Teenage drivers in London are facing the highest car insurance costs in the UK, paying almost £2,800 on average.
The cost of getting on the road remains eye-wateringly high for the countries’ youngest motorists, as 17-year-olds continue to pay the highest premiums.
Nowhere is the expense steeper than in London.
While the average car insurance premium in London stands at £830.73, 17-year-old drivers are paying nearly £2,000 more than that figure.
Data from Quotezone shows that in London, premiums for teens aged 17 to 19 are often double — and even triple — the average.
Sasha Russell, an 18-year-old student from Bromley, spoke about her experience with steep London insurance costs.
“It’s ridiculous,” she said.
“In South East London the transport links are really bad. I rely on driving to get about, see my friends and live my life.
“It just costs a fortune.”
For 18-year-olds, premiums in the capital are at least £500 higher than in other parts of the country.
She explained how she was forced to think of ways to get around the expensive premiums placed on young drivers.
“I’ve always been the fifth driver on mine, so it makes it cheaper,” she said.
“If you have loads of drivers listed it’s a lower cost overall.”
Higher insurance costs for young drivers are usually attributed to lack of experience and an increased risk of accidents.
Young male car drivers aged 17 to 24 are four times as likely to be killed or seriously injured than car drivers aged 25 or over, according to QuoteZone.
And despite representing only 7% of licence-holders, this young age group are involved in 24% of serious accidents.
Premiums begin to ease as age increases, falling from £2800 to just over £2,500 for 18-year-olds in London.
This drops significantly to £1,484 for 19-year-old Londoners, highlighting the significant impact of even a few years’ driving experience on insurance costs.
Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone, said: “Unfortunately, many young drivers are paying a staggering cost to simply get on the road.
“Driving lessons, tests and road tax are increasingly expensive, and insurance premiums for these motorists are the highest of all age ranges in the UK.
“Unsurprisingly, 17-year-olds are paying the most – with London and the West Midlands worst affected.”
He urged young drivers to consider their choices carefully when buying their first car.
“We urge young drivers to pick their first car wisely and to go for one with a smaller engine and lower horsepower as both can hike up insurance prices,” he said.
“Steering clear of penalty points and opting for telematics products can also help make premiums more affordable – demonstrating safe and responsible driving to the insurer.”
Featured image credit: Unsplash
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