Which insurance do I need as a beginner driver?
August 18, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Ingo Gallenberg
Dear lawyer,
I am Paula Schillinger and I recently obtained my driver's license. Now I am faced with the question of which insurance I should take out as a novice driver. I am still quite young and therefore have no experience in dealing with insurance.
I have recently purchased a used car that I mainly want to use for commuting to work. Since I do not earn much yet, I naturally want to find an insurance that does not strain my budget too much. At the same time, I also want to be well protected in case something does happen.
My concerns mainly lie in the fact that I am not sure which type of insurance is best suited for me as a novice driver. Should I opt for liability insurance to be legally covered? Or would it be more sensible to take out comprehensive or even full coverage insurance to also be covered in case of damage to my own car?
I would like to hear from you which insurance you would recommend for me as a novice driver and what costs I might incur. Are there special rates for novice drivers that may be cheaper than regular insurances? I would like to make an informed decision and am therefore very grateful for your help and advice.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Paula Schillinger
Dear Mrs. Schillinger,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the appropriate insurance for a novice driver. I am pleased that you are considering the right coverage and are concerned about your financial situation. As a lawyer specializing in insurance law, I would like to offer you some recommendations and tips to help you with your decision.
As a novice driver, you are faced with the challenge of finding a good balance between cost efficiency and adequate coverage. Third-party liability insurance is legally required in Germany and covers damages you may cause to other road users. It is therefore essential to take out liability insurance to be legally protected and to avoid high costs in the event of an accident.
When it comes to comprehensive or collision insurance, the decision depends on various factors such as the value of your car, your driving behavior, and your budget. Comprehensive insurance covers damages to your own vehicle that are not caused by an accident, such as theft, glass damage, or collisions with wildlife. Collision insurance includes damages from at-fault accidents in addition to comprehensive coverage.
As a novice driver, the costs for comprehensive or collision insurance may be higher than for experienced drivers, as novice drivers statistically have a higher risk of accidents. However, there are special rates for novice drivers that may be cheaper than regular insurance. These rates often take into account individual factors such as driving experience, age, and location.
I recommend comparing various insurance offers and, if necessary, seeking advice from an insurance broker to find the best option for your needs. Make sure that the insurance coverage is sufficiently high to be well protected in case of an emergency.
I hope that my tips help you make the right decision. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me. I wish you all the best and safe travels!
Best regards,
Ingo Gallenberg
