Younger drivers (aged 17-25) are subject to higher insurance premiums as a result of following car fashions, according to research released by Comparethemarket.com.

In terms of insurance cost, the smartest cars for fledgling motorists are the Peugeot 107, Fiat 500, Citroën C1, Kia Picanto and Toyota Aygo – however, none of these vehicles are popular with younger generations, who prefer a Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, Vauxhall Astra or Volkswagen Golf.

Younger drivers are especially penalised by insurance premiums, as they are statistically more likely to make claims; those under the age of 25 generally spend around half their car’s value on insurance annually. Car ownership and operation is a costly pursuit, and growing in expense all the time; in the past year alone, the cost of getting a younger driver roadworthy rose to an average of £2,232 (18 per cent).

Contrasting the insurance premiums economically savvy young drivers could be enjoying with those they frequently incur is quite remarkable. We have produced the following table to illustrate the savings and costs involved.

For more information on how car insurance premiums are calculated (and how you can reduce fees), please visit ‘the Your Money Guide to lowering your car insurance’.