High-Risk Car Insurance for Young Drivers: How to Get Accepted
Being a young driver in the UK already makes car insurance expensive. Add a limited driving history, high-performance car, or penalty points, and you may be classified as a high-risk driver. That doesn’t mean you can’t find affordable or fair cover — you simply need to know where to look and how to present yourself to insurers.
This 2025 guide explains how young drivers can get accepted for high-risk car insurance, reduce premiums, and build a strong driving record over time.
Why Are Young Drivers Considered High-Risk?
In the UK, drivers aged 17–25 statistically cause more accidents than any other group. Limited experience and higher likelihood of risky driving behaviours make insurers cautious. As a result, young drivers often face premiums 2–3 times higher than older motorists — even without any convictions.
If you have additional risk factors (like speeding fines, modified cars, or previous claims), you’ll need a specialist insurer who can assess your case individually rather than automatically rejecting it.
Common Reasons for High-Risk Status Among Young Drivers
- Recent driving test pass (less than 2 years experience)
- Penalty points or speeding offences (SP30, IN10, etc.)
- Driving a high-performance or modified car
- Previous insurance cancellations or claims
- Urban address or high-traffic postcode
Each of these factors increases risk in the eyes of insurers — but they don’t disqualify you from getting insured.
Where to Find High-Risk Car Insurance for Young Drivers
Standard comparison sites rarely cater well to young high-risk profiles. Instead, use or contact specialist UK insurers such as:
- Adrian Flux – known for young and modified car insurance.
- Hastings Direct (SmartMiles) – telematics for young drivers.
- GoSkippy – flexible monthly cover for high-risk policies.
- Sky Insurance – accepts young drivers with penalty points.
You can also start a personalised comparison on our High-Risk Insurance Comparison page to view brokers offering young driver discounts.
How to Get Accepted as a Young High-Risk Driver
1. Install a Black Box (Telematics Insurance)
Installing a telematics device allows insurers to monitor your driving habits — speed, braking, and time of use. Proving safe driving can reduce premiums by 20–50% within the first year.
2. Choose a Low-Insurance-Group Vehicle
Cars in insurance groups 1–10 (e.g., Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Toyota Yaris) cost significantly less to insure than high-performance models. Always check your car’s group before purchasing.
3. Add an Experienced Named Driver
Adding a parent or older relative as a named driver can reduce perceived risk. Avoid “fronting” (pretending someone else is the main driver) — it’s illegal and invalidates your insurance.
4. Complete an Advanced Driving Course
Courses such as IAM RoadSmart or Pass Plus teach advanced safety skills and can qualify you for insurer discounts.
5. Avoid Monthly Payments
Paying your premium annually avoids interest charges and credit checks — both of which are higher for young or high-risk profiles.
6. Compare Early — Not Last Minute
Insurers reward early shoppers. The best time to compare quotes is **3–4 weeks before renewal**. Waiting until the last week can increase your quote by 20% or more.
How Much Does High-Risk Insurance Cost for Young Drivers in 2025?
Costs vary based on age, location, vehicle, and history. Here’s a rough guide to 2025 averages in the UK:
| Age | Risk Level | Average Annual Premium (£) |
|---|---|---|
| 17–19 | Very High | £2,200–£3,000 |
| 20–22 | High | £1,600–£2,400 |
| 23–25 | Moderate | £1,100–£1,700 |
Adding penalty points, performance cars, or recent claims can increase premiums by 30–60%, so it’s vital to use specialist high-risk brokers who manually assess your profile.
What to Avoid When Applying
- Never provide false information about age, usage, or address.
- Avoid cheap insurers with unclear excess or cancellation policies.
- Don’t take cover you can’t afford to maintain — cancellation damages future quotes.
Tips to Lower Young Driver High-Risk Premiums
- Drive during daytime only (avoid curfew surcharges).
- Use telematics-friendly insurers like Marmalade or Hastings SmartMiles.
- Keep your mileage reasonable — under 10,000 miles/year if possible.
- Install extra security (alarm, immobiliser, dash cam).
- Stay offence-free for 12 months to begin building a no-claims record.
Final Thoughts
While car insurance for young high-risk drivers is expensive, it’s not impossible. The key is transparency, safe driving, and selecting insurers that specialise in your circumstances. Every year of claim-free driving significantly reduces your premiums and opens doors to standard rates.
Start by exploring specialist UK high-risk car insurance comparisons and choose policies that reward responsible young drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can young drivers get high-risk car insurance in the UK?
Yes. Specialist insurers such as Adrian Flux and Sky Insurance accept young high-risk drivers and offer personalised cover options.
What’s the cheapest car to insure for young high-risk drivers?
Vehicles like the Ford Ka, Vauxhall Corsa, and Toyota Yaris are in low insurance groups and ideal for reducing costs.
Do penalty points affect young driver insurance more?
Yes. Young drivers with points are considered higher risk. It’s best to use a specialist broker for tailored pricing.
Can I get telematics insurance as a high-risk driver?
Yes. Telematics policies help prove good driving behaviour and can cut premiums by up to 50% within the first year.