A leading insurance comparison firm is revealing the top winter driving hacks that could help motorists avoid higher premiums and retain those all-important No Claims Bonuses.
Quotezone.co.uk says many motorists overlook the winter conditions and can make unnecessary mistakes that will hit them hard in the pocket.
The firm, one of the UK’s leading car insurance comparison websites, says even minor adjustments in behaviour could save hundreds of pounds. Here they lay out some of the pitfalls motorists can find themselves in this winter:
Defrosting – It is tempting to leave the engine running while the windscreen unfreezes, and the car warms up. However, if an opportunistic thief takes the vehicle, many insurance companies will not cover the loss.
Leaving engines running is also an offence under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Doing this is known as ‘idling’,and is bad for the environment as it increases the amount of dangerous gases emitted into the air from the car’s exhaust.
Don’t use boiling water on windscreens – Glass can crack when it experiences a sudden change in temperature, and windscreen damage isn’t always covered by a standard car insurance policy.
Simply using a frost guard, a defogger or even homemade de-icer – lukewarm water mixed with rubbing alcohol.
Clear your windscreen before you set-off – Windscreens with inhibited views can land owners with a £1,000 fine and three points on a driving licence. So any leaves, snow, ice, mud or even condensation, needs to be fully cleared before setting out.
Check tyres – Motorists can be fined an eye-watering £2,500 for each faulty tyre and receive three points on their driving licence. If the police see another tyre falling short, it doubles to £5,000 and six points. Four faulty tyres could even see the maximum 12 points – resulting in the loss of a driving licence.
Commercial vehicle drivers, where the car or van is owned by their employer – could land firms with penalties of up to £20,000.
Numberplate – Excess mud and grit on the roads this time of year can make your car dirty very quickly, and if the numberplate isn’t clearly visible, drivers could face a fine of £1,000.
Floods – Some car insurance policies include clauses advising policyholders not to drive through flooded roads, and may specifically exclude cover for any water damage to the car if the motorist goes against this advice.
Avoid puddles – Soaking pedestrians by deliberately driving through large puddles can results in a £100 fine and three penalty points.
Greg Wilson, Founder of car insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk said: “As winter approaches, it’s not just the fines that motorists should worry about, points on a driving licence are noted by insurers as a sign of how safe a driver is and what the risk of a claim might be when calculating premiums.
“Three points on a licence can add 5% to premiums every year until the points are spent after four years. Six points pushes premiums up by as much as 25%, and let’s not forget No Claims Bonuses and what they might be worth if they’ve been built up over time and now have to be accrued again from scratch.
“Careful, considerate and patient drivers who plan for the winter weather and adjust their behaviour to meet the conditions give themselves the best chance of avoiding points and keeping their premiums low.”
The IFB is warning new drivers to watch out for a rising scam known as ‘Ghost Broking’ which involves bogus car insurance deals being sold on social media, as it could cost them their first car.
The warning comes as hundreds of thousands of learners get set to pass their driving tests as they catch up from the disruption caused by Covid-19.
The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) also provides comment.
Statistics and campaign content can be found in the notes to newsroom.
The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) is urging new drivers to watch out for bogus car insurance deals being promoted on social media, as hundreds of thousands of learners* get set to pass their tests following a year of disruption caused by Covid-19.
Fake car insurance sales known as ‘Ghost Broking’ is a growing scam which involves fraudsters pretending to be Insurance Brokers in order to sell unrealistically cheap and completely fake policies, often to younger drivers via Facebook and Instagram.
With a large influx of new drivers on the horizon following confirmation from the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) that driving test centres face an unprecedented challenge to reduce waiting times left by the pandemic, the IFB is warning new motorists to be vigilant to bogus car insurance deals on social media as it could cost them their first car.
Stephen Dalton, Head of Intelligence and Investigations at the IFB, said: “The last thing new drivers need right now is to risk losing their car for no insurance because they’ve been duped by a scammer on social media.
“Drivers must carry out basic checks to make sure they’re buying car insurance through a trusted provider, or they’ll be making a very expensive mistake.
“I encourage anyone who’s seen evidence of an insurance scam to report it to the IFB’s confidential Cheatline online or on 0800 422 0421.”
Mark Magee, Head of Driver Policy at the DVSA, said: “DVSA’s priority is to help everyone through a lifetime of safe driving.
“As well as ensuring you have the skills, knowledge and understanding attitude to drive safely, having valid insurance is of the utmost importance when you drive on your own.
“Check to make sure insurance brokers are genuine before parting with your money.”
Learner drivers in a driving school are typically covered by their instructor’s insurance policy, until they pass their test and need to take out motor insurance for their first car. With a rush of new drivers approaching and with so many people facing financial hardship, the IFB is concerned it will provide fertile ground for ‘Ghost Broker’ scammers.
Fraudsters often tempt younger people with their bogus car insurance deals by promoting unrealistically cheap prices up front, despite the fact insurance is meant to be priced based on the risk of the individual. They often then encourage contact with them through popular end-to-end encrypted messaging software such as WhatsApp.
The IFB which is a not-for-profit organisation that works with the police to crackdown on organised insurance scams has seen its investigations into ‘Ghost Broking’ double since 2016, and the scam has remained prevalent throughout the pandemic.
IFB investigations have found cash-strapped young drivers forking out hundreds of pounds for car insurance that in reality is worth no more than a photoshopped piece of paper. In some cases scammers also use stolen personal information to take out policies which are then doctored before being sold on to customers.
Driving without valid insurance is easily detected by police. Uninsured drivers can have their vehicle instantly seized and are likely to receive six licence points. They can also face court where they might receive an unlimited fine and a driving ban. Furthermore, an uninsured driving conviction will show on records and can affect job prospects.
If a collision is caused by the uninsured driver they may also be liable for covering the costs which can run into the thousands.
Avoiding fake car insurance deals
New drivers are urged to avoid deals on social media or messaging apps and to only purchase car insurance through reputable sellers.
The Met Office pollen forecast for Scotland could give hay fever sufferers more than just watery eyes this weekend.
Pollen predictions show things could get very uncomfortable for sufferers, especially on Sunday when the pollen count is forecast to be raised to ‘high’ for all of Scotland, except the Orkneys and Shetland which will be at a ‘medium’ level.
Scottish hay fever sufferers who are vulnerable to grass pollen might be especially affected. Spores also in peak season now in Grampian and the Highlands, with weed pollen (nettle, dock and plantain) at medium risk in lowland areas.
The Met Office forecast has led to a warning from one of the country’s leading car insurance comparison website, concerned that most motorists are aware of the fact that ‘driving under the influence’ could result in hefty fines and points on their licence – but unaware there’s a risk they could end up committing this type of motoring offence without even realising it by using medication to counter hay fever.
According to Quotezone.co.uk, the government legislation that bans driving while under the influence, does not distinguish between illicit drugs, prescription medication and over-the-counter medications.
This means any type of drug that affects a motorist’s driving abilities could potentially result in a drug-driving conviction, even if it’s something as simple as hay fever medication that causes drowsiness.
One in four people in the UK has hay fever, approximately 16 million people, according to the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. Grass pollen is arguably the biggest cause of seasonal allergies, affecting approximately 90% of hay fever sufferers – with peak season from mid-May until July.*
The region’s hay fever sufferers could consider the following advice before getting behind the wheel:
Five driving tips for hay fever sufferers
Check your medication– antihistamines and hay fever medications can differ in strength, check with your doctor if in any doubt about possible side effects and always read the label – the warning, ‘do not operate heavy machinery’ is commonly found and applies to cars, forklifts and any other heavy machinery.
Plan your journeys –check the Met Office Pollen warnings or download the weather app, which gives a 5-day forecast, for high pollen counts.
Don’t take non-urgent journeys –if you don’t feel well or the pollen count is high, play it safe.
Keep your car as pollen-free as possible– clean your car as much as possible to get rid of dust that could trigger symptoms before setting out, regularly change pollen filters in your car’s ventilation system and keep car windows closed during journeys.
Drive safely– better to err on the side of caution, giving lots of space to fellow road users and taking breaks if hay fever symptoms start.
Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, warns: “Most people assume that the term ‘drug-driving’ refers to driving while under the influence of illicit narcotics, but the truth is that driving after taking any type of drug, could result in a motoring conviction if the motorist’s driving abilities are impaired.
“While some hay fever medications are non-drowsy, some types do cause drowsiness, and some prescription hay fever tablets in particular carry a ‘do not operate heavy machinery’ warning. If a driver fails to obey this warning and gets behind the wheel, they could risk a hefty fine of up to £5,000 as well as points on their licence.”
Tree pollen is typically from late March to mid-May, grass pollen lasts from mid-May until July then weed pollen tends to be from the end of June to September – dependent upon where you live, for example urban areas have lower counts than the countryside, and coastal areas have lower counts than inland.
A leading Insurance comparison website is warning that many motorists with diabetes risk a hefty fine if they fail to declare the condition to the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA).
Quotezone.co.uk also warns that policies could be void and claims disputed if diabetic drivers have not declared the disease to their insurer – and that includes those newly diagnosed.
As the pandemic-induced lockdowns forced people to alter their lifestyles with the closure of gyms, restricted exercise and reported spike in fast food takeaways – elements which can increase a person’s chances of developing the disease – it may lead to a surge of people being diagnosed with diabetes.
According to research from Manchester University, the first lockdown in April 2020 led to diagnosis rates falling 70% on the 10-year average.
It estimates that more than 45,000 type 2 diagnoses were either missed or delayed between March and July alone, creating an imminent surge in new diabetes patients as things slowly begin to open up.
Diabetes UK states that there are nearly five million people with the disease in the UK: 90% with type 2, 8% with type 1 and the remainder with rarer types. The charity predicts diabetes could rise to five and a half million by 2030 and 13.6 million are at risk of becoming type 2 sufferers.
The charity shared the following advice to show the various levels of restrictions for drivers with diabetes:
Those who have suffered a severe hypoglycaemia (hypo) attack at the wheel or while awake in past year-stop driving and tell the DVLA straight away.Driving licences will be revoked but can be applied for again after three months. Severe hypo attacks do not need to be declared if sufferer experiences it asleep.
Prescribed insulin – apply to the DVLA for a restricted licence – one to three years. Temporary insulin users do not need to tell the DVLA.
Medication that can risk hypos –a severe hypo while awake in a 12-month period, stop driving and tell the DVLA. Driving licence will be revoked, but can be reapplied for 3 months later.
Other diabetes medication or new exercise and diet – no need to tell the DVLA.
The penalties for not declaring a medical condition can result in a £1,000 fine and the risk of prosecution if the driver is involved in an accident.
In addition to diabetes, motorists with heart issues and other conditions such as epilepsy, sleep apnoea, strokes should visit the DVLA’s website for more information.
Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, comments: “A serious medical diagnosis on top of the fear of losing transportation and independence can be devasting. On a more positive note, many conditions and medications won’t impair driving, which the DVLA and insurers recognise.
“However, anyone whose condition or medication could affect their driving needs to keep the DVLA up to date. It won’t necessarily mean a permanent loss of a licence and many successfully reapply when their condition is managed and the risk declines. It is however essential that all drivers are properly covered with an accurate policy, to protect themselves and other road users.
“If a motorist sees their premiums go up due to the insurer’s updated risk assessment, and it looks like they might be priced out of affordable insurance, they should shop around for new quotes – insurance comparison websites are a good place to start.”
Learner drivers passed their practical tests at the highest rate ever recorded during the pandemic, according to new figures released by the Department for Transport.
The data, which spans April 2020 to March 2021, shows that 49.8% of learners passed the test, up by 3.9% on 2019-20 figures.
There was more good news for learners taking theory tests, with 55.7% passing, the highest rate since 2013-14 and 8.6% higher than the previous year.
While many learners celebrated receiving their full driving licences, others were unable to take their practical car tests due to the pandemic, with 72.7% fewer practical tests taking place in 2020-21 compared to the previous year. Car theory tests were down by more than 50%.
Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk comments: “Congratulations to all those who passed, just goes to show, practice really does make perfect as shown by the outstanding results.
“Many learners took advantage of less traffic on the roads to get out there and clock up more miles behind the wheel during the pandemic, plus increased time at home was the ideal opportunity to hit the books and study for the theory test.”
However, Wilson points out that after all their hard work there is now another challenge: “Newly qualified drivers often have trouble finding competitively priced insurance because they represent a higher insurance risk than seasoned motorists, and this is particularly true if the new driver also happens to be a young driver.
“That’s why we recommend newly qualified drivers use Quotezone.co.uk’s car insurance comparison service to shop around for better deals, by comparing quotes from a wide range of different providers side-by-side these motorists stand a better chance of finding a cheaper quote.
“Of course, there are additional steps newly qualified drivers can take to increase their odds of finding cheaper insurance too. For instance, it might be worth considering telematics insurance, which is often cheaper than a standard car insurance policy and opting for a car with a smaller engine and parking the vehicle in a safer location like a driveway or garage can also bring premiums down.”
One third of all learner drivers are over 30 years of age
Scotland is a silver-haired centre for learner drivers, according to new figures from a leading car insurance comparison website.
Quotezone.co.uk’s data reveals over 3% of all Scottish learner drivers would qualify for a pension, which is double the rate for most other UK regions barring the North East, which topped the stats with 3.8% of its learners aged 66 or over.
And Scotland’s learner drivers are in no hurry to pass their test, with over three-quarters having received their provisional licences more than five years ago and 34% for over 10 years.
The general picture of learners being young still rings true, with 60% of learner drivers across the country being aged between 16 and 25. It is common to find learners in their 40s – 8.7% of all learners – and even their 50s – 3.8%.
The advancing years have also not held back more than 100 septuagenarians and octogenarians who retain an interest in passing their driving tests.
Quotezone.co.uk says demand for its learner premiums has rocketed 42% from 2019 to 2020.
The data was sourced from Quotezone.co.uk’s 2020 records covering a sample of 50,000 provisional drivers across the UK, with 15,000 over 30 years of age. North East learners surveyed numbered 1,790 drivers and 600 were over 30.
Greg Wilson, Quotezone.co.uk’s Founder, comments: “School leavers or young professionals often come to mind as the typical learner driver. Our findings tell a more multifaceted story though, showing many people hold back on getting their full driving licence until they’re well into their 20s and beyond.
“Scotland is not unusual in having a notable number of more mature drivers looking to pass their test, but it stands out for budding motorists being of pension age.
“There’s going to be lots of reasons why people hold off on learning to drive. Cost could be one answer, with the price of lessons and buying a car putting some provisional drivers off. But when it comes to insurance you shouldn’t have to pay over the odds even if you are a learner. I would say dust off your provisional licence and shop around for the best deal by using a comparison website to compare quotes.
“We’ve seen a big rise in learners looking into policies in 2020. Perhaps safety concerns using public transport have played a part in this surge, with many services reduced, and commuters are returning to the idea of having a car.
“With lessons and tests returning and an economic bounce back looking promising, we expect more provisional licence holders to actively pursue their full licence this year.”
-Insurance giant urges motorists to think twice before getting behind the wheel-
Clare Egan, Head of Motor Product at Admiral, said: “As beer gardens re-open across Scotland, we risk seeing a rise in the number of people tempted to get behind the wheel after a drink, putting other road users, pedestrians, and themselves in danger.
“It’s vital to understand the implications of taking this risk and we’d urge all motorists to think twice before getting in their car to drive after having an alcoholic drink.
“Being caught over the limit can see a driver face up to 6 months in prison, an unlimited fine and a driving ban of at least one year, not to mention the potential life-changing impact it can have if it leads to a crash.
“Those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol could find their insurance premiums increasing by more than 250% – that’s if they can get insurance at all. But the financial penalties don’t stop there, if you do have an accident while drink-driving many insurers will refuse to cover the cost of damages, meaning drivers could be left with hefty sums to pay including the cost of third-party claims.
“There are many different factors that could impact your ability to drive safely. Weight, age and metabolism all play a part in alcohol tolerance, meaning it is virtually impossible to know if you are safe to drive. Even the smallest amount of alcohol will affect how you drive, so the only way to be really safe is to avoid drinking altogether when you know you are taking the car.
“As the UK slowly eases out of this lockdown, many people will be looking to enjoy the relaxing of some of these restrictions. Make sure you consider another way to get to and from the pub safely, and whatever you do, don’t be tempted to drive.”
Scottish drivers are experiencing some of the biggest price drops since 2014, when the cost of insurance fell by 17% in the Scottish Borders
Drivers in Central Scotland are seeing biggest monetary savings year-on-year, as prices drop by £80 (15%), taking the average premium to £456.
