Since the beginning of the corona pandemic, the younger generations have increasingly relied on the car as a means of transport. This is shown by a survey conducted by the digital insurance manager Clark among more than 1,000 German citizens. More than one in three respondents between the ages of 18 and 24 (35 percent) and one in five of the 25 to 34 year olds (21 percent) stated that they have used the car more frequently since the pandemic began. Clark researchers explain this trend with the fear of young people of getting infected with Corona on public transport.
For comparison: In the generations of over 45-year-olds and over 55-year-olds, only 15 and 12 percent respectively have used the car more frequently since the pandemic began.
Three things novice drivers should pay attention to
According to the German traffic police Young drivers have by far the highest risk of accidents on the road. In order to be protected in the event of a claim, Clark advises to consider three important things when it comes to car insurance.
- Save money with the family tariff or as a second car
In general, car insurance for novice drivers is relatively expensive. You start with the highest insurance premiums and need several accident-free years before the tariff becomes cheaper. “A good way to save on insurance costs are family tariffs or insuring the car directly as the parents’ second car,” explains Marco Adelt, operational boss and co-founder of Clark. According to Adelt, the latter option also has the advantage that Start novice drivers directly with their own no-claims class.
- Insurance that also applies to rentals
All those who cannot or do not want to buy their own car immediately after passing their driver’s license often borrow cars from family and friends. Both the driver and the car owner should make sure that the insurance of the car owner also applies to others. After all, a fifth of those surveyed in the current Clark study stated that they did not know whether another person behind the wheel of their car is insured, reports the Insurtech and warns of nasty surprises in the event of a claim.
- Do not choose typical beginner models
Ideally, when choosing the right insurance, the type of vehicle should be in the foreground. While fully comprehensive insurance is suitable for new cars and young used vehicles, partially comprehensive insurance is sufficient for older used vehicles. In addition, according to Clark, typical entry-level models – such as the VW Polo – have a higher type class and therefore higher insurance premiums. “The damage risk of the respective car model has a significant influence on the type class according to which the insurance premium is calculated,” says Adelt. A car model that is unusually damaged is automatically classified in a cost-intensive type class because the risk of damage is high If you want to save on insurance costs, you should choose a vehicle with a lower type class, advises the insurance professional.
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