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PassPlus - Worth it?

Now I, as im sure many of you, was shocked at how much Car Insurance is, (especially for boys.) Dont get me wrong, I know why the prices are higher but what I want to know is, is have any of you guys taken the "Pass Plus Course" and if so, did you make significant savings on your car insurance??

Ive read a lot into this and think that it might be a good idea once Ive passed my test, but is it worth the extra money? and would anyone recommend it?

Thanks guys :smile:

Reply 1

peachy

I haven't done it mostly because it wont cut down my insurance (direct line) and also my dad gave me a few extra driving lessons after i'd passed (and he drives for aston martin :wink:

). It does sound like a good idea though and does most of the time reduce insurance.

Reply 2

kookabura

There are quite a lot of threads already on this - try doing a search.

But to try and quickly summerise what people seem to say:

*If you have your own insurance (ie: its in your name) then you can make quite big savings - depends on the insurance company though. Some do offer big discounts, others offer nothing - so shop around.

*If you are one some elses insurance as a named driver, you won't save any money doing it, no insurance companies do any discount for a named driver with pass plus.

*Some councils pay for some of the pass plus fee to try and get more people to do it - have a look to see if your council do.

*Also, you need to decide if it worth the extra driving 'experience' you will gain, even if there are no monetary benefits. A lot of people say its good experience. Particulary if you havn't have much experience of different conditions (bad weather, night driving etc).

Personally, I didn't do it, as I was going on my mums insurance, so wouldn't have any discount. Had done all the things covered on pass plus already except motorway driving so just went on the motorway with my dad.

Reply 3

ourvelocity

I did pass plus but did not gain financially in terms of reduced insurance payments, as i already had one years no claims bonus when the time came to renew my insurance. The saving from having this is much greater than that of having pass plus and insurers wont take into account both. All said though the motorway section of the pass plus was very useful, so you could see if your instructor would just do that with you. :smile:

Reply 4

Cortez

Good for the experience (esp motorways) but not much else. I certainly didn't gain anything worthwhile financially.

Reply 5

Almond

I did pass plus. I thought it was alright but it was expensive but apparently depending on your council they might pay for some of it.

I would phone up the car insurances and ask them how much discount they give for pass plus and work out whether its worth it or not. I already had my car insurance before taking my pass plus but found direct line was alot cheaper than the rest.

Pass plus was good for going on the motorway for the first time.

Reply 6

pghstochaj

Was worth £400 to me many moons ago for a cost of £90 (6 x £15) - we did 5 hours of driving in one day. Gained very little from it apart from a refresher 3 weeks after passing but it was a financial decision for me.

Reply 7

tomc87

If you have the extra money and spare time then the experience may be worthwhile. I've been with two insurers now and both have offered £200/£250 off my premium (lessons would have come to (£120) - check discounts first. In the end I chose not to do it, mainly due to the amount of time it was gong to take.

Reply 8

mousy

It was definitely worthwhile for me. Suffolk county council paid for it so I only had to pay £75. Then when I completed it I rang direct line (my insurance company) and told them and after sending them my certificate I got £150 refund from my first years insurance.

Reply 9

mountainmetman

Aside from the financial benefits, I gained some technique from mine. I think the thing to do is that if you go for it, talk to the instructor. Let them know which areas you're finding difficult. Ask them to show you as much as you can get out of them. Things like cornering and observation, as well as the motorway stuff. Also, with motorways, there's more than just joining/leaving and overtaking. Road manners and anticipation are essential, and on a pass plus you've got someone that can put you ahead of the game from the off, so exploit it.

Reply 10

Danielle89

I've only just passed my test the other week and to be honest, my insurance is only £400 with Diamond and I'd rather just leave it at that, then get my no-claims up because I've spent enough on driving lessons and tests already lol. I suppose the experience would be good but when I need to I'll get Mum to take me on the motorway.

Reply 11

richard-

Is that insurance in your name danielle or on your parents?

Reply 12

Mellanie

Danielle89

I've only just passed my test the other week and to be honest, my insurance is only £400 with Diamond

My brother passed the other week (he's 19) and his insurance cost just over £900 - a BIG difference compared to £400!! AND it was under my parent's names! Crazy how female drivers just slash insurance in half :biggrin: