For many inexperienced drivers, the cheapest car insurance rates are beyond their reach for a number of reasons. Of the criteria insurance underwriters use to determine a driver’s insurance premium, age, gender and length of time driving are the factors that has the most significant impact on an inexperienced driver’s chances of getting car insurance cheap.

Other factors taken into consideration by car insurance underwriters include the make, model and year of the vehicle being insured, the purpose for your vehicle, how often you use it, where it is parked when you’re not driving, where you live, driving record and credit score. These factors, however, can impact your premiums no matter how old you are or how long you have been driving.

The majority of inexperienced drivers are young drivers under 25, many of whom haven’t been driving longer than three years. Being an inexperienced driver under 25 automatically puts you in a high-risk category, especially if you are male. You may be one of the most safety-conscious drivers out there, but to insurance underwriters you belong to a driver group that is most likely to speed and wind up in an accident, as well as lack sufficient defensive driving skills to avoid an accident. If you’re female, you do have the advantage of being considered a more safer driver, and your premiums will be lower than your male counterparts, but you’ll still pay more for insurance based on your age and lack of driving experience.

For inexperienced drivers, cheapest car insurance rates may be out of the question, but premium-reductions in the form of discounts may not be. If you’ve taken a driver safety or defensive driving course, many insurance companies will give you a discount on your premium. If you don’t drive much or have a short commute to work or school, there are low-mileage discounts you should take advantage of. Do you have anti-theft devices, air bags, or anti-lock brakes on your car, there’s a discount for that too. Are you an A student? Many insurance companies offer good student discounts, as well as good driver and multiple vehicle discounts. When you speak to an agent from the companies you are considering, ask about all the discounts you can get. If you don’t feel like hearing the inevitable sales pitch, get over it. Not talking to an agent could have you paying for insurance than you should. An agent can help you choose the coverage that’s right for you, and a good agent will find as many ways to save you money as he can.