Long-awaited by young people in search of autonomy, the passage of the car license is an important step. After passing the exam, there is the question of the car as well as the insurance. But how do you choose the right young driver car insurance? Are some criteria more important than others? This is what we will see together.
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Compulsory for anyone driving a vehicle on French territory, car insurance is intended to cover material damage and bodily injury that could be caused by an accident. This is suitable coverage that will protect you and your passengers. But not all insurance is equal and there are several levels of coverage depending on your expectations and your budget.
Which company to choose?
To select the appropriate car insurance, there are two solutions. The first is to take out a contract with the same company as your parents. Some insurers indeed take advantage of this family loyalty to apply significant reductions. Another strategy: opt for specific insurance for young drivers which offers fairly low monthly payments and services specifically designed for less experienced drivers.
Another important information to take into account: the amount of insurance is closely linked to the vehicle you have in your hands. Thus, with a powerful car you will see very high monthly payments, even exposing yourself to a refusal from some insurers…
Ask yourself about your needs. Minimum third-party insurance, third-party insurance, all-risk cover… The formula chosen will necessarily have an impact on the price, but you should not see your protections reduced. The first is certainly the most economical but it will not compensate you, only the third parties to whom you have caused damage. The third is the most comprehensive with optimal coverage regardless of the value of the car.
Today, more and more online services allow the creation of an estimate at the fairest price according to the specific needs of each person, the vehicle driven or the use that will be made of it. This estimate of young driver insurance cost varies between €1,200 and €1,500 for young drivers. Why is it so high? Because insurance organizations believe that novice drivers are more risky and inexperienced. However, rest assured, this is only temporary. If there is no accident involving the driver’s liability, this amount gradually decreases during the first three years until it is around €640 on average according to the 2021 Lynx barometer.
Finally, if you have gone through the accompanied driving program (AAC), be aware that you could benefit from more advantageous rates, in particular because insurers believe that this previous driving experience reduces the risk of an accident.
When should you insure your car?
As soon as you get the permit. Or more precisely when you own your own vehicle. In the meantime, if you drive the car of one of your parents, their insurance contract will have to be changed by adding a clause to protect you as an occasional or secondary driver.
As specified ccpfrance.fr in an article dedicated to this specific insurance, the secondary driver is named on the insurance contract and therefore benefits from the same benefits. On the other hand, the status of occasional driver, supposed to drive punctually, only includes civil liability.
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