Car insurance expert: Govt has ignored dangers faced by young drivers

A car insurance expert has warned that a large proportion of young drivers get into accidents and called on the government to take action to improve road safety.

Nick Starling, Chairman of the Association of British Insurers, told the House of Commons Transport Committee that premiums to cover vehicles are being forced higher because of the claims made by inexperienced motorists.

As many as 20 per cent of young drivers on the roads have been in an accident, he reported.

"This is a nettle which the government has failed to grasp," Mr Starling claimed. "They see the young driver merely as a voter."

He also highlighted that some claims can be for up to £20 million and it is "not unusual" for more than one person to need "care for life" after being in a crash.

Chief Executive of the Institute of Advanced Motorists Simon Best recently told the committee the easiest way to bring down the cost of car insurance is to do more to prevent accidents, such as offering ways for young drivers to improve their skills.

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