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Is it more expensive to be insured as a sole driver?
I have received notification of my insurance renewal from Churchill, which is £408.20 - a 41% increase on last year. I live in Sutherland and my mileage was 8586 last year. I have one car a Skoda Octavia and am the only driver with 20 years NCB and am 79 years old. I understand that being the sole driver with one car is more expensive - why should this be the case?
Asked on 4 May 2023 by
Answered by
David Ross
Regardless of your driving record, most insurers will provide a renewal quote that is higher than the previous year, although 41% is very large increase. We would always recommend getting new quotes at renewal time rather than relying on your existing insurer, even though it is appealing to stay with the same insurer.
Generally speaking, adding a second driver to your policy will only reduce your premium if they are seen as a lower-risk driver than you. In this case we would suspect that, in spite of your no-claims bonus and low mileage, your age means you are seen as a higher risk. Drivers in their 50s and 60s are seen as the lowest risk of all age groups, while drivers in their 70s will see their premiums go up with many insurers, and again past the age of 80.
Generally speaking, adding a second driver to your policy will only reduce your premium if they are seen as a lower-risk driver than you. In this case we would suspect that, in spite of your no-claims bonus and low mileage, your age means you are seen as a higher risk. Drivers in their 50s and 60s are seen as the lowest risk of all age groups, while drivers in their 70s will see their premiums go up with many insurers, and again past the age of 80.
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