When you first start learning to drive, insurance is probably the last thing on your mind. You're probably more concerned with the excitement of your soon-to-be gained independence, along with maybe a touch of apprehension about such a big undertaking. Unfortunately, however, learners are not exempted from the basic rule that everyone who gets behind the wheel of a car needs to have proper insurance in place first.
Of course, driving instructors will have their own insurance when you drive in their car, so this isn't an issue, but the vast majority of learners want to practice their skills in a friend's or relative's car between lessons so as to make the whole learning process faster. If you want to practice in your parent's car, they may well be a bit nervous about adding a learner driver to their policy, not only because it could push up the cost considerably, but also because of the risk of ruining a hard-earned no-claims bonus!
No Claims Protection
The solution for this dilemma is to take out special learner driver insurance that covers just the learner, either in a named car or in any car at all (within reason - I doubt many firms would offer cover to a learner driving a Ferrari...). These policies are totally independent of any other insurance on the car you're practising in - the normal drivers will still need their own insurance as usual, but if you have an accident and need to make a claim, the no claim bonus of the car owner will not be risked.
Also, some policies allow you to start building up your own no claims bonus even before you've passed your test.
What's Different About Learner Driver Insurance?
One of the major differences between learners insurance and standard cover is that you can choose to take it out over a shorter term. With normal car insurance, you take out a policy lasting for a year. With learner insurance, you can take out a policy lasting as little as a week, although a few months is more realistic, and renew it in instalments until you pass your test. One thing to look out for is whether you get a refund on any unused cover if you pass your test sooner than you thought.
Are There Restrictions?
As well as cover being restricted to a car of limited value (probably around £20k max or so), you will need to be adequately supervised by a competent driver with a full driving license that has been held for 3 years or so. Some policies may also insist on your supervisor having a clean licence and of being at least a certain age. Incidentally, ensure your policy covers your supervisor should they need to take over driving during the course of a lesson.
How Much Does Learner Driver Insurance Cost?
Learning to drive is an expensive business, but insurance needn't be a major part of this cost. Expect to get covered for around £3 a day depending on the insurer, regardless of your postcode, and if you take out longer policies this cost can get considerably lower. As always, shop around and compare learner driver insurance prices before taking out a policy.