Pricey premiums

INSURANCE premiums have sorn and this means higher than usual insurance for teens across the UK. With many young drivers being driven off the road because of it .

This year it was reported that some young drivers are to face quotes of up to £27,000 a year, with the more typical rates of £2,000-4,000. This is because the age group are thought to be ''high risk'' in particular males. It is because of this that many companies issue such high quotes, in a bid to dissuade young drivers.

Daniel Jeffery, 19, a student from Cheltenham, said: '' I passed my test about 14 months ago and I was lucky enough to have my dads help with the first years insurance, but when it came to re-insuring this year I was quoted £1800. With the cost of uni and living I was in no position to be able to afford to run my car another year. So for the time being my driving has come to a halt.''

The Consumer Council, told BBC online, that ''young drivers are facing a 51% hike in premiums.''

Francine Walker, 19, a student from Canterbury, said: ''I don't think its fair that we get such a bad deal from car insurance companies, I know some young drivers are irresponsible but not all of us are and it should be down to us to prove that to the insurance companies and not have them just assume the worst.''

Statistics do however support insurance companies views. With a fifth of new drivers being involved in a collision within their first six months driving.