Car insurance for learner drivers or recently qualified drivers is expensive due to the higher chances of them being involved in an accident. Insurance for provisional learners is actually cheaper than newly qualified drivers. It may seem strange, but the logic behind this is that whilst you are learning to drive, you are under supervision, which is a reduced risk for a car insurance company.

Once you have passed your test you will be driving alone and your inexperience is a major factor in the price insurance companies will quote you. If you are young, this will also be a contributing factor to your car insurance quote; due to the fact that younger drivers cause more accidents. If you are 30 years of age or older, your car insurance will be a significant amount cheaper than someone who is 17. However, premiums for all recently qualified driver will be considerably more than if they had several years of accident-free driving experience.

There are a number of steps you can take to try and reduce your car insurance premium:

• Taking a Pass Plus driving course with a DSBS approved driving instructor
• Buying a low insurance graded car
• Parking your car in the garage at night
• Buying third party, fire and theft instead of fully comprehensive
• Making sure you don’t break speed limits; fines also increase your insurance
• Keep to the rules; endorsements increase your insurance costs

There are three types of car insurance:

Third Party Car Insurance

Third party car insurance is basic cover, which covers the cost of any damage you do to a third party (someone else's car). Any damage to your car is not covered. So, if you are hit by a driver who has no insurance, you will have to pay for the damages.

Third Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT) Car Insurance

This is the same as third party, but has the added benefits that should you car be stolen or catches fire, you will be covered.

Fully Comprehensive Car Insurance

Fully comprehensive cover (also know as fully comp.) covers you for any accidental damage or vandalism.

If you are planning to take your car abroad (including the Republic of Ireland), it should be noted that car insurance only covers your car in the UK as standard.