car insurance for older learner / new driver

bumpybecky

I've started driving lessons again (age 37!) :eek: and have started looking at car insurance. I can't get insurance on DH's car yet as it's an imported people carrier and insurer wants minimum of 1 year experience before they'll allow me to drive it (even if I was able - it's huge and scary!).

So we're looking at getting a small cheap car (thinking fiesta sized and not new) for me to use. I'm assuming I have to get the car insured in my name rather than DH's name. He will also use the car, but we think I'll use it more often than him (although perhaps not more mileage as me shirt local trips, him longer ones).

I've been looking at insurance with me as owner and named driver. The quotes are around £500 for me as a learner but if I was to wait until I had passed my test (assuming I manage this!) it goes up by approx £150. I'm assuming this is because then I'll be by myself and so more dangerous.

Do I have to tell the insurer if/when I pass? and will they up the premium mid-year? or do I just tell them at renewal?

Thanks for any replies

Quentin

You don't have to have insurance in the name of the main driver. Any of the insured drivers on the policy can be the main driver, not just the policyholder. If you will now have 2 cars in the family in might be better (in terms of NCD) for each of you to have a policy (alternatively, you may already be with an insurer who will mirror any existing NCD your husband has onto the extra car if it is insured with them.

You will have to inform the insurer as soon as you pass and be prepared for a premium increase then.

Evilm

You do need to tell them when you pass otherwise you will be driving without insurance (since the policy saying you are a learner is void once you pass).

bumpybecky

I meant me as the main driver, not just the named driver thanks for the help