Once you’ve passed your driving test it’s time to find some wheels, get insured, and get out on the road. It’s important you choose a car that doesn’t push up the cost of your insurance any more than it needs to.
We’ve taken a deep dive into car insurance and how vehicles are placed into specific insurance groups. Plus, check out some tips and tricks designed to keep you on track when looking around that potential car. Share this page with your mates once you’re done and help them find a decent car too!
What are car insurance groups?
Every car is placed in an insurance group. These groups consider everything from the value of the car to the security features it has to determine where it sits.
The lower the number, the lower the cost of insurance. So, a car that sits in insurance group 1 may cost less to insure than a car in insurance group 7. Car insurance groups are set by the Group Rating Panel which is made up of members of the Association of British Insurers. However, it’s worth noting that some insurers can set up their own grouping system.
What is considered when working out insurance costs?
When working out how much you should pay to keep a car covered, it’s not just your age that’s considered. The car you choose is also carefully scrutinised. Here is a quick rundown of what insurers look at when working out how much you need to pay to cover your car:
1. The value of the car
How much the car is worth will make a big difference to the price you pay for insurance. The higher the car’s value, the higher your insurance tends to be.
2. How much it would cost to repair
Your insurer then needs to understand how much they would have to pay out if you ever make a claim, as well as how long it would take for the work to be carried out. This also contributes to the insurance group your car is placed in.
The cost of replacement parts is also considered - from bonnets to windscreens and everything under the hood.
What New Drivers Should Avoid When Choosing a Car
If you're a new driver hoping to keep your insurance costs down, there are a few things you should consider avoiding…
- Cars that have been modified - While tinted windows and oversized alloys look cool, they won’t help when it comes to car insurance.
- Sport editions - Avoid sport editions of car models, this will bump up the insurance costs as the engines sometimes feature some extra force.
- Engine sizes over 1.4 litres - Stick to 1.0 and 1.2 litre models.
Tips for new drivers buying a car
If you’ve never bought a car before, it can feel a little daunting - especially if you don’t know much about them. Here are a few tips to help you when deciding:
- Take someone along with you - It could be your Mum or Dad, older sibling, or a family friend - just make sure it’s someone who has been driving for a few years and has experience of buying a car. They can guide you along the way, help you decide, and step in if you’re struggling.
- Test drive the car - You might have a clear idea of what you want but, once you jump in the driving seat of a car that matches, it might feel wrong. Take the car out for a spin and get a feel for the pedals, how it brakes, and how you feel behind the wheel. It’s important you’re comfortable and feel safe when driving.
- Test the features of the car - As well as driving the car, you should also test things like the horn, windscreen wipers, and any electronics to ensure they’re working properly. If they’re not, decide whether you still want it or if it’s an opportunity to reduce the asking price.
- Don’t be afraid to haggle - Remember, car dealers are trying to make a profit, so there is always a little wiggle room on price. Don’t be afraid to try and get a lower price, or have new parts thrown in, if you feel the car is worth less than what it is being advertised for. The worst they can do is say no.
- Be prepared to pay a deposit - If you’re coming back for the car another day, you’ll be expected to pay a deposit. This is sometimes half of what the car is worth but depends on the garage. So, make sure you have this money available on the day.
- Get an insurance quote and check the car tax cost - If you spot a car you like the look of, it’s a good idea to check how much insurance and tax will be before you take it for a test drive. This will determine whether the price is too high. Don’t forget to get a quote for black box insurance to see whether this might lower the cost.
- Feeling ready to brave the world of buying a car? Remember these tips and take someone with you on your mission to find that perfect first car.
Correct at the time of publication. Information in this article has been gathered from various sources, therefore WiseDriving cannot be held responsible for any view or opinion expressed herein.
