Car insurance is compulsory to drive a car in France. Insurers generally charge an additional premium to motorists whose driving license is less than 3 years old. However, if they have acquired driving experience before obtaining the license thanks to accompanied driving, they can benefit from advantages on their car insurance. Explanations!
What is accompanied driving?
Before determining the advantages of accompanied driving on car insurance, let’s come back to this device. This is a learning system that allows you to practice driving before taking the driving test. Accompanied driving is accessible from 15 years old. It is available in three formulas, namely:
- Anticipatory learning to drive (AAC);
- Supervised driving;
- Supervised driving.
The AAC is intended for ages 15 and over. It involves learning the Highway Code in a driving school, then following practical training of at least 20 hours with an instructor. Subsequently, the young person can start driving with the assistance of a non-professional tutor. The latter must have held the B license for at least 5 years. After 1000 km traveled, the apprentice will have to go to a first educational meeting. A second will be organized after 3,000 km to determine if he is ready to take the final driving license exam. If so, the apprentice will be able to attend from the age of 17 and a half. Otherwise, he will have to continue the practice.
For its part, supervised driving is aimed at young people aged 16 to 18 who are following professional training to prepare for road careers. To benefit from it, interested parties must obtain the agreement of their establishment as well as that of the insurer of the vehicle used. Once they have passed the Highway Code and passed the practical driving test, they will be able to drive under the supervision of a guide until the end of their professional studies. They will be allowed to drive alone from the age of 18.
As for supervised driving, it is a learning method which allows people aged 18 and over to gain road experience before the practical driving test. To access it, it is necessary to enroll in a driving school in order to learn the Highway Code and do 20 hours of driving with an instructor. At the end of the training, the candidate switches to a supervised driving phase to better master the wheel and thus optimize their chances of passing the practical driving test. It should be noted that supervised driving can also be considered by candidates who have failed the practical exam.
What are the advantages for car insurance?
If you most often have to expect to pay more for get insurance as a young driver, the motorist who obtained the license after accompanied driving can however hope for a lower premium. It is one of the main advantages of accompanied driving on car insurance.
Thanks to this device, the young driver was able to accumulate a lot of experience behind the wheel. Insurers, who determine premiums based on the probability of loss, are more inclined to lower their rates for motorists who have benefited from accompanied driving, knowing that the latter have better control of their vehicle. Moreover, according to Road Safety, these young drivers record 27% fewer road accidents during the first year.
Concretely, a young driver who has chosen accompanied driving will see their additional premium drop to 50% whereas it is normally 100% during the first year. The second year, this will be halved again, rising to 25%, in the absence of a responsible accident. In the third year, the additional premium will disappear if the motorist has not caused any accident. Some insurers are even prepared not to charge young drivers who have benefited from accompanied driving from the start.
From advantages of accompanied driving on car insurance, we also note that insurers do not apply an increase to the amount of the primary insured’s premium if the young driver decides to remain attached to his contract as a secondary driver.
