How can 17-year-olds get cheaper car insurance in the future?

Drive safely and build up a no-claims discount - many insurers offer rapid bonus schemes to 17-year-olds to earn a full year's bonus in nine or 10 months. Remember too to shop around with the moneysupermarket.com car insurance comparison tool each year to take advantage of introductory offers. Many insurers offer their cheapest rates to new customers so don't assume your existing insurance provider will remain the cheapest.

How can 17-year-olds save money on car insurance?

There are a number of factors to consider which can help reduce the cost of your car insurance. These include:

• Vehicle choice - Buy a conventional vehicle with no modifications as high-performance cars present a greater risk to insurers.
• Increasing security - Park in a garage at night, fit a car alarm and immobiliser. Ask the insurer to recommend products.
• Taking a Pass Plus course - As soon as you complete your test take a Pass Plus course. Bear in mind however, that this will typically cost more than £100 but it could be money well spent if it knocks more than that off the cost of your insurance.
• Adding a parent as a named driver - Most insurers will offer a discount if you have a more experienced driver on your policy. However, don't ask an adult to 'front' a policy for you (put it in their name) as this is illegal.

Car Insurance For 17-Year-Olds

Figures from the Association of British Insurers show that every year 50,000 17-year-olds pass their test after less than six months of lessons. This lack of experience is reflected in the price of car insurance for 17-year-olds with typical premiums for 17 to 25-year-olds doubling the national average.

What should 17-year-olds look for from a first policy?

In 2008 several of the UK's leading car insurance companies stopped offering quotes to 17-year-olds altogether due to high accident rates. However, even though the options for young drivers may be more limited than older motorists with more experience, they should still shop around for car insurance and gather as many quotes as they can. There are several specialists in the market that specifically offer quotes to young drivers.

When searching for cheap car insurance think about the value of the car itself. There may be little point in paying for comprehensive cover if the vehicle is cheap to replace or repair. Consequently, new drivers may be better off with third party only or third party fire and theft cover just to give themselves the minimum legal level of coverage.

How to cut your business car insurance premium

When looking for cheap business car insurance think about how you will use the car. There is no point in underinsuring yourself - but consider whether you need the vehicle for commercial use, regular business use or occasional business use. Some insurers will let you add car insurance for business use as and when you need it for an additional premium.

Consider agreeing to a feasible mileage limit - if you can prove to an insurer that you only travel limited distances you could slash your premiums.

Think about where you park the car - if you always park in a secured area, perhaps on business grounds, inform your insurer.

In addition follow the standard methods to reduce a car insurance premium such as enhancing the security of your vehicle, agreeing to a higher voluntary excess and driving a car with a smaller engine.

Business Car Insurance

If you're planning to use a car for business use, such as attending meetings or running errands for your boss, then chances are you won't be covered by an ordinary car insurance policy. Instead you'll need business car insurance with unique cover options designed for motorists who travel as part of their work.

How does business car insurance work?

Most car insurance policies will cover your car for 'social, domestic and pleasure' (SDP) use and commuting. This covers the normal day-to-day use of a vehicle for travelling to and from work, trips to the shops, visiting friends and family, etc. While this type of policy does insure you for travelling to your regular place of work, it does not offer cover for any further business travel.

If you want car insurance for business use, you have to apply for specific cover. This will normally take one of three forms:

• Private and occasional business use: This covers private use, commuting and also includes use for occasional business purposes by the regular driver or spouse. However, the vehicle must not be registered for business use and must not be an essential part of earning your income.
• Private and business use: This insures all of the features listed above but with the addition of business use for the regular driver, spouse or any named driver on the insurance policy.
• Commercial travelling: This covers a policyholder for whom travelling in their own vehicle is a regular part of their job, such as a door-to-door salesman.