A CAR expert has revealed their top tips to help young drivers save some cash in 2024.
It can be costly for new drivers to buy their first car, and the mounting bills can quickly add up.
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With the average annual costs for car insurance rising, skyrocketing costs for fuel and the current cost of living crisis, it’s no wonder that drivers are looking for ways to save money.
And, of course, the fact that insurance can be expensive in general for those aged between 17 and 25.
Recent data has shown that the average car insurance premium for 18-year-old drivers increased to £1,207 last year.
We all know it’s important to shop around and explore all the options before choosing a policy to go for.
But now car insurance experts have shared ten other ways that young drivers can save money on their policies.
Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Young drivers had a tough 2023 with delays to driving tests and backlogs for lessons plus the rising cost of everything associated with motoring – insurance, repairs, fuel – we’re hoping 2024 is a much better and cheaper year for those new to the road.
“There are lots of things young drivers can do to help bring the cost of driving down, from knowing how to avoid even the most unusual fines and penalty points to installing a black box and keeping modifications and mileage to a minimum.
“We’re researched the top 10 ways we think will help young drivers save in 2024 along with the essentials such as shopping around and comparing product details, annual payments if possible and reviewing when exactly is the best time to buy, normally three weeks before the policy is due for renewal is the most competitive.
“Passing your test and taking to the road for the first time is a rite of passage and it would be worrying if new drivers started to struggle to make driving a reality due to cost, hopefully our money-saving tips go some way to making a more affordable 2024.”
1. Check your mileage
One thing you need to make sure you do before taking out any insurance policy is check the mileage on your car.
Experts explain: “When taking out insurance, you will be asked to estimate your annual mileage.
“The costs will rise in incremental bands so the more miles you drive, the more you pay so try to be accurate and realistic with your prediction.”
2. Park in a safe place
Where you park your car actually has a massive impact on your insurance premiums.
For example, it can be costly if you park on a street compared to a driveway.
Quotezone advises: “Car owners that make use of their garages, driveways or carports for overnight parking could make big savings on their car insurance.
“Parking on driveways rather than on the road can save you over £140 on average every year and carports could save you even more, with £230 savings on average.”
3. Consider switching to a smaller engine
Every new driver wants a car with a big engine when they get excited and carried away.
However, this isn’t a practical choice.
Greg says: “Be sure to check your vehicle’s engine size and horsepower, both can impact the cost of your premium.
“Also, some small engines are turbocharged and that can give them more power than might be expected, which will likely cause the premium to increase.”
4. Keep modifications to a minimum
This one won’t come as a surprise but adding modifications to your car will affect your insurance costs.
They say: “It comes as no surprise that adding a custom exhaust or putting in lowered suspension might cause insurance premiums to rise.
“But even seemingly innocuous changes such as adding branding to a vehicle can affect the cost.”
5. Consider a black box
Black boxes are an easy way to save money if you’re a good driver.
If you drive well then it brings your premium down – this is because it keeps tabs on how you perform and send it back to your insurance supplier.
Experts advise: “A telematics policy, or black box insurance – starts collecting driving data immediately.
“This can help the insurer with their risk analysis, safer driving increases the chances of a competitive price for young drivers.”
6. Don’t overpack the vehicle
This might not seem like a big deal, but if you pack your car to an extent where your vision is compromised then your policy could be expensive.
The experts explain: “Packing items above the seat line will impair vision, while heavy loads are likely to affect a car’s handling and stopping distances.
“Overloading a car past its capacity is a punishable offence, with a fine of up to £300 and 3 points.
“Driving without full visibility out all windows is also punishable and could result in a £50 fixed penalty.”
7. Don’t forget your sunglasses
If you drive with inappropriate eyewear then you risk getting a fine and points – which would make your policy more expensive.
Quotezone advises: “Sunglasses are labelled with a ranking from zero to four in order to determine their strength and the time of day they can be worn.
“The average pair of sunglasses is categorised as a number two – these are recommended for daytime driving.
“Driving with inappropriate eyewear could be detrimental to other road users, leaving drivers unable to detect dangers.
“Motorists could be hit with a £100 on-the-spot fine and up to three penalty points for driving without due care or attention.”
8. Don’t use the wrong fuel
It is a simple mistake that could prove costly, but putting the wrong fuel in your car could rack up costs.
Greg says: “Misfuelling is one of the most expensive mistakes motorists make.
“Pumping diesel fuel into a petrol car can lead to engine failure, leaving motorists to pick up the maintenance costs.
“Rule 97 of the Highway Code states before drivers set off, they should ensure they have ‘sufficient fuel or charge for your journey, especially if it includes motorway driving’.
“Careless or dangerous driving caused by low fuel will see motorists face fines of up to £100 and three points on their license.”
9. Don’t leave the car switched on while waiting for friends
It may seem silly, but keeping the engine on actually breaks section 42 of the Road Traffic Act and doing so can earn you a fine.
The experts explain: “‘Idling’ or leaving the engine running unnecessarily while stationary on a public road goes against Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act.
“Drivers risk a £20 penalty notice that will double if not paid in full within 28 days.
“According to research conducted by Quotezone.co.uk, almost 11 per cent of drivers fail to turn off their engines while waiting.”
10. Don’t splash pedestrians
If you get caught splashing people on the road then you can get hit with a fine and even penalty points.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Quotezone says: “Splashing pedestrians is actually illegal under section three of the Road Traffic Act, 1988 – and is considered to be driving ‘without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road’.
“This can result in a fine of £100 and three penalty points on the licence, in some cases, fines can reach as much as £5,000 for driving without reasonable consideration for others on the road.”
