New drivers pay some of the highest insurance premiums on the road. Car insurance is a legal requirement from the moment you pass your test, but with so many insurers, policy types, and price points to get your head around, finding the right cover isn’t always easy — especially when you’re doing it for the first time.
Our insurance comparison lets you compare quotes from multiple insurers in one place, see exactly what each policy covers, and pick the one that works for your car and your budget. It’s as simple as that.
What Is Car Insurance & Why Do I Need It?
Car insurance is a policy that covers you financially if something goes wrong while you’re driving — whether that’s an accident, damage to another vehicle, or injury to another person. It’s not optional.
Driving without valid insurance is illegal in the UK and can result in a fixed penalty, points on your licence, and your car being seized.
As a new driver, you need a policy in place before you drive for the first time after passing your test. The type of cover you choose determines what you’re protected against — and comparing quotes is the best way to find the right level of cover at the right price.
How to Compare Car Insurance with Bill Plant
Enter your details once and see prices from multiple insurers side by side. No filling out the same form over and over. No guessing whether you’re getting a fair deal.
- Enter your details — Your licence type, the car you’re insuring, how you use it, where it’s kept overnight, etc.
- See your quotes — Results from multiple insurers, side by side. Filter by price, cover level, or excess.
- Buy online — Complete the purchase directly with your chosen insurer. Cover can start the same day!
What Car Insurance Do New Drivers Need?
Car insurance is a legal requirement for every driver on UK roads. There are three levels of cover to choose from:
The minimum legal requirement for driving on UK roads. It covers damage or injury you cause to other people, their vehicles, and their property. It doesn’t cover any damage to your own car, so if you’re at fault in an accident, any repair costs come out of your pocket.
Everything covered by third party, plus protection if your car is stolen or damaged by fire. It still doesn’t cover damage to your own vehicle in an accident you caused, so if you write off your own car, you won’t be able to claim.
The highest level of cover available. It includes everything in the two options above, plus damage to your own car regardless of who is at fault. Many policies also include extras like windscreen cover. Despite being the most complete option, comprehensive is often surprisingly competitive on price for new drivers — sometimes cheaper than third party only.
What To Look For Beyond Price?
As a new driver when insurance costs are at their highest, it’s common to search for the lowest price – but that’s not all to look out for. When you’re reviewing your quotes, keep an eye on:
- Excess — the amount you pay if you make a claim. A lower premium with a high excess isn’t always the bargain it looks.
- Black box (telematics) — a device or app tracks your driving, and safer habits can bring your premium down at renewal. A strong option for new drivers.
- Named drivers — adding an experienced driver can sometimes lower your quote. Worth comparing both ways.
- Annual vs monthly — paying upfront is usually cheaper overall. Monthly payments typically include interest.
Still Learning? Learn More About Short-Term Learner Insurance
If you haven’t passed your test yet, you need to be considering learner driver insurance to accommodate additional learning outside of your driving lessons.
Once you’re ready to practise in a friend or family member’s car outside of lessons, our short-term learner driver insurance covers you from just one hour — without touching the car owner’s no-claims bonus.
FAQs About Car Insurance
Car insurance is a policy that protects you financially if something goes wrong while you’re driving — covering damage or injury you cause to others, and depending on your level of cover, damage to your own vehicle too.
Car insurance is a legal requirement for every driver on UK roads. Driving without it can result in a fixed penalty, points on your licence, and your vehicle being seized.
There are three levels of cover: third party only, which is the legal minimum; third party, fire and theft, which adds protection against theft and fire damage; and comprehensive, which covers all of the above plus damage to your own car regardless of fault.
New drivers have no claims history, so insurers price for higher risk. Without a track record behind the wheel, you’re seen as more likely to make a claim. Premiums typically fall once you build a no-claims discount over your first few years of driving.
Yes. You can get cover in place on the day you pass. You’ll need your new licence number, though most insurers will let you add it shortly after purchase if you don’t have it to hand. Don’t drive until you have written confirmation your policy is active.
No, a black box isn’t a legal requirement. But for new drivers, a telematics policy — which uses a device or app to track how safely you drive — can help bring premiums down over time by demonstrating good driving habits to your insurer.
Bill Plant Driving School is an introducer appointed representative of Vast Visibility Limited, First Floor, Royal Liver Building, Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1HU, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm reference number 566973. You can check these details on the FCA register.