Northern Ireland ranks second for young driver insurance costs

Young motorists in Northern Ireland are confronting average car insurance premiums of £1,470, placing the region just £8 below London as the UK’s most expensive area for teenage drivers, according to new data from CompareNI.com.

The car insurance comparison site analysed more than 100,000 policies across the UK in Q4 2025, revealing that Northern Ireland recorded the steepest quarterly increase in the country, with premiums rising by £152.

London remains the most expensive region for young drivers, followed closely by Northern Ireland and Yorkshire. By contrast, Wales and South West England offer premiums more than £500 cheaper than Northern Ireland.

Within Northern Ireland, seven district council areas reported teenage premiums above £2,000. Belfast, Lisburn & Castlereagh, and Fermanagh & Omagh were the worst affected. Even the cheapest areas, Causeway Coast & Glens and Ards & North Down, still recorded premiums above £1,770.

Age proves crucial factor

Eighteen-year-old drivers in Belfast face the highest costs, paying more than £3,000 for insurance. However, the data shows significant reductions once drivers reach 19 across all district council areas. In Mid Ulster, 19-year-olds save as much as £839 compared with 18-year-olds.

Ian Wilson, managing director at CompareNI.com, attributed the high costs to young drivers’ increased accident risk and limited driving history.

“As drivers demonstrate safe driving and build no-claims bonuses, insurance premiums start to decline,” Wilson said.

Government statistics underline these concerns, showing drivers aged 17 to 23 account for 21% of all fatal or serious collisions despite representing just 8% of car driving licence holders. Young drivers were also responsible for 73% of casualties in collisions involving their age group.

Source: CompareNI.com; Note: Young driver average car insurance, Q4 2025, based on over 100,000 policies across the UK.

Potential solutions explored

Wilson suggested several strategies for reducing premiums, including advanced driving training and telematics products.

“Telematics or black box insurance gives the insurer access to data on the driver’s ability, allowing them to make a more accurate risk assessment and reward safe driving with reduced premiums,” Wilson said.

He also recommended adding experienced drivers to policies, carefully selecting vehicle types, and considering storage locations.

The issue has drawn political attention, with Stormont reviewing support measures for drivers and road safety initiatives targeting young motorists.

Northern Ireland’s overall average car insurance cost stands at £626, £19 above the UK average. While prices fell through 2024 and early 2025 after the record highs of 2023, young drivers are unlikely to see dramatic reductions given accident statistics and perceived risks, according to CompareNI.com.