Rav4

[Isoif79]

I have a son who will soon be 16, and I want to buy him rav4 2015. I have a 2009 rav4 but for kids all the best is how do you think I'll make the right decision about buying such a car to him? . What types of insurance policies exist for minors and how does it work?Or can give it to me and pick me up a new one:p Thank you

[Heidfirst]

He can't drive in the UK on public roads until he is 17 & has passed his test.

I would imagine that insurance on a 2015 RAV for a 17 year old in Greater London (as in your profile) is going to be eye-watering.

[FROSTYBALLS]

Although your son can hold a provisional licence now, he cannot hold a full licence (ie pass his driving test) until he is 17 - although this can be 16 for some people claiming a mobility benefit.

Some tips on sourcing insurance:

Use comparison sites to get quick quotes. However, remeber that not all insurers are on comparison sites - eg Directline. Some comparison sites are owned by insurance companies and similar, so are not always impartial.

Consider using a broker or a specialist who specialises in insurance for young drivers. For example Toyota Owners Club offers car insurance through Adrian Flux  -  

 

Choose the right excess for you. Having a large excess can reduce the overall premium. However, one needs to strike a balance between having an affordable excess and reducing the policy cost. For example, setting an excess too high and difficult to afford, may mean that making a claim either pointless or too expensive.

Cheaper to pay the annual premium - most insurers charge interest when customers choose to pay by instalment.

Could consider what is commonly called 'black box' or 'telematics' insurance - where a black box which uses GPS is fitted to the vehicle which monitors how the vehicle is driven and where. Sometimes young drivers are provided with a curfew - for example hours where the vehicle is not expected to be driven (ie. early hours of the morning). However, if the insurer discovers the vehicle is being driven badly (eg regular speeding, etc), this may result in the premium being increased. Some insurers now use an app instead.

Adding an older, experienced driver to the policy as a 'Named driver' can reduce the policy premium. 

Ensure that whoever will drive the vehicle the most should be on the insurance policy as the 'Main driver'. Giving incorrect information as to who is the Main driver could invalidate the insurance policy.