The overall cost of insurance in Scotland has fallen by £72 (15%) year-on-year – with the average premium standing at £416.
Motorists in the UK can now expect to pay £538 for their car insurance, on average, after an £87 (14%) fall in prices year-on-year.
Shopping around proven to save drivers money, as further research of UK drivers finds almost half (45%) of those who received their renewal in the past quarter (Q1 2021) saw their price increase by £45, on average (1).
Drivers in Scotland are seeing some of the biggest drops in car insurance costs in almost seven years, new data reveals.
The average cost of car insurance in the Scottish Highlands and Islands dropped by £72 (16%), the highest percentage decrease in 12 months, meaning drivers in the region can now expect to pay £374, on average.
The last time car insurance prices in Scotland fell by this much was in 2014, when drivers in the Scottish Borders saw car insurance premiums drop by 17%, on average.
That’s according to the latest car insurance price index by Confused.com (Q1 2021), powered by Willis Towers Watson. Based on more than six million quotes per quarter, it’s the most comprehensive new business price index in the UK.
According to the data, motorists in all Scottish regions have seen a drop in their car insurance costs when shopping around.
In particular, Central Scotland saw big year-on-year price drops, as the average premium fell by £80 (15%), to £456.
Meanwhile, those in the East and North-East of Scotland have seen a saving of £60 (13%), making the average premium stand at £387. And drivers in the Scottish Borders can save up to £62 (15%), as the average cost for car insurance has dropped to £352.
Overall, the average cost of car insurance in Scotland dropped by £72 (15%) in 12 months, following a turbulent year which has sparked significant changes in driving habits. This means the average cost of car insurance in Scotland as a whole is now £416 on average.
Throughout this past year, prices have been steadily declining, as drivers spend less time on the road. As a result, prices in Scotland have decreased by £23 (6%) in the last three months alone (Q4 2020- Q1 2021), as insurers adapt their pricing to reflect the current level of risk on the roads.
Looking at the rest of the UK, similar savings are being seen, as motorists can now expect to pay £538 for their car insurance, after a price drop of £87 (14%) in the last 12 months, on average.
However, Louise O’Shea, CEO at Confused.com, explains that not all drivers will see these savings. While those shopping around and buying a new car insurance policy will have saved as much as £87, further research of UK drivers found that almost half (45%) of drivers who received their renewal in the past three months saw their price increase by £45, on average. This suggests they could be paying more by opting to renew with their current insurer.
In fact, of the drivers who saw their renewal price increase this past quarter, almost half chose to stay with their current insurer, despite their price being more expensive.
Of those who did stay with their insurer, one in 10 (11%) claim their insurer automatically renewed the policy on their behalf. And it’s this practice which makes it difficult for motorists to opt out of their policy and find a better deal.
This is something that is being investigated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which is looking into changes that will make it easier for customers to cancel their policy and benefit from the price savings being reported for new policies.
The FCA’s proposal won’t just make it easier to cancel auto-renewals, it is also set to prohibit insurers from calculating a price based on whether someone is a new customer or a renewing their policy.
However, this does not mean that renewal prices will stay the same or decrease, as they could still increase year-on-year. The FCA has been clear that shopping around will still give customers opportunities to save.
While all drivers in Scotland have been able to benefit from savings on their car insurance policy, some regions have seen greater savings than others.
In Central Scotland, it’s drivers in Glasgow that have experienced the greatest price cuts, with the average premium standing at £502 after an annual drop of £93 (16%). However, motorists in Kilmarnock are making the greatest quarterly savings, as prices drop by £29 (7%). Drivers in this region are also paying out the least for their insurance, as the average premium costs £396.
Motorists in Dumfries in the Scottish Borders are also seeing great savings, as the average premium has fallen to £351 after a price drop of £67 (16%) compared to 12 months ago. Prices have also gone down by £26 (7%) in the last three months, as drivers in the area benefit from the cheapest insurance prices in the region.
Meanwhile, drivers in Kirkcaldy in the East and North East can expect to save £65 (15%) year-on-year. They are also seeing the biggest quarterly savings, after prices have fallen by £28 (7%), taking the average premium to £377 – the lowest premium in the region.
