No insurance for next generation

Young people are in dangers of being priced out of the car insurance market, warns Cooperative Insurance Services (CIS). That’s because of the rise in the death rate for young drivers. Every day there are 35 deaths and serious injuries involving drivers and riders aged 15 to 25. This has led to a 22 per cent increase in the cost of insuring young drivers, while the rise for all other drivers is just 2 per cent.

CIS suggests that if young drivers are unable to afford insurance, there will be a rise in the number of uninsured drivers on British roads, with major consequences for everyone. David Neave of CIS said: ‘The impact of serious road traffic crashes not only affects peoples’ lives but also has a considerable affect on future premium levels. We have a duty to try and prevent future losses which in turn will make motor insurance more affordable, especially for young inexperienced drivers.’

The insurer believes that better driver education can reduce the number of road deaths affecting young people and has produced education packs in association with Brake, to build on the success of a Too Young To Die DVD. The aim is to educate young and inexperienced riders and drivers.

The resource is aimed at 15 to 21 year olds and is intended to encourage responsible behaviour on the road for both drivers and passengers. It includes messages about the impact of speeding, drink driving, drug taking, talking on the mobile phone and tiredness on driving.  The Too Young To Die pack also includes personal accounts from people who have been injured or bereaved because of road crashes.

Jools Townsend, Head of Education at Brake, said: ‘Too many young people think they are invincible and fail to consider how their dangerous actions behind the wheel can kill and maim themselves, their friends and other road users’.