October 2005

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First time drivers are waiting longer to get on the 'Motor Ladder'

FIRST TIME DRIVERS ARE WAITING LONGER TO GET ON THE ‘MOTOR LADDER’

- Tradition of passing driving test at 17 is becoming a thing of the past
- Theory test and university attendance mean many people are putting off driving lessons until their early 20s
- First time drivers are more likely to buy a brand new first car today than 30 years ago

The tradition of learning to drive and getting a first car at the age of 17 is dying out, according to a new report from leading motor insurer, MORE TH>N. Instead, more first time drivers are waiting until they are at least 21 years old to get on the ‘motoring ladder’, but nearly one in ten (8%) of these are likely to buy a brand new first car, compared to just one in a hundred (1%) of their counterparts 30 years ago.

The ‘MORE TH>N Motor Ladder’ report1 reveals that young people are putting off learning to drive until later – impacted by the introduction of driving theory tests and an increase in university attendance. However, once they have passed their test, more than a third (37%) of these young motorists surveyed (aged under 25) buy a new, or nearly new, car, compared to just 19% of their parents’ generation (today’s 45-54 year olds).

Commenting on the changing trends amongst first time drivers, David Pitt, head of insurance at MORE TH>N, says: “We’ve seen that first time drivers are getting older, and that they are more likely to buy newer cars once they get on the ladder. Cars are not only more affordable these days, but first time car buyers seem to be more image conscious and want the latest makes and models compared to a decade or so ago, when first time cars were often ‘old bangers’.

“Our suggestion to any new driver is to build up as many years without making a claim as possible as this can help to reduce premium costs. Experience helps to achieve discounts of up to 65% on your policy in just four years of driving, so a £1,000 premium would reduce to £3502. ”

Over the last 10 years3 it has been the under-30s who have accelerated their spending on motor vehicles: up 161%, compared to a national average of 110%. This age group spent £1,426 on cars in 2003/2004 (equal to 5% of total spending in this age group), compared to just £547 a decade before (equal to 3% of total spending in this age group) MORE TH>N’s survey revealed.

The first car
The ‘Motor Ladder’ Report, conducted for MORE TH>N by the Centre for Economic Business Research and Autotrader.com, also reveals that cars today are not only more affordable due to tempting forecourt offers and higher average wages, but first time drivers are more likely to get a helping hand from their family when buying their first car. Nearly nine out of ten (87%) drivers 30 years ago paid for their first cars themselves, compared to around two thirds (64%) today. So it is little wonder that around one in ten (8%) new drivers in 2005 will have a brand new first car.

Size matters
Aligned to today’s ‘have-it-now culture’, according to those surveyed more than one in ten (11%) motorists aged under 25 currently drive a sports car, whilst the over 55s are still aspiring to own one, with 33% citing it as a ‘dream car’.

The majority (68%) of young people today will drive a small saloon or hatchback as their first motor, whereas around 30 years ago a greater number of new drivers chose a medium sized saloon or hatchback (30% versus 18%).

Jonathan Williams, Head of Marketing at AutoTrader Media Group, comments:
“As the number one motoring destination for new and used cars, we attract a large audience of 17-30 year olds. In recent research through our Desirability Index, we found that the most desired car for this age group was the Toyota MR2, followed by the Porsche 911 and the Subaru Impreza. Within the top 10, Audi and BMW gain two entries each – both are clearly prestige marques whose success in the new car market appears to be driving desirability in the used market.

“Interestingly Mercedes, arguably less successful in new car sales, does not appear in the top 10, despite its prestigious brand heritage and the associated potential for used car buyers to find a quality used car bargain.”

For more information about MORE TH>N car insurance or to get a quote call 0800 300 220 or visit www.morethan.com/car

Ends

Notes to Editor:
1. Source: Survey conducted on www.autotrader.com for MORE TH>N throughout August 2005 amongst 827 motorists aged 17+.
2. Table below shows percentage of no claims discount accrued with each year of no claims insurance.

3. The last ten years refers to the period 1994/1995 – 2003/2004
About MORE TH>N:
MORE TH>N is the direct financial services arm of Royal & SunAlliance. It offers credit cards, motor, home, pet, travel and life insurance via the Internet and by phone.

Further information:
Claire Germain
MORE TH>N Press Office
T: 020 7337 5602
M: 07711 701 806
E: claire.germain@uk.royalsun.com

MORE TH>N is a registered trademark of the Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Group plc and a trading style of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc (No.93792). Registered in England & Wales at St.Mark’s Court, Chart Way, Horsham, RH12 1XL. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

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