Having a newly-qualified 17 year-old male driver in the family is like keeping Michael Schumacher in Ferraris, but without the prize money.

Insuring a newly-qualified teenage driver is going to be pricey, but here are a few tips on minimising the cost.

Suzanne Moore from the Association of British Insurers lists three ways to cut costs, both for you and your children:

• DON'T buy them a car till they've got at least a year's claim-free driving under their belt.
  
  
• ...and DON'T be tempted to cheat by making yourself the named driver on a new car - any subsequent claim will be looked at with great care.
  
  
• DO put them on a Pass Plus course that teaches them things you only used to be able to pick up through experience, like driving at night, on motorways or in bad weather. It could make the difference of a year's driving experience to the cost of the premium For further details see the Association of British Insurers website.
  
  
• DO make sure the car is as unflashy and safe as possible. If you live in a city make sure the security system is Thatcham approved. Again, the Association of British Insurers can tell you more.

Happy motoring!

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