Worked out cheaper to name them as drivers on an existing adult policy until they were 21, takes an understanding parent, but saves a bit of cash and gives them 4 years of driving before they have to stump up ,alot less for their own policy.

I took the alternate route, Mouser and bit the bullet. Mrs HB and I found that to add our eldest daughter on either on either of our existing policies was either impossible due to the nature of our cars (our insurer wouldn't cover her on mine) or impractical - we can't insure her on my wife's car as it still wouldn't solve the problem of her having her own car. Whatever happened, for the third car in the family, we were going to have to start a new policy with zero no claims.

We insured my daughter with Admiral and subsequently have moved all my cars there. For youngsters they were significantly cheaper than any other company. I insured my 17 year old daughter in her first year of driving on a 1.2 VW Polo. Policy was fully comp and the car is registered to and owned by her. Cost (from memory) was under £1k to cover the first year as learner and qualified driver (you need to inform the insurance company when they pass their test and then, ironically, the price goes up). She's now on her second year and a no claims bonus has kicked in. Cost is around £800.

Each to their own circumstances of course, but this is the route we chose. I've no interest in promoting Admiral, but have to say I've found their customer service excellent.

Hope this helps, Zippy.

I think much depends on the type of car, Mouser. And also the sex of the insured. Even though current legislation prevents discrimination on sex, I still find female prices to be lower than male based on discussions with my mates. Then again, of - I would say - the six or seven of them that have sons driving, probably five of these lads have crashed the cars in the first year of driving compared with none of the girls.

A much quoted statistic that I heard from within the insurance industry (and I'm not sure if it's correct) is that the biggest killer of teenage girls in the UK is teenage boys driving them in their cars...

I fear car insurance will be going up where i live , due to the recent 130 car pile up last week .

Thanks guys, really appreciate your feedback.

(Manty - did you really buy your 17 year old a Mini convertible!??)

I was thinking of getting him a 'beaten up' old fiesta for £300.

2 suggestions zips.
1. A Bike
2. Roller Skates.