Young Driver Insurance

Opting for black box technology is a cost-effective way to get behind the wheel. Drivers on this cover benefit from lower premiums in return for displaying safe driving.

Young driver insurance premiums are often lower for smaller cars with less power, but it’s also important to choose a car that you feel comfortable driving and that suits your needs when taking to the road.

Your car insurance premium will depend on your lifestyle and needs. You’ll need to consider whether you need your own car or whether you’re happy to use a parent’s car when you need to practice. Do you need short term insurance or are you ready for annual cover? When you have an idea of what you’re after, contact our specialist team and we’ll help find you flexible insurance that meets your requirements.

We work with a range of insurers, with options available that don't require the installation of a black box.

Yes, our specialist advisors can approach our trusted panel of insurers to arrange cover for customers across the UK and Northern Ireland.

We are here to help you find a policy that meets your requirements. We have access to a panel of insurers who we will approach for a quotation.

Yes, our friendly team of advisors are here to talk you through any questions about arranging your cover. They’ll guide you through the decision-making process with their specialist knowledge. If you’d rather speak to the same person every time you call us, just let us know.

Insurers may ask you to consent to a credit check for a quotation as it may affect the rate that they charge. In addition, a credit check is required if you choose to pay by instalments via our preferred provider, Premium Credit Limited.

This is a discount awarded for the completion of 12 months of continuous claim free insurance. No Claims Bonus can only be earned and used in your own name and on one vehicle at a time. It is not acceptable if it expired more than 3 years prior to the inception of your new policy. Your No Claims Bonus is reduced after a fault claim (please refer to your policy wording for more details). If you are unsure if your No Claims Bonus is valid you can call our experienced advisors on 01792 522622 who will be happy to help and advise you. Some insurers will allow up to a period of 3 years after cancellation.

This is the first part of each claim which you (not your insurer) must pay. There are two types of excess:

Compulsory excess - this is an excess that has been applied as a requirement by your insurer and will vary according to your personal circumstances and the terms of cover provided. A compulsory excess may be required if you drive a particular vehicle or you have inexperienced drivers on your policy. There is also a compulsory excess for fire, theft, windscreen claims or malicious damage.

Voluntary excess - This will apply where you agree with your insurer to pay a greater part of each claim, in addition to your compulsory excess. A voluntary excess can be increased or decreased at your request during your online quotation and it may affect your premium.

A fault claim is any claim resulting in your insurer being liable (paying for the claim). For example, you are not to blame for a theft claim but your insurer would be liable, as they have no other party to recover the costs from.

If your insurer pays for your damages in the event of a claim, for example where a third party hit your vehicle, but then re-coups their costs via the third party's insurer, this would be a non-fault claim as your insurer was not liable.

Yes, you should inform your insurer of any incident the insured vehicle is involved in, so that your policy is always fully up to date, even if no claim is to be made. All incidents should be reported to 0800 9537 537.

An electronic immobiliser is a device fitted to the vehicle that disables the engine of your vehicle when it is not in operation by you. Some newer vehicles have these factory fitted by the manufacturer and are normally shown within your vehicle brochure. It is also possible to have one fitted by a garage or specialist, who would supply a certificate of installation detailing the exact model of your vehicle's immobiliser. A copy of your fitment certificate may be required.

A manual immobiliser is a device which is usually placed on the steering wheel or gear lever of your vehicle.

There are two types of Thatcham graded immobiliser:

T2 = An immobiliser that has been judged to comply to the Thatcham criteria.

T1 = An alarm/immobiliser combination that has been judged to comply to the Thatcham criteria.

Drive slowly when you see problems ahead

When out on the road as a young driver it is almost inevitable that you will come across a situation that you are unfamiliar with. Should this happen then young drivers are advised to slow down and consider the situation carefully before taking action.

Plan ahead while driving

It’s important to look further up the road and plan what you’re going to do. For example, rather than stopping at a roundabout and then looking right, consider slowing down your approach to the roundabout while looking to the right. This saves you time by allowing you to slip smoothly into the flow of the traffic.

Drive with supportive company

The first time you drive in the car once you pass your test can be a little scary, so ask a parent or close friend to sit with you for the first time you take your car out on the road.

Go for a Sunday morning drive

When you go out for the very first time by yourself it can be daunting so, if possible, make your first drive a Sunday morning drive, when the roads won’t be jam-packed. This will get you used to the car and the roads before you are faced with a Monday morning rush-hour or the mad rush home on a Friday evening to get ready for a night out.

Don’t let other motorists rush or panic you

Unfortunately there are other motorists on the road with very little tolerance for other drivers, and they can be quite pushy or aggressive. Don’t let them panic you: simply slow down and let them pass when it is safe to do so.

If you would prefer to spread the cost of your car insurance policy, you have the option of setting up a Direct Debit to pay your premium in equal monthly instalments through our preferred provider, Premium Credit Limited (PCL). Direct Debit is only available for annual policies. 

To find out more about PCL and direct debit payments, select Direct Debit.

To understand more about how PCL work together with Towergate, please read our Regulatory Information.