Safe young drivers 'deserve better insurance deals'

The insurance industry should recognise the efforts of young drivers who are trying to improve the standard of their driving, one insurer has said.

According to the AA, young drivers who can demonstrate they are driving safely and therefore less likely to end up claiming need to be rewarded.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, said that young drivers face high premiums as figures from the firm show that they are 10 times more likely to be involved in a serious collision than an experienced driver.

"But that doesn't mean all young drivers are reckless or careless when behind the wheel. I believe the industry must work together to find a formula that recognises those who are able to demonstrate they take a responsible approach to driving," he added.

The AA said that many insurers will not provide cover for some drivers under 21, or even 25, which means premiums become higher and could encourage more fraudulent claims.

Drive Smart, a new campaign to encourage young people to drive safely, has recently been launched by the insurer.