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Whilst learning to drive with a provisional licence, you may see lower car insurance premiums than when you first pass your test. This is because insurance companies see learners as lower risk than those who have just qualified, because learners must always have an experienced driver with them, and learners tend to drive within speed limits at all times, and so on. Statistics for newly qualified drivers tend to be less favourable, with more instances of driving convictions and higher frequency of motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, statistics mean that all young or inexperienced drivers are tarred with the same brush, in the insurers' viewpoint, and all see higher premiums until turning 25 and gaining further driving experience.
Although you may already have insurance on your car whilst learning, it is vital that you inform the insurance company that you have passed your test, as soon as you do so. This is because you now present a different risk to the insurer, and so they must apply the relevant premium rating structure and excesses. If you fail to notify the insurance company, and then become involved in an accident with your vehicle, you may find that the insurer will not pay out on the claim, due to incorrect information being detailed on your policy. Incorrect information can lead to lack of cover, and even cancellation of your policy, without notice.
Whilst under the age of 25, you may find that insurance companies will apply a premium loading due to age, and also an additional excess to be paid by the policyholder in the event of a claim, but this varies depending on the insurer. Most likely, this will be the same if you are being added as a named driver to insurance held by someone over the age of 25. If you have four years driving experience, but are still under the age of 25, it is likely that your insurance premium will be higher than a person with two years experience, who is over 25 years old, insuring the same type of car. It is possible to reduce your insurance premium by requesting a higher excess, which you would have to pay in the event of a claim, before the insurance company will begin to pay out on said claim.
Due to age and experience disqualifying you from certain discounts, or incurring loadings on your premium, it is prudent to assess the ways in which you could lower the cost of insurance in your younger years. One of the best ways to lower insurance costs is to ensure that you purchase a vehicle with a smaller, less powerful engine. The more powerful and expensive the vehicle, the higher your premium will be. There will also be some instances where an insurer will not be willing to offer a quotation on a certain vehicle, where an inexperienced or young driver will be behind the wheel. For example, if you are 18 years old and just passed your test, and you then buy a brand new, high performance and high value vehicle, there is a strong chance that you may not find an insurance company willing to cover you, as it is too high a financial risk for them.
Another effective way to gain a discount on your insurance, from certain insurance companies, is to complete the Pass Plus driver training course. This course is in addition to your regular lessons and driving test. It is an extended training course, which you would take after passing your test, and your driving instructor should be able to give you further information regarding this.