For many within the specialist car community, there’s an understandable desire for the next generation to inherit their passion and enthusiasm for vehicles, old or new. Yet, when it comes to insurance, younger drivers typically face significantly higher premiums. In some cases, this can be enough to dissuade them from following in their parents’ footsteps.
Nevertheless, there are steps that young drivers and their families can take to minimise the cost of coverage:
Enrol on a driver training course
Training courses are an excellent way to improve the skills of any young driver. Lessons are usually provided by a combination of professional driving instructors and retired traffic police officers, all of whom are trained to a level well beyond most drivers. They will give each pupil intensive one-to-one training and asses their current driving ability.
Once complete, drivers will usually receive a report that grades their driving skills and identifies any areas for improvement. If positive, this feedback can be valuable when it comes to negotiating insurance cover and will give them a more affordable chance at driving more powerful or valuable cars.
Share your knowledge
For any driver, education is vital. Not only are no models exactly alike, but there are significant differences when it comes to driving a modern vehicle, when compared to a classic or specialist car.
For instance, most vehicles less than 15 years old are fitted with an array of driver assistance and safety systems, including even the most basic of family cars. Understanding that older cars are less reliant on technology is an important part of ensuring that novice drivers can use them safely.
To continue their education, car clubs are effective way for drivers to learn more about a range of topics including driving, safety, and maintenance. Ensuring young drivers have access to these resources will help to keep them safe on the road.
Drive while accompanied
In some cases, a young person may not be ready to drive on their own, but they still want to experience the joy that comes from getting behind the wheel. If so, you can take out specific cover which allows them to drive while accompanied by a parent or guardian. This acts as a stepping stone on their motoring journey and gives them an opportunity to learn first-hand.
You can review this cover at each renewal, with the eventual goal being to allow them to drive without supervision.
Build experience
Insurers like to see progressive experience and are more likely to agree to the addition of a young driver if they have already driven a range of performance vehicles. They are also more likely to agree to add younger drivers to the lesser cars under a collection with a view to building up to the more powerful models.
With that in mind, younger drivers should consider building experience in lower performance cars, before working their way upwards over time.
Use vehicles away from the road
Many younger drivers will have driving experience well before the age of 17 through various means, such as vintage car trials, junior motorsport, driving experience days, and young driver training. In some cases, families will own private land where vehicles can be used legally without being subject to the Road Traffic Act.
If you want to encourage your children to drive before they’re allowed on the road, it must be done in a way that remains completely legal. If you are in any doubt, seek advice from the relevant police force or Local Authority.
The older the car, the better
The next generation of drivers will be key to securing the future of veteran, vintage and older classic cars. Fortunately, these cars are also attractive for insurers, given the typically lower frequency of losses that they incur. This makes them a good option for young drivers looking to gain experience.
By contrast, there are certain vehicles that young drivers won’t be insured to drive, unless they have several years’ access without a claim or motoring conviction. Supercars and hypercars fall firmly into this category. Due to their extremely high performance, additional driver training would be mandatory, even if the young driver has been on the road for several years. Certain models require all drivers to have significant experience before cover can be provided.
It’s worth remembering that more mature drivers are also asked about their ownership history of higher performance vehicles. Where possible, it’s always a positive to seek additional tuition around the use of these cars to ensure your general roadcraft is kept up to scratch.
For more information, please visit our Private Clients (opens a new window) page or contact:
Simon Ambler, Head of Lockton Performance
