The fact is that insurance companies see younger drivers as a greater risk, and statistics do indeed show that not only are young drivers involved in more accidents than older drivers, but their vehicles are more likely to be vandalised or stolen too. The most risky period is within two years of passing a driving test, and it is not unusual for premiums to actually increase after a learner driver has thrown away the 'L' plates, because this means that he or she will now be free to drive without qualified supervision, and on motorways, where even a small error can lead to catastrophic consequences. Insurance premiums can therefore be extremely heavy for those aged under 25 without a great deal of driving experience, but nevertheless there are ways of cutting these down considerably! Here are a few tips on how to cut those premiums: -

• Fight off the urge to buy yourself a shiny, fast sports car! Not only will the insurance cost you a fortune but you may well struggle to find cover at all. Instead, buy a vehicle in the lowest possible insurance group with the smallest engine; you can always upgrade to a classier set of wheels when you are a little older.

• Don't buy an expensive car at this stage, but go for something cheap and cheerful subject to it being in good mechanical condition. A few minor dents here and there may make it a cheaper buy, and if it collects one or two more it won't be such a disaster! Insure it for third party only, or third-party fire and theft if you can afford it.

• Try not to allow any claims to be made against your insurance policy unless it is absolutely necessary. If you drive into the back of a friend's car it may be a lot cheaper in the long run to pay for the damage out of your own pocket than make a claim and watch your premiums spiral out of sight.

• See if your insurer will give you a substantial reduction in premium if you accept a larger voluntary policy excess, ie the amount that you will pay out of your own pocket towards any claim. Sometimes offering to pay a little more than the standard £50 or £100 excess can lead to a much reduced quotation.

• Do not, under any circumstances, risk driving without insurance, at an excessive speed, in a dangerous manner, or with any alcohol or drugs in your system! You may feel that the fine and penalty points (or ban) would be punishment enough but the increase in premium, if you were able to get insurance at all, could be eye watering.

• If, and only if, you intend to drive your parents car occasionally you may be able to be included on their insurance policy as a named driver. You have to be very careful with this however, since if you were in fact the main driver of that vehicle you could be committing a criminal offence and the insurance company could refuse to pay out in the event of an accident.

• Finally, use a top price comparison engine to find the lowest price. Tesco check a large number of different companies in about the same time it takes to get a single quote and the difference between the highest and lowest prices can be quite staggering.