Car Insurance for 17 Year Olds (UK) — Compare Quotes in Minutes

Getting insured at 17 can feel overwhelming — especially when you see your first quotes. In the UK, insurers often charge more for newly qualified drivers because there's limited driving and policy history, but prices can still vary a lot between providers.

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What you'll need to start a quote

✓Vehicle details (registration or make/model)
✓UK postcode
✓Approx annual mileage
✓Where the car is kept overnight (street/driveway/garage)

Who This Page Is For

This page is for UK drivers aged 17 (and parents/guardians helping them) who want to:

compare car insurance quotes quickly
understand what affects prices and reduce costs using safe, truthful steps
choose cover that fits their needs

Pricing tends to remain high through the early driving years, though some drivers notice slight changes when they turn 18. See our car insurance for 18 year olds page for age-specific guidance.

Why Car Insurance Can Cost More at 17

Quotes are often higher at 17 because insurers have less information about driving history and claims risk. Common factors include:

limited experience behind the wheel
no established no claims bonus (NCB)
the type of car chosen (insurance group / repair costs)
postcode and where the car is kept overnight
expected mileage and whether the car is used for commuting

The important part: different providers can price the same details differently, so comparison can help you see the range. For more general tips, see our car insurance for younger drivers page.

What Affects the Price Most for 17 Year Olds

The biggest drivers of cost are usually:

the car's insurance group and engine size
where you live (postcode)
where the car is parked overnight (street vs driveway/garage)
annual mileage
cover type (third party vs comprehensive can vary)
excess amount
any previous claims or driving history (if applicable)

Always enter details accurately — incorrect details can cause issues later. Young drivers who accumulate points quickly should be aware that 12 points triggers a totting-up disqualification (TT99), which has serious insurance implications.

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Practical Ways to Reduce Costs (Without Risky Shortcuts)

1. Choose a cheaper-to-insure car

Cars in lower insurance groups are often less expensive to insure.

2. Consider a black box (telematics) policy

Some 17 year olds can access more competitive quotes depending on the provider and policy setup.

3. Be realistic with mileage and usage

Don't guess too low — it can cause problems later.

4. Park securely overnight if possible

Off-street parking can sometimes reduce risk.

5. Compare cover types and check the excess

A lower premium with a very high excess may not be practical.

⚠️ Important:

Never list someone else as the main driver if it isn't true. "Fronting" can invalidate insurance.

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FAQs: Car Insurance for 17 Year Olds (UK)

Is car insurance always expensive at 17?

It's often higher due to limited driving history, but the price can vary a lot depending on the car, postcode and usage.

Is fully comprehensive always more expensive?

Not always. Sometimes comprehensive cover can be competitively priced. Comparing options is the easiest way to see.

What is a black box policy?

A black box (telematics) policy can use driving data. It may help some drivers access more competitive pricing, depending on the provider and terms.

Can adding a parent reduce the cost?

Adding an experienced named driver can sometimes help, but only if the details are accurate and the 17 year old is still correctly listed as the main driver when that's the case.

What car is cheapest to insure for a 17 year old?

It depends on the insurance group and repair costs. Comparing quotes for a few car options can help you see what changes the most.

Does where the car is parked overnight matter?

Yes. Street parking vs driveway/garage can affect risk for some insurers.

What information do I need to compare quotes?

Typically vehicle details, postcode, expected mileage and driver history.

What's the fastest way to check options?

Start a quote journey with accurate details and compare the total cost and cover breakdown.

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Start your quote online now and view options available from UK providers.