First Car, First Dent? How Young Drivers Can Avoid Costly Insurance Claims

1 in 5 Young drivers are involved in a crash within the first year of passing their test, however cosmetic Smart Repair techniques can reduce repair costs to less than an insurance excess. The average car insurance claim for young drivers aged 18 to 20 reaches £3,667.

Young drivers face some of the highest driving costs on record, with lesson fees, insurance, fuel and maintenance all placing pressure on those buying their first car. As a result, Revive! is encouraging young drivers to explore cost-effective alternatives when dealing with minor vehicle damage.

Car insurance remains one of the biggest financial hurdles for younger motorists, with premiums sitting significantly higher than those paid by older drivers. With 1 in 5 young drivers involved in a crash within a year of passing their test, even minor incidents can result in costly claims and future premium increases. With the average insurance claim for drivers aged 18-20 reaching £3,667, many young motorists may be unaware of alternative repair options for minor cosmetic damage.

“It’s no wonder more young people are reluctant to get behind the wheel. The costs involved in getting on the road are significant, and they only escalate when things go wrong.” Commented Mark Llewellyn, CEO of Revive! UK.

“Even when not at fault, simply being involved in an accident increases insurance premiums to unbearable levels. Especially for those unable to reach for the bank of Mum & Dad. One of the few ways young drivers can avoid unnecessary premium increases is to explore alternative repair options that minimise costs.”

REVIVE! SMART REPAIRS OFFER QUALITY FIXES AT WALLET FRIENDLY PRICES

If young drivers are involved in a minor bump or scrape and are looking to avoid the potential impact of an insurance claim, one repair option to explore would be a mobile cosmetic repair. As specialists in this area, Revive! provides cost-effective SMART (small to medium area repair technology) repairs for bodywork or alloy wheel damage, that can return the vehicle to its original condition for less than the price of an insurance premium excess.

Revive!’s IMI accredited technicians work from specially adapted vans and use industry leading supplies and equipment to deliver quality repairs at a fraction of the cost of a traditional body shop. All Revive! repairs are covered by a Lifetime Ownership Guarantee, meaning that if for any reason you are unhappy with the work, you can rest assured that your repair is guaranteed for as long as you own the vehicle.

WHY ARE INSURANCE COSTS HIGHER FOR YOUNG DRIVERS?

Unfortunately for young drivers, car insurance prices are based on risk. According to BRAKE: The Road Safety Charity, “The high level of risk associated with young drivers is due to a combination of youth and inexperience. Their inexperience means they have less ability to spot hazards, and their youth means they are particularly likely to take risks like dangerous overtaking or speeding”. Statistically newer drivers are far more likely to be involved in an accident than any other age group, with 1 in 5 young drivers involved in a crash within a year of passing their test.

 MINOR DAMAGE CAN STILL LEAD TO MAJOR BILLS

While definitive repair costs specifically for young drivers is unavailable, specialist insurer Everywhen recently revealed that even though driving instructor incidents were often at lower speeds, they would still incur costly repair costs of over £3,000, even for minor damage like clipped wing mirrors or damaged bumpers.

“I encourage anyone involved in a minor bump or scrape to get in touch with the Revive! team for a free no obligation quote. Many motorists are surprised at how affordable cosmetic SMART repairs can be compared with making an insurance claim. We would encourage anyone with minor vehicle damage to obtain a quote and understand all the options available to them”, concluded Mark.