The dullest car question imaginable ...

[Stayingunderthecovers]

Apologies in advance!

So, had a licence and car since 17, relinquished it for a large shared estate car when I married at 32. Always been a named driver on H's policy throughout marriage. Never had any points on my licence.

Now, at 52 about to get divorced. What on earth should I be looking for with no no claims policy of my own? Don't have a lot to spend on it but dd1 starts university in Liverpool next month (I'm in the south east) so need something that's going to get me there and back a few times ....

I think your husbands insurance company should be able to provide you with a letter confirming your no claims status and that should help to reduce the cost of your new insurance. This worked for me a few years ago in a similar situation.

That's interesting Nanny, thank you!

Yes, I was in a similar position - had been a named driver inn DP's insurance policy since passing my test 10 years before and the car was shared. We moved house and I needed my own car. I had to provide my new insurance company with evidence from the old insurance company that I had not made any claims. I just sent an email requesting the information for the relevant dates and then forwarded their response to my new insurance company.

If you don't have a big budget definitely go for a decent second hand car.
What's your budget?

Rubbish. About 5/6k.

A Ford Fiesta sounds like it would suit you. They're reliable, small but not tiny and you can get them from 2006 - 2009ish for less than 2k

Renault Clios go for around the same price as well and Vauxhall Astras are about 3k

Thank you! I'll have a look at those!

2nd a Fiesta. They are cheap and cheerful, and do exactly what you'd expect from a car. Any garage will be able to service them, saving you money going to specialised dealers - likewise there are plenty of pattern-parts that are a lot cheaper then Ford ones.

I wonder if I should look at stuff that is in a cheap insurance bracket? Or does that basically mean a shite car? And the last time I bought road tax it was a flat fee .....

If you're doing a lot of back-and-forth to Liverpool you could consider something a bit bigger, as it might make the journey a bit more comfortable.

I like Japanese cars because they tend to be more reliable, and have reasonable insurance. You could look at a Toyota Auris, Subaru Impreza or Honda Civic. Not Japanese but a Skoda Octavia would be a fair option too.

Insurance costs vary for random reasons but I find now I'm over 35 there's little difference between a Fiesta and a 3.0 V6 Saab for me. A few quid here and there.

I agree with plausible, I would buy a Japanese car, they tend to be very reliable. We stick with them, buy at about a year old and we never need to spend anything on them other than tyres. And we tend to keep for ten years, we'd rather spend our spare money on holidays etc., than cars! I'd avoid golfs my ds had one and despite it being well maintained every service something expensive needed repairing, without fail.

I may be too late, but hey.

Some insurers will offer a no-claims-bonus for named drivers, though it's usually only valid on a policy with the same insurer.

Age and experience will count in your favour.

If you are the one moving house, I'd say seriously consider the cost of car insurance when deciding where to move to. Location is one of the biggest factors in car insurance premiums. (I'm the mug stuck in just about the worst postcode in the country...)

'Insurance group' on the other hand in my experience made little difference. But then I was looking at cheap bangers so the main part of the risk is damage to other vehicles not mine, so anything not crazy-powerful was fine.

Have a look at Kia’s, they’re reasonably cheap but offer 7 year warranties which I think are with the car so transferable between owners and are reliable too.