Young Bus Driver Unable To Insure Own Car

Tim Clarke, 19, is unable to afford car insurance due to extortionate insurance fees despite driving for a living, possessing a clean driving licence and a Certificate of Professional Competence. In attempting to insure his 1.3 Suzuki Jimny he was quoted between £3,000 and £5,000 and was turned down by Direct Line due to his ‘lack of experience’.

Clarke feels that age is the sole factor being taken into account when determining the price of car insurance. He recommends that driving qualifications and skills should also be taken into account. He now has to rely on his parents and public transport and will wait another year before trying to insure his car again.

Direct Line have responded by stating that age and experience are two of the most significant factors involved in determining the price of car insurance. This is due to the fact that young drivers are involved in 25 per cent of road deaths and serious injuries. It then follows that a young person with less than a year’s experience will still be determined at a higher risk than an experienced older driver despite driving for their job.

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