Reduce your Car Insurance by Up to 30 Per Cent

14-Sep-2009

So you've just passed your driving test?  Congratulations!  However, getting out on the road as a new driver can be difficult when you factor in the cost of car insurance.  Statistically, new drivers present a greater risk than more experienced road users, hence the hike in premiums.  If you'd like to prove your driving skills, improve your confidence on the road and save money on your premium at the same time, you should consider taking a Pass Plus course.

Pass Plus is a driver training course that is specifically aimed at new drivers (although it is open to anyone with a full UK drivers licence), and has been designed through a collaboration between the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), the driving instruction industry and some of the car insurance industry's largest insurers.  There are a series of modules that you can choose to take, several of which will help you get used to driving on UK motorways and dual carriageways; something that you may not have practiced since passing your test.

The six Pass Plus modules cover town driving, all-weather driving, driving out of town, night driving, driving on dual carriageways and driving on motorways.  There is no need to take all six modules, so you can pick and choose the sections that are most relevant to the problems that you are most likely to face on the road.  You would normally spend a minimum of six hours on the road over the duration of the course (although not necessarily all at once!), followed by a test at the end of the module.

Eighteen of the UK's insurers, including Direct Line, Endsleigh and Zurich, offer discounts to drivers that have achieved a Pass Plus qualification.   Even when you factor in the cost of a Pass Plus course (around £180, but this will depend on where you live and the instructor or driving school you choose), you will still receive a substantial discount on your car insurance.  The reason that insurers are prepared to do this is that you have proven your commitment to safe driving, and have also learned a number of additional skills that will make you safer on the road and therefore less likely to make a claim.

To make it even easier for you to become a more confident driver, a number of local authorities have agreed to help new drivers to cover the costs of the Pass Plus course, providing up to 50 per cent of the tuition fees.  To see a list of borough, town, city and county councils that have offered sponsorship to drivers in their area, visit the Pass Plus website here.  You can find out more about Pass Plus by calling the organisation on 0115 936 650.

Participating insurers will offer a discount on comprehensive car insurance, third party insurance and third party fire and theft car insurance.  Although any of these motor insurance types are legal types of cover, it is highly recommended that you choose comprehensive cover so that you, your passengers and your vehicle are all covered in the event of an accident.  The car insurance industry is a competitive one, and you should therefore find some great deals on comprehensive cover. 

Do make sure that you compare prices for car insurance premiums both with and without the Pass Plus discount, and only take this advanced driving course if it will actually save you money, and help you become more confident on the road.  If you are already totally confident in your driving environment and you will not benefit from significantly reduced insurance, Pass Plus may not be for you.  Talk through your options with an insurer, who will be able to give you a good idea of how beneficial the scheme would be to you.