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Learner driver on my insurance

What is the cheapest way to put my 21 year old learner driver son on my car insurance. My motor insurance isn't up for renewal until July, and I am happy to wait until then. However are there other options which fellow forum members could recommend. If I do wait until renewal, which are the best insurance companies to use. I am currently with Churchill. Thanks.
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Comments

  • Herzlos
    Herzlos Posts: 15,440 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Adding a learner shouldn't add much. The price will go mental when they pass.
  • forgotmyname
    forgotmyname Posts: 32,834 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    There is no one cheapest insurer. My insurer wont usually touch new / younger drivers or learners.
    Censorship Reigns Supreme in Troll City...

  • AdrianC
    AdrianC Posts: 42,189 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Look also at a top-up policy for your son alone.
  • kmb500
    kmb500 Posts: 656 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 500 Posts Name Dropper
    When I learned to drive, my parents used Marmalade Insurance, which adds itself on to your normal insurance, and just insures the learner. So I think if they have an accident your insurance doesn't get affected at all as it's a separate policy. :)

    used it for me and my brother and parents thought it was cheaper than anything else (but your mileage may vary)
    https://www.wearemarmalade.co.uk/learner-driver-insurance
  • born_again
    born_again Posts: 18,741 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Fifth Anniversary Name Dropper
    use someone Marmalade Insurance,

    That way you do not risk your hard earned NCD.
    Life in the slow lane
  • Ant555
    Ant555 Posts: 1,587 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 23 January 2020 at 2:12PM
    I wanted to get separate learner insurance for the kids so my own policy was unchanged +_it turned out far cheaper anyway

    I also used Marmalade for my daughter and when my son was looking the following year it was cheaper to get learner insurance from 'covered on demand' where you pay in advance for a certain number of days over,say, 3 months and call off insurance only on the days needed it and within a couple of minutes, the automated system emails a certificate of insurance just for that day. Closer to his test we got 3 months learner insurance from Admiral in his own name against my car as we were out driving lots.

    It really does depend on how often you are likely to be driving - if 2 times per week or less then covered on demand might be cost effective.

    As you will find out, learner insurance is likely to be no where near as expensive as his first proper insurance will be!

    Hope this helps
  • Ciprico
    Ciprico Posts: 622 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper
    Interesting comments above, I tried Marmalade, and a few other companies, but they so far have all objected to my car.
    We were given an old Polo (1999), and it seems most insurers won't insure a learner in a car over 20 years old...
    Has anyone else been successful in insuring a seventeen year old leaner driver in an old car.
    Both parents are insured for the Polo, but neither Swinton nor Marmalade will quote for additional learner. There are no other factors (no recent claims, health issues, no points etc etc)

  • BOWFER
    BOWFER Posts: 1,516 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    Hi, I've been looking at Marmalade as well.
    They want £700 to insure my daughter on her provisional license, this seems to cover her for 5000 miles a year.
    My question is, what happens to this £700 when she passes her test??
    Do they just charge an additional over and above that?

  • treeroy
    treeroy Posts: 160 Forumite
    100 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited 14 February 2020 at 4:25PM
    BOWFER said:
    Hi, I've been looking at Marmalade as well.
    They want £700 to insure my daughter on her provisional license, this seems to cover her for 5000 miles a year.
    My question is, what happens to this £700 when she passes her test??
    Do they just charge an additional over and above that?

    Learner driver insurance is only for learners. I would assume the insurance becomes void once she passes. If it's £700/year then maybe they refund some of it pro rata.
    Quick look on their website suggests they offer it in chunks, you can buy like 3 months at a time. I would think this is more sensible route, just buy what you need as and when. That's what it is designed for. 
    my parents insured me through Marmalade and i think they just bought it month after month.

    Assuming your daughter is not planning on taking an entire year to pass, probably best buying a month or two at a time?
  • treeroy
    treeroy Posts: 160 Forumite
    100 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    Just found on their website:

    What happens when I pass my driving test?

    Cover will stop immediately when you pass, so make sure you have someone to drive you home!
    If you have purchased a 1 year policy, please advise us on passing your test as you may be entitled to a refund, provided you have not made a claim. This is based on the number of days left of the policy, minus a £50 administration fee.

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