Buy online - and drive a smaller car, that’s the message for younger drivers

Younger drivers are being encourages to be more cost-conscious when shopping for their first car

Buy online – Many car insurance providers offer discounts to customers that buy their cover on the internet

Mileage limit – Consider a mileage limit or only drive at certain hours of the day.

Car security – Make sure you have an alarm and immobiliser.

Drive a car with a smaller engine – A newer, more reliable car, like that right, that is less likely to be used by “boy racers’”will have a cheaper premium.

Aim to drive a car like this for at least two years after passing your test – and forget about turbo-charged cars, with big spoilers, fat tyres, alloy rims and other “sexy” extras.

Parents – If at all possible, avoid being added to a parent’s insurance policy. It prevents you from building up your own no-claims bonus. However, adding a more experienced named driver to your policy may bring down your premium.

Payment method – Drivers looking to keep the cost of their car insurance manageable may opt for the convenience of paying by monthly instalments, rather than in an annual lump sum. Those who decide on monthly repayments can expect to pay an additional APR for this option though, so shopping around for the best deal is crucial.

Shop around – People who use comparison sites to find car insurance save on average £375.

Source: Moneysupermarket.com