According to a Europe-wide road behaviour survey, British drivers are the safest around – but this hasn’t been reflected through their car insurance premiums.
A study conducted by car insurance provider AXA involved interviews with 800 drivers from countries including Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and of course Great Britain. It found that one third of Europe’s drivers feel that British motorists are the safest and that 92 per cent of British drivers feel safe on their own roads – compared to a Europe-wide average of just 72 per cent.
Despite this high regard for British motoring however, average premiums for car insurance continue to rise across the UK with the AA British Insurance Premium Index reporting that they shattered the £780 threshold in the third quarter of 2008.
So why are car insurance premiums continuing to rise?
Much of the blame can be attributed to the performance of the UK’s younger drivers with 18- to 24-year-olds in Britain having one of the highest fatality rates in Europe. They are also responsible for one third of all car insurance claims despite the fact that they make up less than 20 per cent of the UK’s motorists.
So in an effort to drive car insurance premiums down so they reflect the solid reputation British drivers have established young drivers are called on to address their own performance. While they can’t make up for a lack of experience they can still take measures to drive safely including never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, never tailgating, always driving courteously and sticking to the speed limit.
If you’re a responsible young driver it is still possible to lower your costs – for example, many providers now offer rapid bonus schemes allowing you to earn a full year’s no-claims discount in around nine or 10 months.
For cheap car insurance you may also wish to undertake a Pass Plus course – with some car insurance providers this could cut your premiums by as much as 35 per cent.
Crazy Road in Ireland
