New drivers more than twice as likely to make a claim, new data reveals

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Newly qualified drivers are more than twice as likely to make a collision claim in their first year behind the wheel than motorists with more driving experience, according to new data published by a motor insurer.

The findings, published by Aviva, provide fresh evidence of the elevated risks faced by young and inexperienced drivers during the months immediately after passing their driving test - a period that road safety experts have long identified as one of the most dangerous stages of a driver's lifetime.

The analysis found that 11% of drivers in their first year of driving made a collision claim, compared with 5% of motorists who had held a licence for more than a year. The insurer also found that telematics policies appear to help inexperienced drivers improve more quickly, with collision claims among new drivers reducing by almost 50% over the course of a year.

The data comes against a backdrop of continued concern about young driver casualties. Government figures show that 4,740 people were killed or seriously injured in collisions involving a young driver aged 17-24 in 2024, while young drivers account for a disproportionate share of serious road casualties despite representing a relatively small proportion of licence holders.

Owen Morris, CEO UK Personal Lines at Aviva, said:

"Sadly, too many people are seriously injured or killed on our roads every year through driving inexperience and poorer driving behaviours involving young drivers."

He added:

"The data shows there is an increased likelihood of accidents in the early stages of driving and telematics policies can help support new drivers in their highest-risk period."

Aviva is calling on the Government to consider making telematics insurance policies mandatory for drivers aged 17-24 during their first year of driving. The insurer argues that telematics can act as a "virtual coach", helping young motorists develop safer driving habits through feedback on speeding, braking, cornering and other driving behaviours.

The findings are likely to add to the wider debate around how best to reduce young driver harm in the UK. Alongside telematics, policymakers and road safety organisations continue to examine a range of evidence-based measures, including driver education, parental engagement, post-test learning and Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL), which has been associated with significant reductions in young driver casualties in a number of countries.

As discussions continue around the future of young driver safety, the Aviva data reinforces a point that is difficult to ignore: the first year of driving remains one of the highest-risk periods on the road, both for young drivers themselves and for the passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users who may be affected by their actions. Read the full Aviva story here.