Car firms tackle young drivers’ soaring costs

CAR companies are becoming increasingly concerned about the prohibitive cost of insurance is preventing young drivers from taking to the roads.

Law firms persuading almost anyone involved in even the most minor bumps to claim for whiplash injuries have sent insurance premiums spiralling out of control.

In many cases they are not actually law firms, but claims companies operating out of call centres, with most of the money going directly to them.

Now the Government is clamping down with restrictive legislation, and car companies are introducing schemes designed to overcome the problem.

Vauxhall is typical of motor manufactures being forced to take the initiative in a bid to stem a fall in sales of small cars that are traditionally aimed at first-time buyers.

The company says it is helping young drivers aged 18 to 24 years old to cover the

initial cost of getting on the road, with a £1,000 insurance contribution when they buy a Corsa Limited Edition.

They can combine the insurance contribution with one of the company’s finance offers to make the cost of getting their first car more affordable. The finance deals include Personal Contract Payment plans in which the costs are spread over a few years. The Corsa Limited Edition is aimed at

being a first car, with features designed to appeal to younger drivers.

On the outside, 17-inch black alloy wheels, a front lower spoiler, side sills, VXR-style roof spoiler and a chrome-effect exhaust give the model a more imposing road presence, while sports suspension and LED daytime running lights enhance the performance and visibility.

Inside there are sports-style front seats, a VX-Line interior pack comprising a VX-Line leather covered flat-bottom steering wheel, VX-Line leather covered gear knob and handbrake lever,

air conditioning and tinted rear windows.

Vauxhall’s latest generation IntelliLink system with smartphone integration and audio streaming keeps the driver connected and able to change the playlist to suit.

“We are all aware of the high insurance premiums faced by young drivers, so to help young drivers get on the road Vauxhall has introduced a £1,000 insurance contribution programme,” says Vauxhall director Leon Caruso.

The insurance contribution programme is offered on new Corsa Limited Edition models ordered before 30th June. Buyers must be aged 18-24 and hold a full driving licence.