In the Highlands and Islands, drivers in Paisley have seen the biggest annual savings, as prices fall by £86 (17%). Yet, it’s motorists in Shetland that have experienced the greatest quarterly savings, as the cost of insurance drops by £44 (11%), taking the average premium to £358. However, Kirkwall motorists are paying out the least for their insurance, with the average premium standing at £317.
The price drops are good news for both genders also. Females in the Scottish Borders are paying the least for their insurance, following a £59 (15%) drop in prices year-on year and a reduction of £19 (5%) in the last quarter – taking the average premium to £334.
Males in the Scottish Borders are also paying the least for their insurance, as prices dropped by £63 (15%) in the last 12 months and by £25 (6%) in the last three months, with the average premium ringing in at £363.
Meanwhile, both male and female motorists are making the greatest savings in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Year-on-year, females have saved £67 (16%), and males have seen savings of £74 (16%), on average. The biggest quarterly savings can be found in this region also, as females can see price drops of £27 (7%), while males can see price cuts of £29 (7%), with average premiums standing at £348 and £390, respectively.
And, in a similar trend to the last quarter, all age groups across all Scottish regions are making savings on their car insurance both year-on-year and quarterly.
However, while it was younger drivers that were able to see big savings three months ago, now it’s older drivers who are faring the best.
Those aged over 71 can expect to make big savings, as males in the Highlands and Islands are seeing cuts of £77 (19%) year-on year, taking the average premium to £322, while females in the region can save £67 (18%), with average insurance premiums standing at £293.
In Central Scotland, females over the age of 71 are set to save £68 (17%) since 12 months ago, while males in the area can make savings of £74 (17%). Prices for this age group have also fallen in the East and North East, with males saving £65 (16%) and females saving £44 (13%), on average. Drivers aged over 71 who live in the Scottish Borders are seeing reductions of 17%, with females saving £60 and males £66 year-on-year.
But the youngest category of drivers is also benefitting from price cuts, as those aged 17-20 saved 11% in the Highlands and Islands, with prices dropping by £142 for males and £109 for females in the last 12 months.
In Central Scotland, females aged 17-20 can look to save £108 (9%), with males set to save £99 (7%). Equally, in the East and North East of Scotland, females in this age range can save up to £95 (10%), while male drivers are making savings of £142 (10%) in the last 12 months.
However, while the price of car insurance is decreasing, some motoring costs are in fact starting to creep up as the UK eases out of lockdown. In fact, Confused.com’s fuel price index suggests that petrol and diesel prices have been on the up since the end of last year.
According to the data, drivers can now expect to pay 124p for petrol, on average. This is 11p more than December 2020. Meanwhile, diesel prices have increased from 118p to 127p in the same period. With these costs increasing, drivers will no doubt be looking to make savings where they can, starting with their car insurance.
Louise O’Shea CEO at Confused.com, says: “It’s been just over a year since we went into lockdown for the first time and this triggered a lot of changes in how we’re using our cars. And this is a change that could be here to stay for the foreseeable future, so it only seems right that our car insurance costs are cheaper to reflect this.
“What we are seeing is the biggest drop in prices in Scotland in almost seven years. But it’s important to remember that these lower prices are only benefiting those who shop around. It’s clear from our research that automatically renewing could in fact cost you more money.
“Loyalty clearly doesn’t pay! But if the increase is small, or you are fortunate to see your renewal price drop, please don’t settle for this as there will be an insurer out there willing to offer a better price. At Confused.com we’re so certain of this that we’re offering to beat your renewal quote or give you the difference, plus £20”
New research shows the most popular car brands for young drivers, aged 18-25, in Scottish cities are Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Ford in that order.
Insurance comparison website Quotezone.co.uk found The Vauxhall Corsa is the favourite model, followed by the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta.
The data from Quotezone.co.uk is taken from a sample of nearly 2,700 young drivers in 2019-2020 across Scotland’s cities: Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Inverness, Stirling, Perth and Glasgow.
The only exceptions to Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Ford dominating the top three most popular spots are Glasgow which features Audi and Sterling with Peugeot – both in third place.
Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, Greg Wilson, comments: “A major consideration for young drivers is the cost of insuring their car, so you might assume that most would opt for a car in a very low insurance group, like a Volkswagen Up (usually insurance group 5 or lower), a Seat Mii (insurance group 4 or lower), or a Skoda Citigo (group 4 or lower).
“Interestingly, though, our data suggests young drivers in who do buy Volkswagens are more likely to splash for a Golf than an Up, even though Volkswagen Golfs tend to range from insurance group 18 up to group 31.
“Similarly, young drivers who opt for a Seat are more likely to buy a Seat Leon than a Mii, despite the fact that most Leons fall into insurance group 14 or higher.
“Still, while many young drivers might be open to paying a little more to insure a motor with a bigger engine, their relative inexperience or small no claims bonus means it’s still vital that they shop around to ensure they aren’t paying over the odds. Our aim is to bring more transparency to the insurance process by giving the power back to the customer, so they can easily see what is on offer across the market, then choose for themselves what suits them – at a competitive price.”
Quotezone.co.uk also sponsor the FirstCar Awards for young drivers – according to the awards, the most wanted new car of 2020 for young drivers is actually the Audi A1 followed by the Honda E and finally the Vauxhall Corsa. The most wanted used car was the Mini Hatch. Advice for young drivers plus this year’s winners announced here.
Young Driver Statistics, 18–25 year olds, in Scottish cities, top 3 most popular cars – make and model, across 2019/2020 from a sample size of nearly 2700.
Scottish drivers can now expect to pay £610 for their car insurance, as prices for new policies drop by 10% in 12 months, according to Confused.com’s car insurance price index
Drivers in Central Scotland benefited from biggest savings, as car insurance drops by £72 (10%) in the region last 12 months
But despite significant savings, Central Scotland is still most expensive region in Scotland, with average premium costing drivers £643
Motorists in the UK can now expect to pay £52 (6%) less for their car insurance when buying a new policy, on average – a welcome saving as the coronavirus crisis extends into 2021
However, further research by Confused.com found that two in five (42%) UK drivers who received their renewal in the past quarter saw their price increase by £49, on average
There’s good news for drivers in Scotland, as the average cost of car insurance has dropped by £65 over 12 months, in the steepest price drop seen in two years.
Scottish drivers can now expect to pay £610 for their car insurance, on average, as prices for new policies drop by 10% in the last 12 months. That’s according to the latest car insurance price index by Confused.com (Q4 2020), powered by Willis Towers Watson. Based on more than six million quotes per quarter, it’s the most comprehensive new business price index in the UK.
But motorists in some Scottish regions are seeing even greater savings. Drivers in Central Scotland have seen their car insurance premiums decrease by £72 (10%), on average, in the last 12 months. This brings the average car insurance cost in the region to £643, making it the most expensive of the four Scottish regions.
It’s a similar picture across the other Scottish regions, with all areas seeing steep decreases year-on-year. Motorists in East and North East Scotland have seen their car insurance prices fall by £66 (11%), taking the average premium in the region to £560, on average.
Meanwhile drivers in the Highlands and Islands can expect to make savings of £51 (8%) year-on-year, with the average car insurance cost standing at £601. Motorists in the Scottish Borders have seen prices drop by £46 (8%), with the average premium ringing in at £569.
These savings are reflected across the rest of the UK, with the overall cost of insurance falling by £52 (6%) on average – the biggest drop in two years. This brings the average price of car insurance to £763 – the cheapest price since early 2019. These decreases will no doubt be welcomed by drivers across the UK, as the coronavirus pandemic has forced a lot of financial uncertainty on many households.
However, further research by Confused.com suggests that motorists who choose to renew with the same insurer may not see the same savings. In a survey of 2,000 UK drivers, more than two fifths (42%) of those who were due to renew over the past quarter (Q4 2020) said their renewal price was more expensive than the previous year, with insurers adding an extra £49 to their price, on average. Worryingly, nearly a quarter (24%) chose to stay with the same insurer, despite their price being more expensive. But two in five (40%) shopped around and saved £60, on average.
Louise O’Shea, CEO at Confused.com, explains that this proves that it doesn’t pay to stay loyal. And new rules set out by the Financial Conduct Authority will make it even easier for consumers to cancel their existing policies and switch to a better deal(2).
