Homeport very kindly allowed us to contribute some editorial about insurance for Learner Drivers. The article featured in the Summer 2015 edition of Homeport magazine.
When young people are first learning to drive the worry of the parents mainly centres around their safety on the road. Having adequate insurance is key to providing some peace of mind. Searching the market for the correct insurance can be a daunting task, however just like serving personnel need to find cover suitable to their needs, so should the children who live with their parents on Base.
Driving on and around Base is an element of car insurance that is not often covered by “high street providers” and for a new driver learning the rules of the road, driving on Base can be equally overwhelming.
The key point would be that even though a low premium may be attractive, would the company offer the quality of service in the event that a claim had to be made? Would they understand the unique position of being attached to the military? Taking out a policy with a company that understands the military market would be extremely beneficial.
Some hints and tips to save money on insurance premiums for younger drivers:
- High performance vehicles often attract a higher insurance premium, so a lower powered vehicle for an inexperienced driver often makes sense.
- Encourage learner drivers to take their ‘Pass Plus’. This is a practical training course that takes at least 6 hours and is for drivers to improve their skills and drive more safely. It can be taken at any time but is recommended for new drivers to take in the year after passing their test.
- Consider a telematics or “black box” system being installed in the vehicle. This monitors the driving habits of the driver and passes data back to a central point, with good drivers being rewarded with lower insurance premiums.
- Consider when your children drive their vehicle, some insurers offer a discount if the vehicle is not driven during certain hours e.g. later in the evening / early morning.
Forces Financial is now part of the UK's largest not for profit financial services organisation, returning all its profits to its customers and has a car insurance policy tailored to the Armed Forces.