Car Insurance for 18 Year Olds (UK)

Car Insurance for 18 Year Olds (UK) — Compare Quotes in Minutes

At 18, you may have a little more driving experience than when you first started — but insurance can still feel expensive. Prices can vary a lot depending on your car, postcode, how you use the vehicle, and the insurer's pricing model.

Reviewed by MySupermarketCompare Editorial Team

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What you'll need to start a quote

✓Vehicle details (registration or make/model)
✓UK postcode
✓Approx annual mileage
✓Whether you use the car for commuting (yes/no)

Who This Page Is For

This page is for UK drivers aged 18 (and parents/guardians helping them) who want to:

compare quotes quickly and safely
understand what affects pricing at 18
reduce premiums using truthful, practical steps
choose cover that fits their needs
explore temporary insurance options for short-term needs

Pricing remains high for most drivers aged 18, similar to 17 year old drivers. Many see gradual changes as they progress to age 19 and build driving history.

What Affects the Price at 18?

Insurers commonly look at factors like:

how long you've held your licence
the car's insurance group and repair costs
where you live (postcode)
whether you commute and how many miles you drive
where the car is kept overnight
cover type and excess
any claims, points, or convictions (accumulating 12 points leads to a TT99 totting-up ban)

Because providers assess risk differently, comparing is often the fastest way to see a realistic range of options. See our young driver cover page for broader tips.

Practical Ways to Reduce Costs at 18

1. Consider a car that's cheaper to insure

Lower insurance groups and reasonable repair costs can help.

2. Look at a black box (telematics) policy

Some drivers can access more competitive quotes depending on the provider and terms.

3. Keep details consistent and accurate

Mileage, address, job title, and usage should all be truthful.

4. Compare cover types and check the excess

A low premium with a very high excess may not suit your situation.

5. Review the full policy features, not just price

Compare what's included, exclusions, and how claims are handled.

⚠️ Important:

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

FAQs: Car Insurance for 18 Year Olds (UK)

Is car insurance usually cheaper at 18 than 17?

It can be, especially if you've built some driving history, but it depends heavily on your car, postcode, mileage, and insurer.

Is fully comprehensive always more expensive?

Not always. Comprehensive cover can sometimes be competitively priced. Comparing is the simplest way to check.

Does commuting affect the price?

It can. If you commute regularly, insurers may price differently compared with social-only use.

What is an insurance group and why does it matter?

Insurance groups help indicate how expensive a car might be to insure, based on things like repair costs and performance.

Are black box policies worth considering at 18?

They can be for some drivers, but it depends on the provider and terms. Comparing can show whether it changes your quotes.

Can adding an experienced named driver help?

Sometimes, but only if the details are accurate and you're still correctly listed as the main driver when that's the case.

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.