Young drivers can't afford to insure their cars: Number of 17-20 year olds convicted for not having cover more than doubles in two years
- Some 6,316 drivers aged 17-20 convicted of driving without insurance in 2023
- Rise in insurance costs mean an 18 year old is quoted an average of £3,145
- Young drivers, let us know if you've been quoted an outrageous price of car insurance by emailing [email protected]
The number of young motorists convicted for driving without insurance has more than doubled in two years as a result of spiralling premiums, according to new analysis.
Official figures show that 6,316 drivers aged 17 to 20 were convicted of driving without insurance in 2023. That is up 117 per cent on the 2,902 instances recorded in 2021 - and 15 per cent higher than the 5,486 convictions for the age group in 2022.
Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, which conducted the research, warns there could be 'an epidemic of uninsured young motorists' unless measures are taken.
![The number of motorists aged 17-20 who have been convicted for driving without insurance has more than doubled in two years on the back on sky-rocketing premiums, a road safety charity has said](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/17/09/84995077-0-image-a-19_1715934540980.jpg)
The number of motorists aged 17-20 who have been convicted for driving without insurance has more than doubled in two years on the back on sky-rocketing premiums, a road safety charity has said
The figures are based on the volume of 'IN10' endorsements (issued to motorists convicted of using a vehicle uninsured against third party risk) added to driving records during each calendar year dating back to 2021, when the average premium price was significantly lower than it is today.
IAM RoadSmart said the increase in endorsements for young drivers coincides with a 25 per cent rise in average motor insurance premiums between 2022 and 2023.
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the average cost of car insurance for all motorists in the UK at the end of the first quarter of 2024 is £635.
At the end of April 2021, the average premium was just £436, the ABI said.
However, for younger motorists, costs are up to five times higher than the average.
![According to the ABI, the average cost of car insurance for all motorists in the UK at the end of Q1 2024 was £635. But for young drivers, it can be up to five times more expensive than the national average](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/17/09/84131315-0-image-a-2_1715933749907.jpg)
According to the ABI, the average cost of car insurance for all motorists in the UK at the end of Q1 2024 was £635. But for young drivers, it can be up to five times more expensive than the national average
According to Confused.com's data for April (which is based on insurance quotes and not premiums paid, which is the case for ABI stats), a 17-year-old today faces an average insurance price of £2,919 - up £1,307 (81 per cent) on a year earlier.
Meanwhile, 18 year olds are paying the most overall, with average prices now £3,145.
Offenders issued with IN10 endorsements also face a £300 fixed penalty and six penalty points.
The most serious cases are taken to court, where punishments are often tougher.
Rules also mean that any driver who accumulates six or more points within their first two years of driving will have their licence revoked and be forced to re-sit their theory and practical tests.
The motoring organsiation has urged the Treasury to halve the standard 12 per cent rate of insurance premium tax (IPT) on motoring policies for drivers aged under 25.
It also called for IPT to be zero for licence holders in that age category who have completed an approved driving or riding course.
IAM RoadSmart director of policy Nicholas Lyes said: 'It is a legal requirement to have the correct insurance to drive, so it is deeply concerning to see a surge in young drivers breaking the law in this way.
'Unless there is intervention, we risk an epidemic of uninsured younger motorists taking to the roads.
'Sadly, this is likely a consequence of the soaring costs of insurance premiums over the last 18 months.
'For young drivers who have recently passed their test, the cost of learning to drive, getting a vehicle, taxing it and then insuring it is becoming an extremely costly process.
'While the insurance sector believes we may now be over the worst of price increases, falling premiums will feel like a lifetime away for newly qualified drivers.'
![Official figures show that 6,316 drivers aged 17 to 20 were convicted of driving without insurance in 2023. That is up 117 per cent on the 2,902 instances recorded in 2021 - and 15 per cent higher than the 5,486 convictions for the age group in 2022](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/17/09/84995075-0-image-a-20_1715934547399.jpg)
Official figures show that 6,316 drivers aged 17 to 20 were convicted of driving without insurance in 2023. That is up 117 per cent on the 2,902 instances recorded in 2021 - and 15 per cent higher than the 5,486 convictions for the age group in 2022
Jonathan Fong, manager of general insurance policy at industry body the Association of British Insurers, said: 'It goes without saying that motorists should never be tempted to drive without insurance.
'Doing so can result in a criminal conviction and significant costs against the driver if they're involved in an accident.
'Insurance is always based on risk and our data shows that the average cost and frequency of claims is higher for younger drivers, which can impact premiums.
'In 2022, the average payout for drivers aged between 17 to 20 was 74 per cent higher than for those aged 46 to 50.
'Sadly, young drivers are also more likely to be involved in crashes resulting in multiple serious injuries, which could lead to very high insurance payouts.
'Despite facing sustained higher costs, such as a 31% increase in the cost of repairs, insurers remain determined to keep motor insurance as competitively priced as possible for all motorists, including young drivers.'
A Government spokesman said: 'The overall cost of insurance is determined only in part by Insurance Premium Tax, which contributes over £8billion a year towards vital public services.
'The rate has been frozen since 2017, and the extent to which IPT is passed on to customers is a decision for insurers.'
Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh said 'soaring inflation, pothole-ridden roads and rising car thefts' had driven up insurance costs.
She said: 'It is time for ministers to call in the regulators, crack down on any unfair practices, and come clean on the causes of soaring costs for consumers.'