So, you’ve decided to get into the driver’s seat. You might have a bit of apprehension about the task ahead. There is no doubt that learning to drive is daunting for many. But there are returns on your efforts that include freedom and independence.
Learner driver insurance can often be perceived as expensive, and we are sure there are plenty of costly quotes out there. However, we want to walk you through how to choose the most affordable learner car insurance, so you can get on the road as soon as possible.
As with most things, the more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to make the right decisions about everything from picking the right type of car insurance for learner drivers, to understanding road laws.
As a new or young driver, you’ll want to find the most affordable learner driver insurance to suit your unique needs and requirements. Explore all of your options as car insurance costs can vary depending on the type of cover you choose.
In Ireland, there are three types of motor insurance available:
When searching for affordable car insurance in Ireland, it’s important to strike a balance between finding cheap car insurance for learner drivers and the right learner insurance for what you require. If this is something you’re struggling with, give our team a call on 0818 300 301.
Although this question may sound obvious, we want to explain what it actually means to hold a learner’s permit, as well as guide you on how to apply for one online.
A learner’s permit, when issued, qualifies you to learn to drive a vehicle under the supervision of a licenced driver and is issued to individuals who have completed their theory test with the DTT. The permit allows them to practise driving under some restrictions and the guidance of a licenced driver, usually a parent, guardian, or driving instructor.
Before you can apply for your learner’s permit, you’ll need to complete the theory test, as briefly explained above. The DTT or Driver’s Theory Test website takes you through some simple steps for booking your theory test, as well as providing key information on things you’ll need to apply for, including a valid ID. A fee of €45 applies when booking the test.
Useful Link: Book Your Theory Test
Once you have passed your theory test (congratulations!), you can apply for your learner’s permit. You can do this directly on The Road Safety Authority website.
Have you started daydreaming about cruising around in the perfect car? We don’t blame you, it’s such an exciting time! However, don’t get caught up with aesthetics and brand names just yet. First, we want to share some insights into how picking the most suitable car for you is more important than you might realise.
The make and model of your car will affect your premium. This goes for both young drivers looking to be insured for the first time, and experienced drivers. The insurer will consider a range of factors.
In a useful document published by Insurance Ireland, they state that “The risk actually changes every year as the vehicle itself is now a year older, potentially putting it into a different rating category”. Basically, the older the car the potentially more expensive the policy will be.
A vehicle’s engine size also affects car insurance premiums. The bigger the engine the higher the risk and therefore the higher the premium.
The key takeaway here is to pick a practical car that is manageable to drive, affordable to insure and something that is appropriate for learning, in a nutshell, avoid an old car with a big engine. You have plenty of years ahead of you to get the car of your dreams!
Many drivers start learning to drive around the legal age (17-24 years old).
Statistically, young drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents and incidents on the road. Insurance is always based on risk. So, when calculating the likelihood of a claim, insurance companies must factor in this data.
If you’re learning to drive in your parent’s car in Ireland, you will need to be a named driver on their insurance policy:
Named Driver: This is where you are added to your parents’ insurance. It allows you to legally drive the car while learning, as long as you are accompanied by your parent or another licenced driver who is over 25 years old and has held a full driver’s licence for at least two years.
There are important factors to consider before driving your parent’s vehicle that include:
Car insurance fronting is a practice in which a more experienced driver, who is typically the policyholder, declares that they are the main driver of a car that a younger or less experienced driver primarily drives. The primary purpose of fronting is to reduce the insurance premium for the younger or less experienced driver, who is perceived to be at higher risk of causing an accident or making a claim.
In Ireland, fronting is illegal and can result in serious consequences for both the policyholder and the additional driver. The bottom line is that it is fraud and, therefore, a criminal offence which could result in the termination of the insurance policy.
Learning to drive with your parents can be cost-effective and flexible, but it may also come with some downsides, such as emotional stress or inconsistent instruction. It’s great to have someone to take you on impromptu sessions throughout the week, however, remember that you will need to complete mandatory Essential Driver Training (EDT) which consists of 12 sessions with an approved instructor who can sign off on each lesson. The RSA website has more information on EDT.
At Campion Insurance, our goal is to provide learner drivers with effective and affordable car insurance. Purchasing your first car, learning to drive, and obtaining learner driver’s insurance can be a costly process. However, we can simplify the task by searching through a range of insurers to find the most cost-effective option for you, giving you peace of mind that you have the best motor insurance for you.
Option One: Give our team a call directly at 0818 300301
Option Two: Fill out THIS callback form
Option Three: Visit our website to find out more about Learner Driver’s Insurance
A Guide to Affordable Car Insurance in Ireland
