First Alternative Insurer
Firstalternative website

22/11/2004

Buying your child a car for Christmas?

First Alternative car insurance advises parents on making sure it's a cracker not a turkey

Parents often help out their newly roadworthy children to buy a car, but new research from First Alternative car insurance shows that if you're planning on surprising your child with a new set of wheels this Christmas, you must choose carefully to make sure your generous gift doesn't stall at the first corner.

Economical or eye-catching?
First Alternative car insurance undertook a comprehensive independent survey* of young drivers to investigate what features they would consider important in a first car.

The First Alternative car insurance survey revealed;-

84% said reliability as an important deciding factor, to avoid the need for costly repair bills
the cost of car insurance is high on the agenda, with 81% saying they would take this into consideration
nearly three-quarters (74%) of young drivers view fuel efficiency as an essential factor
First Alternative also claim

79% said the way the car looks is vital, and over half (58%) stated the car's performance and speed is an important deciding factor, with 66% saying comfort and interior space are a top priority.

First Alternative car insurance advise parents to :-

Check out motoring websites such as www.topgear.com for the latest reviews and essential information about all makes and models
Pick up a car magazine or two. They're full of advice on choosing a new car, common pit-falls and money-drains to look out for. Magazine Subscriptions
More advise from First Alternative car insurance.

If you're not sure what you're looking for, take along a car-enthusiast friend or ask a mechanic to check the car for you before you part with your
Whilst cost may become the ultimate decided factor, consider your son or daughter's lifestyle before choosing a vehicle for them. First Alternative give the example -A small hatchback may be cheap and easy to drive, but won't suit someone whose hobbies are windsurfing or horse-riding, where a larger vehicle might be more suitable.
What about the First Alternative car insurance?

Both young drivers, and their parents, told First Alternative that the cost of car insurance was a key deciding factor in choosing a car. Car Insurance can be pricey for newly qualified young drivers, so First Alternative advise:- how do you keep the premium down?

Check out the insurance group of the car you want before you buy it. The Association of British Insurers rates all cars on a scale of 1 to 20, with cars rated at the lower end of the scale attracting lower car insurance premiums.
Consider increasing your voluntary excess, which will cut your basic premium (although you must make sure this amount is affordable for you in the event you do have to make a claim).
First Alternative car insurance also advise

If you won't do many miles each year, make sure you tell your insurer and look for a policy that takes this into account.
Consider third party, fire and theft car insurance cover if your car is old/less valuable.
Shop around - this is particularly important for young drivers, as the higher perceived risk they represent means there could be huge differences in car insurance quotes from company to company.
'Keep your nose clean' - a no claims discount is the easiest and best way to reduce your premium state First Alternative car insurance.
*YouGov interviewed a random selection of drivers aged 18 - 25 and parents of children aged 18-25 via telephone omnibus survey between 12th and 15th November 2004 .

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