Drivers aged 17–24 typically pay more for car insurance. Telematics (black box) policies can help bring costs down — but they work differently depending on the provider.
Statistically, drivers aged 17–24 are more likely to be involved in road traffic incidents than older, more experienced drivers. Insurers use this data when pricing policies, which is why younger drivers often receive higher quotes.
This doesn't mean you can't find competitive cover. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is one of the most effective ways to see what's available for your specific circumstances.
A telematics policy uses a small device fitted to your car (or a smartphone app) to monitor how you drive. The insurer uses this data to assess your driving behaviour, and your premium may be adjusted based on factors such as speed, braking, cornering, and when you drive.
The idea is that safe drivers can be rewarded with lower premiums, regardless of their age. However, the specifics of what's tracked and how it affects your price vary between providers.
This is one of the most common questions young drivers ask. The short answer is: it depends on the provider.
Some telematics providers do factor in the time of day you drive. Driving late at night (typically between 11 PM and 5 AM) may negatively affect your driving score with some providers, because statistically, more accidents occur during these hours.
However, not all providers penalise late-night driving in the same way:
Worth knowing: If you regularly drive late at night — for shift work, for example — it's worth asking the insurer directly how time-of-day driving affects your score before committing to a telematics policy.
| Factor | What's measured | How it may affect your score |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Whether you stay within speed limits | Exceeding limits may lower your score |
| Braking | How sharply and frequently you brake | Harsh braking may indicate risky driving |
| Cornering | How smoothly you take bends | Aggressive cornering may lower your score |
| Mileage | How many miles you drive | More miles generally means more risk |
| Time of day | When you drive (varies by provider) | Late-night driving may affect score with some providers |
| Phone use | Some apps detect phone handling | Phone use while driving may lower your score |
Important: "Fronting" — listing an older, more experienced driver as the main driver when the young person is actually the primary user — is a form of insurance fraud. It can result in your policy being cancelled, claims being rejected, and difficulty obtaining insurance in the future.
This page provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Always read policy terms before purchasing.
*51% of consumers could save £535.17 on their Car Insurance. The saving was calculated by comparing the cheapest price found with the average of the next four cheapest prices quoted by insurance providers on Seopa Ltd's insurance comparison website. This is based on representative cost savings from May 2026 data. The savings you could achieve are dependent on your individual circumstances and how you selected your current insurance supplier.
** Correct as of June 2025.
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