Getting a young driver on the road is exciting – for them. For the parents (and the rest of us), we are thinking about their safety. We are also aware of the costs that are coming their way, particularly when it comes to insurance. You see, young drivers tend to pay high premiums and steep excesses. If you are the parent paying these bills, then we can help you all just in time for the festive season. As December rolls in and the holiday travel season begins, this is the perfect time to make sure your teen or young adult is covered properly (and affordably). 

Here is what South African parents need to know to keep both the car – and the budget – safer this December and going into 2026. 

Why Are Young Driver Premiums Higher? 

Insurers consider young drivers to pose a higher risk because of their limited driving experience and the greater possibility of accidents. This is especially true during peak travel periods. As a result, young drivers pay higher premiums and, sometimes, have stricter policy conditions. 

Understanding the “why” helps you make smarter decisions about which insurer to choose and which benefits matter most. 

Smart Ways Young Drivers Can Lower Premiums 

Thankfully, there is good news, because there are several ways to bring those premiums down without compromising on cover. 

1. Add Them As A Named Driver 

If your child only occasionally uses the car, it could be a better idea to consider adding them as a named driver on your existing policy as this is often cheaper than getting a standalone policy. This is only relevant if your child is not the regular driver.  You need to be aware that claims can be repudiated if it is established that your child is the regular driver. 

2. Choose A Car That Is Cheaper To Insure  

Smaller engines, safer models, and vehicles with security features (immobilisers, tracking systems) can significantly lower the cost. High performance vehicles are much more expensive to insure, especially if driven by a young driver

3. Increase Voluntary Excess – Carefully  

Most insurance companies give you the option to choose a higher excess so that it will bring the premium amount down. Using this logic, you can bring your monthly premium down, but you need to make sure that you can realistically afford to pay the higher excess if something happens and you need to claim.  

4. Use Telematics Or App-Based Driving Trackers 

Some insurers offer discounts for safe driving behaviour monitored through an app or device, and this could be a good incentive to young drivers to be responsible behind the wheel. 

5. Insure For Business Vs. Private Use Correctly  

If the car is used for deliveries, shifts, or campus transport, it is so important to let your insurer know. Some insurers do not provide cover for cars used for these purposes, while others will need you to insure the car for business use. If you choose the wrong category, you could be paying for cover that will not support any claims (a waste of money), or you could be paying too much money for the wrong usage, or your claims could be rejected. 

What to Check Before Holiday Travel 

December roads are busy and unpredictable. We urge all drivers, including those with fewer miles on their life clock to check a few details. 

Before young drivers head out, make sure: 

• Their licence disc is valid. 

• The car is roadworthy (tyres, brakes, lights). 

• The insurance policy includes towing, accident cover, and roadside assistance. 

• They know what to do in an accident or breakdown. 

• They have the insurer’s emergency contact saved on their phone. 

Why Comprehensive Car Insurance Is Still the Safest Choice 

Even if you are trying to save, third-party only cover can fall short during high-risk periods like the festive season.  

You see, with comprehensive car insurance, your car is covered, as well as other people’s cars (and property that could be damaged in an incident involving your car). You are also covered for weather damage, theft and hijacking, and accidental damage. 

This policy gives both the parents and young drivers peace of mind. 

Feeling Informed? 

Our hope is that your takeaway from this article is that you do everything that you can to make sure that your young driver is protected before the holiday rush. This includes making sure that they have the right car insurance in case anything does go wrong on the road. 

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