If you’ve got a son or daughter who’s about to become a learner driver, then you might be tempted to cut costs by allowing them to learn in your car. This approach can be cost-effective – but to get the best from it, it’s worth following a few basic principles.
Why You Need to Insure a Learner Driver
Among the most important considerations involve insurance – which, for motorists on British public roads, is a requirement. This applies whether you’re a fully qualified driver, or a learner. If your son or daughter is found to have driven without insurance, then they could receive a fixed penalty of £300, as well as six penalty points. If the case is taken to court, then the limits get taken off the fine – and the driver involved could be disqualified from driving.
Options for Adding a Learner Driver to Your Policy
One option is for you to add the new driver to your policy as a named driver. The main downside to this approach is that you’re putting your no-claims discount at risk. There might also be additional administrative fees associated with changing the policy. It’s worth noting that it’s illegal to add a new driver as a named driver if they’re actually the main driver. This is a form of fraud known as ‘fronting’.
Another approach is to use temporary learner insurance to cover the learner on the days that they’re actually going to be driving. This will provide extra flexibility, but it’s only cost-effective if the learner is driving infrequently. Check out whether the numbers work out, and determine which option will actually save you money. In many cases, you might find that these insurance products are actually a perfect match for your needs.
Cost Factors for Insuring a Learner Driver
Learner drivers tend to be more expensive to cover than more experienced ones. This is because they don’t yet have the skills they need to avoid collisions. You can limit the cost by choosing the right car. Performance cars tend to be much more expensive, while small, low-powered ones tend to be affordable. Parking the car in a drive is cheaper, insurance-wise, than parking it on the street; parking it in a garage is cheaper still. Other factors, like the age of the driver, also matter – but since they’re beyond your control, they’re not worth considering in the same way.
It’s also worth thinking about things like black box insurance products, which track the movement of the car and the behaviour of the driver, and a voluntary excess, which will involve paying extra in the event of a claim in exchange for lowered ongoing costs.
Staying Safe: Ensuring Your Learner Driver is Ready
To give the learner driver the best chance of avoiding an accident, you’ll want to check in occasionally to establish that they’re comfortable on the road. Spend time with them in the vehicle, for practice sessions. Early on a Sunday morning is best, because the roads will be less crowded.
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