Pass Plus and cheaper car insurance

Passing your driving test is an exciting prospect and most new drivers are anxious to get behind the wheel. However, before they can drive legally in the UK there is one more obligation to fulfil – they must purchase a car insurance policy.

Car insurance is a legal necessity in the UK and new drivers typically pay more than their peers due to their lack of experience on the road and high accident rates for drivers during their first six months of driving. However, completing the Pass Plus course after passing a driving test could not only boost your motoring knowledge but also drive down your premiums too.

What is the Pass Plus course?

The Pass Plus is an advanced driving qualification usually offered shortly after you have completed your practical driving examination successfully. It was introduced in 1995 and gives new motorists experience in unfamiliar driving situations while accompanied by a driving instructor – you may be able to arrange to take the Pass Plus with your existing driving instructor or you may choose another Driving Standards Agency (DSA) approved instructor or school.

The course is split into six modules:

All weather driving

How you drive should be influenced by the weather conditions and so this module of the course offers experience in unfavourable weather environments including rain, snow, ice, bright sunshine and fog. It examines the correct speeds to adopt based on the conditions; issues such as aquaplaning and braking on poor surfaces; and extended stopping distances.

Driving out of town

This is taken on country roads and looks at situations such as slow moving vehicles, farm entrances and how to drive on hills, around tight bends and on uneven roads.

Driving on dual carriageways

Though you may have driven on a dual carriageway as part of your regular driving lessons, this takes a more extensive look at the skills involved including lane discipline, overtaking and planning ahead.

Driving on motorways

You cannot drive on a motorway until you have passed your driving test, so the Pass Plus provides valuable tuition in motorway skills such as how to enter and leave a motorway safely; the correct speeds to adopt; and how to deal with motorway fatigue.

Night driving

This module examines driving in the dark, as well as at dawn and dusk and focuses on aspects such as using headlights correctly; dealing with dazzle; and correctly judging speed and distances.

Town driving

Driving through a large town or city can present a different set of hazards for motorists, so this module is designed to help new drivers learn about consideration for other road users, keeping space around the vehicle and observation.

How does the Pass Plus help to lower car insurance premiums?

Insurance companies base premiums on a number of factors including your driving history, your address, your personal circumstances, your annual mileage and the vehicle you drive. New drivers have no driving history and therefore haven’t had the opportunity to “prove” themselves to insurance companies by avoiding accidents and convictions.

However, by taking the Pass Plus course a new driver is gaining valuable experience and is therefore deemed less likely to be involved in an accident. As such, several insurance companies offer discounts to those who complete the Pass Plus – according to research by a comparison website in 2008, a total of 15 providers offered this discount with premium reductions averaging 12 per cent. However, with some providers, completing the Pass Plus could reduce premiums by as much as 35 per cent.

The key then is whether the money that can be saved on car insurance outweighs the cost of the course itself. Prices for the course vary depending on the instructor but average £171 however it is worth contacting your Local Authority as they may subsidise the Pass Plus course. According to the AA British Insurance Premium Index in January 2010, premiums on third party, fire and theft policies, typically bought by new drivers, averaged £1,252. Saving 35 per cent on this average would therefore reduce premiums by more than £438 – more than double the average cost of the course.

How else can you save money on car insurance?

Completing the Pass Plus is just one step towards cheap car insurance – here are some additional tips:

Agree to a mileage limit

Limiting the number of miles you drive each year reduces the risk of being involved in an accident and often earns premium discounts.

Earn a bonus

Most insurance companies offer no-claims discounts to drivers that avoid claims – these could be worth as much as 60 per cent off your premiums after four or more years. For new drivers, some insurance companies even offer rapid bonus schemes allowing them to earn a full year’s discount in less than 12 months.

Increase security

Reduce the risk of car theft by adding an alarm, immobiliser or tracking system to your vehicle – consult your insurance provider about which devices offer the largest savings. Parking in a garage overnight could also help you save.

Increase your voluntary excess

Choosing a higher excess will usually lower your premiums, but be careful to keep it at a level you can comfortably afford as this is your contribution towards a claim.

Shop around

Compare policies from as many providers as possible to ensure you’re receiving value for money – comparison websites can compare quotes from as many as 120 companies with a single search.