Temporary car insurance for under 21s

There are some temporary car insurance providers willing you cover drivers aged under 21, but you’ll need to shop around, and it could be pricey. Out table includes several insurers with a minimum age below 21, and our guide explains your options for cutting the cost.

Can I get temporary car insurance if I am under 21?

As with all car insurance, you should have options, but not all of them will suit your budget. Insurers typically consider young drivers to be more at risk of being involved in an accident due to a lack of experience. And with the increased risk of an accident, there’s more likely to be claims made against insurance. It is this that ultimately pushes the price of insurance premiums up.

There might be some insurers only willing to offer temporary cover to drivers aged over 25 because of the increased risk younger drivers pose. However, there might be other insurers willing to insure drivers aged under 21, but the premium may be higher due to the higher risk of younger drivers.

You’ll need to shop around and check what the conditions and guidelines are for each insurer offering temporary cover. You’ll then need to compare deals for the ones that match your requirements.

What levels of temporary car insurance are available?

All drivers in the UK are required to have at least the minimum level of car insurance, which is third party cover.

• Third party. If you are responsible for causing an accident, you’ll be covered for damage to third party vehicles or property. However, it won’t cover any damage to your own car.
• Third party, fire and theft. This will give the same level of cover as third party but will also provide protection against any fire damage to your car or theft of your car.
• Comprehensive. This gives the same protection as the lower levels as well as protecting your vehicle against accidental damage and vandalism. It might be cheaper than third party, or third party fire and theft, so always check.

What should I look for in a temporary policy?

Temporary car insurance can offer several benefits over a standard annual car insurance policy. If you decide a temporary policy is right for you, consider looking for the following benefits:

• Save money. By only paying for what you need, you’ll save money rather than simply having an annual policy.
• Flexible policy terms. If you only need to use a car for short trips once in a while, then being able to choose how long you need cover, for example, from a few hours up to a month, offers the most flexibility.
• No-claims bonus protection. If you don’t own the car you’re planning to drive, adding a temporary car insurance policy to the car owner’s annual car insurance policy will provide added protection and peace of mind. If you need to make a claim, you would claim through your own temporary policy, which wouldn’t affect the car owner’s annual policy or any built up no-claims bonus they may have.
• Designed for young drivers. Some insurance providers may offer temporary car insurance designed specifically for young drivers, which could be more affordable.

How much does temporary car insurance for under 21s cost?

Unfortunately, as a young driver, you’ll be on the receiving end of some of the highest car insurance premiums out there. That’s because insurers tend to put young drivers into a high risk category simply because they are unlikely to have much driving experience and will be more likely to be involved in an accident and make a claim. That said, there are a number of factors that insurers will look at when calculating insurance such as where a driver lives, the make and model of their car, what they use their car for and how many miles, on average, they might travel.

How can I save on temporary car insurance if I’m under 21?

• Consider your cover needs. Decide whether you need comprehensive cover or whether a third party fire and theft policy would be suitable for your needs.
• Add yourself to an existing policy. Consider being temporarily added to the owner of the car’s annual car insurance policy. But remember that any claim would affect the policyholder’s no claims bonus.
• Increase excess. Agreeing to pay a bigger voluntary excess could make your overall premium cheaper. But remember that your insurer won’t pay out for a claim that costs less than your excess. So be careful about making it too high, as it could leave you out of pocket if damage occurs.
• Pick a smaller car. Choosing to drive a small and safe car is likely to lower your premium.
• Shop around. Shop around and compare your options to find the best deal. Keep in mind that the cheapest policy isn’t always the best policy so check the cover details carefully.

Bottom line

There’s no stopping insurers believing that young drivers under 21 are at greater risk of accidents on the road, which can lead to more insurance claims. Whilst insurance premiums could be high, don’t feel too down as being savvy could help you save money on your temporary car insurance if you’re a young driver. Do a little research and compare deals to find a policy that works for you.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I drive without car insurance?

  No. By law, you’ll need at least third party car insurance to be on UK roads. Ignoring this could lead to you being charged with an offence.

• Why is car insurance so expensive for young drivers?

  Insurers generally consider young drivers to be more at risk of being involved in an accident and more likely to make a claim on their insurance. This will ultimately push the price of insurance up much higher for young drivers.

  There might be some insurers that will only be willing to offer temporary cover to drivers aged over 25 because of the increased risk younger drivers pose. Other insurers may be willing to insure drivers aged under 21, but the premium will likely be higher due to the higher risk that younger drivers pose.

  You’ll need to shop around and check what the conditions and guidelines are for each insurer offering temporary cover. You’ll then need to compare deals for the ones that match your requirements.

• Can I insure a car I don't own?

  Yes, though you may need to shop around. You will also need to clearly explain to the insurance provider that you don’t own the car and that you’re not the registered keeper of it.

• Can I get temporary cover if I still have a provisional licence?

  Yes, but you’re unlikely to get any temporary car insurance policy on the market. If you’re learning to drive, you will need to shop around for a temporary policy specifically designed to cover learner drivers that hold a provisional licence.

Written by

Helen Champion

Writer

Helen Champion was an associate editor at Finder. She has worked in communications for over 16 years and currently writes on a range of topics including insurance and money transfers in the hope of empowering people to make better financial decisions. During her broadcast career, she helped to produce hundreds of news and breaking news reports for Associated Press TV and ITV News. And in public relations, she managed several high-profile public relations campaigns for Macmillan Cancer Support, the General Medical Council and overseas for Qatar Foundation on behalf of BLJ Worldwide. Helen has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Lincoln, a passion for practising karate in the dojo and a deep love of making mischief with her sons. See full bio