Currently, customers who don’t actively seek out a new price will be automatically renewed on their existing policy, at the price which is set out by the insurer. And it’s clear from Confused.com’s research that many motorists are seeing their price increase year-on-year, meaning they’ll be paying out more money when there is likely to be a better price for them on the market. But the FCA’s proposal will not just make it easier to cancel auto-renewals, it is also set to prohibit insurers from calculating a price based on whether the customer is a new customer or a renewing customer. However, this does not mean that renewal prices will stay the same or decrease, they could still increase year-on-year. The FCA have been clear that shopping around will still give customers opportunities to save.
As the country has lived in lockdown for the majority of the past 12 months, people are driving significantly less and the data suggests prices may have dropped to reflect this. According to further research by Confused.com, UK motorists expect to be driving 2,000 fewer miles this year, compared with last year, which can have a significant impact on the price they pay for their insurance.
Typically, having a lower mileage could mean drivers pay more for their insurance. For example, a driver with an annual mileage of between 3,000 and 4,000 miles per year would pay £126 more than if they were to drive between 8,000 and 9,000 miles.
This because a motorist who drivers fewer miles could be deemed to be less experienced and therefore a higher risk. However, in the current climate, two in three (61%) UK drivers claim they have been using their car less since being in lockdown, meaning the risk on roads has decreased overall.
While all drivers in Scotland have saved money on their car insurance in the last 12 months, some have benefitted from greater price decreases. In particular, drivers in Glasgow, Central Scotland, have seen car insurance prices fall by £104 (13%), on average, since the last quarter of 2019 with the average premium now costing £688. This is the biggest price drop in the region. Meanwhile, in the East and North East of Scotland, it’s motorists from Aberdeen that have seen the biggest savings. Drivers here can expect to save £79 (12%) year-on-year, paying out £567 for their car insurance, on average.
The price drops are boding well for both genders also. Male motorists in Central Scotland are making the biggest savings, as they can expect to save £74 (10%) on their car insurance compared to this time last year, taking the average premium to £667.
Similarly, male drivers in the East and North East of Scotland are also seeing a big different in prices, as they can expect to pay £70 (11%) less for their insurance compared with 12 months ago . The average premium for male motorists in the region stands at £581, on average. It’s a similar story in the Highlands and Islands and Scottish Borders, where male motorists can make savings of £53 (8%) and £48 (8%), respectively, on average.
Meanwhile, female drivers across the regions are also face similar decreases. Motorists in Central Scotland are able to save £70 (10%) on the car insurance premium since 12 months ago, with the average car insurance premium standing at £613 Female drivers in the East and North East of Scotland have seen car insurance premiums fall by £62 (11%) on average, since the same time last year, taking the average premium to £531. While, female motorists in the Highlands and Scottish borders are able to save £47 (8%) and £44 (7%) respectively, on average.
Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, even younger drivers are making savings in all four Scottish regions. Male drivers aged 17-20 are making the biggest savings, as prices have dropped by £125 (6%) in the East and North East Scotland, as well as in Central Scotland, on average. The average premiums cost £1,823 and £2,038, respectively, on average.
Female motorists aged 17-20 are also paying less for car insurance. Those in the East and North East are benefitting from the biggest savings, with car insurance prices having dropped by £90 (7%) since 12 months ago, taking the average premium to £1,288. While, in Central Scotland, female drivers in this age group are seeing savings of £88 (6%), with the average car insurance premium costing £1,480.
While the cost of car insurance is cheaper now for most drivers, it’s clear not everyone is off the hook, which proves the importance of shopping around to find the best deal.
Louise O’Shea, CEO at Confused.com comments: “We’re seeing some of the biggest car insurance savings across Scotland in a long time and it couldn’t come at a better time.
“It’s been nearly 12 months since we first went into lockdown and this put so many people in a difficult situation, so I have no doubt this news will be welcomed by so many. We’re at home and driving a lot less, it’s only right our car insurance prices should reflect that.
“That said, it’s important to remember that these savings are only being seen by those shopping around. We know from our research that insurers are still putting up renewal prices.
“Even if the increase is small, please don’t settle for this as there will be an insurer out there willing to offer a better price. At Confused.com we’re so certain of this that we’re offering to beat their renewal quote or give them the difference, plus £20(4).”
