Insurance body wants night-time curfew for young drivers

The Association of British Insurers proposes a series of controversial measures to reduce young driver deaths and lower their insurance premiums.

Insurance industry body the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has called for tough measures, including a night-time curfew, to be imposed on young drivers.

The ABI says its proposals will cut the number of young casualties and reduce car insurance premiums for young drivers. The proposed curfew would be in effect between 11pm and 4am.

At its annual Motor Conference, the ABI also proposed a minimum one-year learning period before drivers could take their test. It also suggested “a zero tolerance drink-drive limit” for drivers under 25 and a graduated licence.

In addition to the curfew, the licence would restrict the number of passengers that could be carried and require drivers to pass a second test after a two-year ‘graduation’ period.

The Government immediately rejected the calls for a curfew, saying it did not want to “unfairly penalise responsible young people who rely on driving to get to work or college”.

Young drivers hit by sky-high premiums

While car insurance premiums in general have risen over the past year, young drivers have been particularly heavily hit. For example, a Manchester Evening News investigation obtained quotes of over £4,000 for a 24-year-old owning a 15-year-old Nissan Micra.  

Some insurers have introduced what’s known as a telematic system, or ‘black box’, to help measure driving performance and ‘reward’ good drivers with lower premiums. We looked at the Co-op’s Smartbox in this article and it says the technology is already having a positive effect, with 97% of men and 92% of women drivers receiving a discount.

More ‘black boxes’ on the way

Direct Line is currently trialling a telematic product and The AA says it is looking to introduce its own version in the new year.

Labour has called for the introduction of cheaper ‘travel-to-work only’ premiums to help cut costs and boost youth employment. But it’s unclear how this might be monitored by insurers.

What do you think?

What do you think of the ABI’s proposals? And what do you think should be done to help lower young drivers’ insurance premiums? Let us know what you think via the comment box below.

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