry.
- Third party only for a cheap car you could replace, but never drop liability.
Liability matters most for new drivers: a single at-fault crash into an expensive car could cost far more than your own car is worth. See our comprehensive vs third party guide.
Expect a young-driver excess
Many insurers add an extra excess for drivers under a certain age or recently licensed, on top of the basic excess. So if you claim, you pay both. Factor this into your budget, and check the schedule so you know the real amount you would pay at claim time. Our excess guide shows how these stack up.
Be 100% honest on the application
Non-disclosure is the fastest way to have a claim rejected. Always declare accurately:
- Who the regular driver really is (do not 'front' the policy under a parent who never drives the car).
- Where the car is parked overnight.
- Any modifications.
- Your real licence date and history.
Fronting - putting an older, lower-risk person as the main driver when it is really the young driver's car - can void the policy entirely.
Ways to lower the premium honestly
- Take a higher voluntary excess you can afford.
- Fit an approved tracker, alarm or immobiliser.
- Park securely overnight and declare it.
- Keep your mileage modest, or consider a pay-as-you-drive product.
- Stay claim-free to start building a no-claim discount.
Each year of clean driving makes your renewal cheaper.
New driver checklist
- Chosen a sensible, lower-risk car
- Decided the right cover level (and kept liability)
- Understood the young-driver excess on top of the basic excess
- Declared the real driver, parking and licence details honestly
- Added approved security where possible
- Compared at least three quotes on like-for-like cover
- Set up cover to start before driving the car
Frequently asked questions
Why is car insurance so expensive for new drivers?
New and young drivers statistically have more accidents and have not yet built a no-claim record, so insurers price in that higher risk. Many also add a young-driver excess. Choosing a sensible car, adding security and being honest on the application all help bring it down.
What is a young driver excess?
It is an extra excess insurers add for drivers under a set age or recently licensed, charged on top of the basic excess when you claim. So a claim could mean paying both. Check your schedule so you know the full amount before you claim.
What is fronting and why is it dangerous?
Fronting is naming an older, lower-risk person as the main driver when the car is really driven by a young driver, to get a cheaper premium. It is non-disclosure and can void the whole policy, leaving the young driver with no cover when they claim.
What is the best insurance for a new driver?
The cover that matches your car and budget honestly: comprehensive if the car is financed or valuable, lighter cover for a cheap car, but always keep strong third party liability. Compare at least three quotes on like-for-like cover before choosing.
Can a new driver get affordable cover?
Yes, by choosing a modest car, taking a higher voluntary excess you can afford, adding approved security, parking securely, and keeping mileage modest. Staying claim-free then builds a no-claim discount that lowers each renewal.
Should a young driver go third party only?
Only if the car is cheap enough to replace yourself - and even then keep liability cover. The biggest financial risk for a new driver is causing costly damage to someone else's vehicle, which third party liability protects against.
How can I lower my premium over time?
Drive carefully and avoid small claims so you build a no-claim discount, keep your security and parking details accurate, and re-quote each year. As the car ages and your record improves, premiums usually come down.
