Provisional Licence and Learner Driver Car Insurance

Finding Car Insurance for a provisional licence holder or learner driver can be a fraught process. Many parents find that their own insurers are unwilling to cover their child whilst learning in the family car, meaning either new insurance or additional cover must be purchased, whilst those looking to buy seperate insurance to cover a provisional licence holders own vehicle can find cover expensive, with an additional premium often being charged once they have passed their driving test.

We will help plot the way through the confusion, having a wide range of potential solutions to meet almost all provisional driver solutions. We also offer specialist assistance for both female young drivers looking for learner driver insurance or male young drivers wanting provisional licence car insurance. In all cases whilst we offer many policies through our car insurance panel we also look beyond those at other offers.

Click on on the category that most fits your situation

I am learning to drive in a car owned by family or friends

Extending the existing policyholders own insurance policy is the easiest way to allow a learner driver to practice in a car owned by someone else, providing the insurer is prepared to add the learner to the policy (many insurers who focus on 'safe' drivers will not do this). The other risk is that this potentially puts an existing no claims bonus in danger. These are now of considerable value given the recent rise in base premiums, and many experienced drivers feel this risk is too great.

Alternatively an add on policy could be purchased - these are offered by a company called Provisional Marmalade who provide cover for provisional drivers at around £3 per day - which can be really competitive - the learners cover can be purchased by the month and if there are any unused months when the new driver passes their test a refund will be given.

Insurers on the moneymaxim car insurance comparison service will also offer cover for the main driver with the learner driver being an additional driver. Please be aware that most insurers believe the risks rise when a test has been passed and the newly qualified driver can drive on their own, so an in term additional premium may be requested at that stage.

I have yet to buy a vehicle, but will be doing so and will learn in it

The first point to note that when learning to drive one of the most influencing factors when iot comes to calculating the premium is the insurance group the car is in. If you are buying a car make sure its in a low insurance group. Check out insurance groups on the Association Of British Insurers Website. Test prices of different groups using our car insurance comparison service and buy running quotatations with our other suggested companies.

Then continue to follow the section below, I have my own vehicle.

I have my own vehicle

Start by getting a quote from the moneymaxim car insurance comparison service - we offer insurance companies who focus on inexperienced drivers including Admiral, Bell, Diamond, Elephant, Quinn Direct and Endsleigh (who specialise in students and young professionals) as well others who specialise in women drivers. Remember most companies will increase premiums when the learner passes their test so you may wish to 'test' the market by running quotations as if the driver has aready passed. Whilst this provides no guarantee as to what rates may be in the future it will at least give you a steer. Especially for provisional drivers we feature Collingwood who only offer provisional licence holders and learner drivers insurance.

As well as our panel other specialist insurers in the provisional licence holder market include:

The Co-operative Young Drivers policy is designed specifically for provisional and new drivers. They offer the following features:

iKube specialise in providing car insurance for drivers who can avoid driving through the dead of night - they install a tracker device in the car which monitors usage. Can be good if the car is never used at night as if it's ever on the road (even when driven by other family members) between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. a penalty fee of £100 is levied. A charge is made for the installation of the tracking device, but for those who are facing high or unaffordable premiums this might be a good option. An additional plus point is that unlike most companies iKube is one of the few insurers who do not increase premiums when provisional drivers pass their test. We find its best to talk this policy through with an advisor to really understand the benefits and rules that apply - give them a call on 0844 346 0402 for more information.

Coverbox are also quoted on the moneymaxim car insurance comparison service - they offer a tracker device free - but then follow the mileage of the car and charge on that basis - rates vary dependent on the time of day or night the vehicle is used - but those using their car during the day for a few miles can find it competitive for young drivers, and can also be good for those who will only be using the car in holiday periods whilst away at college or university. Be aware they only offer comprehensive policies.

Finally if there are a number of cars in the household you may find the Admiral Multicar attractive - they offer around a 10% discount when insuring 2 cars rising to around 23%or more cars, and seem to be very competitive when there are three or four. Admiral specialise in learner and newly qualified drivers. Their online quotation system also allows for different renewal dates on different cars so you can see the saving you can make over the coming months.

Do be aware that next year all the car insurance premiums will fall at the same time - which can not only be expensive but also the interest rate on Admirals monthly payment option is not particularly attractive. We recommend customers consider using an 'balance transfer facility' on a credit card (or better still a interest free purchase card, which you will need to apply for around a month before renewal to ensure you have it to hand on your car insurance renewal date), allowing the premium to be spread over a number of months at little or no cost, so that might be worth considering.

None of the above apply

Give us a call on 0800 520 0699, or 01183 218197 (option 3) and give your situation and we will get the combined experience of our team on your case - we normally find solutions!

If you do come up with another insurer you think we should be shouting about - please let us know using the 'Contact Us' button at the foot of the page.

This information is based on journalistic investigation and research. It is not financial advice. Any information should be considered in regard to specific circumstances. Any suggestions followed up are done so at your own risk and your own research is key.