A car expert has revealed his top tips to help young drivers save some money in 2024.
Buying their first car can be expensive for new drivers, and the mounting bills can add up quickly.
With average annual car insurance costs on the rise, fuel costs soaring and the current cost of living crisis, it’s no wonder drivers are looking for ways to save money.
And of course the fact that insurance can generally be expensive for 17-25 year olds.
Average car insurance premiums for 18-year-old drivers rose to £1,207 last year, recent data has shown.
We all know that it’s important to shop around and explore all the options before choosing which policy to go with.
But car insurance experts have now shared ten more ways young drivers can save money on their policies.
Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Young drivers have had a tough 2023 with delays to driving tests and a backlog of lessons as well as the rising cost of everything associated with cars – insurance, repairs and fuel – and we hope 2024 will be a much better and cheaper year.” For those new to the road.
“There are lots of things young drivers can do to help cut the cost of driving, from knowing how to avoid even the most unusual fines and penalty points to fitting a black box and keeping modifications and mileage to a minimum.
“We’ve looked at the top 10 ways we think will help young drivers save in 2024 alongside the basics like shopping around, comparing product details, annual payments if possible and reviewing exactly when to buy, usually three weeks in advance. A policy due for renewal is the most competitive.
“Passing your test and hitting the road for the first time is a rite of passage, and it will be worrying if new drivers start to struggle to make driving a reality because of the cost, and we hope our money-saving tips will go some way to helping usher in a more affordable 2024.”
1. Check the mileage
One thing you need to make sure to do before getting any insurance policy is to check the mileage on your car.
“When taking out insurance, you will be asked to estimate your annual mileage,” experts explain.
“Costs will gradually rise, so the more miles you drive, the more you’ll pay, so try to be accurate and realistic in your expectations.”
2. Park the car in a safe place
Where you park your car has a big impact on your insurance premiums.
For example, it may be more expensive if you park your car on a street than in a driveway.
Quotezone advises: “Car owners who use their garages, driveways or car parks to park overnight can make significant savings on their car insurance.
“Parking on the driveways rather than the road can save you more than £140 on average each year, and car parks can save you even more, with a saving of £230 on average.”
3. Consider switching to a smaller engine
Every new driver wants a car with a big engine when they feel the thrill of drifting.
However, this is not a practical option.
“Be sure to check your car’s engine size and horsepower, both of which can affect the cost of your insurance premium,” Greg says.
“Also, some small engines are turbocharged and this can give them more power than might be expected, which will likely increase your insurance premium.”
4. Keep modifications to a minimum
This won’t come as a surprise but adding modifications to your car will affect your insurance costs.
“It’s no surprise that adding a custom exhaust or putting in a lowered suspension could result in higher insurance premiums,” they say.
“But even seemingly innocuous changes like adding a branding to a car can affect the cost.”
5. Think black box
Black boxes are an easy way to save money if you are a good driver.
If you drive well, it will lower your premium – this is because it monitors how you are doing and sends it back to your insurance provider.
Experts advise: “Remote control policy, or black box security – starts collecting driving data immediately.
“This can help the insurer analyze their risks, as safer driving increases the chances of young drivers getting a competitive rate.”
6. Do not overfill the car
This may not seem like a big deal, but if you pack your car to the point where your vision is compromised, your policy could be expensive.
Experts explain: “Packaging items above the seat line will impair visibility, while heavy loads are likely to affect vehicle handling and stopping distances.
“Overloading a vehicle is a punishable offence, with a fine of up to £300 and 3 points.
“Driving without full visibility out of all windows is also a penalty which can result in a fixed fine of £50.”
7. Don’t forget your sunglasses
If you drive with ill-fitting glasses, you risk getting a fine and points – which could make your policy more expensive.
Quotezone advises: “Sunglasses are rated from zero to four to determine their strength and the time of day they can be worn.
“The average pair of sunglasses is rated second best – and recommended for daytime driving.
“Driving with ill-fitting glasses can harm other road users, leaving drivers unable to detect hazards.
“Motorists could be subject to a £100 on-the-spot fine and up to three penalty points for driving without due care or attention.”
8. Do not use the wrong fuel
It’s a simple mistake that can be costly, but putting the wrong fuel in your car can lead to increased costs.
“Mistaken fueling is one of the most expensive mistakes motorists make,” says Greg.
“Pumping diesel fuel into a gasoline-powered car can lead to engine failure, leaving motorists with maintenance costs.
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that before setting off, drivers must ensure they have “adequate fuel or charge for your journey, especially if it involves driving on a highway.”
“Reckless or dangerous driving caused by being low on fuel will result in motorists facing fines of up to £100 and three points on their licence.”
9. Do not leave the car running while waiting for friends
It may seem silly, but keeping the engine running contravenes Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act, and could result in you being fined.
Experts explain: “‘Idling’ or leaving the engine running unnecessarily while parked on a public road is contrary to Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act.
“Drivers risk a £20 fine notice which will double if not paid in full within 28 days.
“According to research by Quotezone.co.uk, nearly 11 percent of drivers fail to turn off their car engines while waiting.”
10. Do not spray pedestrians
If you are caught spraying people on the road, you could be fined and even penalty points.
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Quotezone says: “Spraying water at pedestrians is actually illegal under section three of the Road Traffic Act 1988 – and is considered to be driving a vehicle ‘without reasonable regard for other people using the road’.
“This can result in a £100 fine, three penalty points on the licence, and in some cases, fines can be up to £5,000 for driving without reasonable regard for others on the road.”