Why is car insurance more expensive for young drivers?
Young drivers (under 25, holding a licence for less than 3 years) are statistically more involved in road accidents. This higher risk exposure results in a systematic surcharge. In France, a young driver can pay 2 to 3 times more than an experienced driver for equivalent cover.
The impact of accompanied driving on insurance
Drivers who completed accompanied driving (AAC) benefit from significant insurance advantages. Many insurers offer reductions of 10 to 30% on the young driver surcharge. The probationary period is also shorter (2 years instead of 3), allowing you to exit 'young driver' status more quickly.
Choosing the right vehicle to reduce your premium
The choice of vehicle has a major impact on insurance costs. An older vehicle with a low insurance group (a measure of claims risk) will considerably reduce your premium. Avoid powerful cars, sports cars and expensive recent vehicles when you first get your licence.
Policies and options to compare
Third party or comprehensive?
For an older vehicle or one worth less than €5,000, third-party cover (civil liability) is often sufficient. For a new or recent vehicle, comprehensive cover is recommended despite the higher premium, as it covers damage to your own vehicle.
Exclusive driver
If you are the only driver of the vehicle, declare it: some insurers offer a discount for exclusive driver policies. Conversely, if other family members drive your car, declare them to avoid any issues in the event of a claim.
Tips to lower your premium
Compare several quotes online before subscribing. Increase your excess to reduce your premium. Drive carefully in the first few years: each claim-free year earns you a bonus (-5% per year). Install a telematics device (black box) if your insurer offers one: it can reduce the premium by 15 to 30%.
How to get the right guidance?
Your DevisPermis.fr partner driving school can direct you to partner insurers specialising in young drivers. Don't hesitate to mention this when getting your driving licence quote.
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
Why is car insurance so expensive for a young driver?
A young driver pays on average 1,200 to 2,000 euros per year for car insurance in 2026, 2 to 3 times the standard rate. This legal surcharge lasts 3 years (2 years with supervised driving) and reaches 100 percent the first year. Reason: statistically, 18-24 year-olds represent 22 percent of road deaths while being only 8 percent of the population.
How to pay less for car insurance?
5 effective levers: 1) opt for supervised driving (-50 percent surcharge), 2) choose a group 1 to 5 car (petrol city car), 3) take extended third-party instead of full coverage (-40 percent), 4) accept a higher deductible (-15 percent), 5) compare 5 insurers on neutral comparators. Potential saving: 400 to 700 euros per year.
What tips to lower the young driver premium?
Drive without accident for 12 consecutive months to benefit from -5 percent bonus per year (up to -50 percent over 13 years). Stay insured with a parent as secondary driver for 1 to 2 years before subscribing in your own name: you inherit a bonified coefficient. Tip: avoid any at-fault claim for 3 years, each accident adds 25 percent penalty.
Does supervised driving reduce insurance?
Yes, supervised driving (AAC) reduces the young driver surcharge from 100 to 50 percent the first year and the surcharge duration drops from 3 to 2 years. Total saving: 600 to 1,000 euros over 2 years. Moreover, insurers offer additional discounts of 5 to 15 percent to former AAC drivers, who have 30 percent fewer accidents than other young drivers.
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