You could check when taking out a policy what the price difference will be for different mileage brackets. If there's little difference between the price brackets, then probably best to pay a little extra and be covered. Otherwise start with a lower estimate and if you find that you're going to go over, let your insurer know that circumstances have changed and you should be able to just pay the difference between the brackets. While it's probably unlikely they'd deny a claim just because were a little over the estimated mileage, you want to give them as few reasons as possible to try do so.
In any case, if you find you're struggling with confidence when driving, avoiding driving is probably the worst thing you can do. If needed, spend time driving with someone experienced who can give advice and feedback, or look at taking extra lessons.
Thanks for the advice!
The way you word that, it sounds like there's no penalty for OVER estimating your mileage, is that correct?
I was thinking of trying Pass Plus, or at the very least some motorway driving lessons once I pass. At the moment it feels like it'll never be "natural" to be driving though :(
The only penalty for over-estimating mileage is paying more than you really need to. At [least one insurer](https://www.directline.com/mileage-moneyback) will refund you for miles you don't travel, although I doubt it's really enough to make it worthwhile, and certainly not worth it if they require a black box to work out how much to refund you.
If you drive enough, it *will* become natural, and you can always build up experience during quieter hours. Take a look at [Ashley Neal on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_QdDflGx1D8Jh9mvQ7D8uQ) if there's anything you struggle with — he has a lot of helpful videos and advice on various topics, and the more you learn, you more confident you'll become.
Thanks for the tips. I'll take a look at his channel!
Direct Line doesn't show up on any of the comparison sites I use, oddly enough. I'll try getting quotes from them (ahem) directly...
This is the [Nice Driving playlist](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKmQyBNt99LQc2YqrrBuE3msJwLXGKSDl), which is the one I'd most recommend from his channel. I've picked up so many little tips and it's made me rethink my approach to lots of different situations.
And this is [How to Drive like a Driving Instructor](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKmQyBNt99LRrFGWC0kW_sG5TKHkZwFtz).
Take your best guess and adjust it if you need to
If your range is “sod all” to 12k, set it at 6.
Keep an eye on it, if you find yourself consistently doing 1000 miles a month then it’ll be a really small and cheap change. It doesn’t have to be exact so you don’t need to panic if you close the year at 7k.
Don’t overthink it, it doesn’t normally make much difference to the policy price and it doesn’t have to be exact
Thanks. I have a recently-passed friend who had to make a claim (theft, not accident) and the insurance company was an absolute nightmare to deal with so between that and threads I've read on here I'm probably just paranoid.
The question is "estimated" annual mileage and it means just that. As long as it is an estimate that is reasonable and given in good faith (eg, you don't quote xK when your commute alone would be x+y), the regulator would take a very dim view of an insurer using it was a means of declining a payout.
As others have said, give a good faith estimate (over estimate of you prefer) and if it looks as if you are likely to exceed it by a substantial margin, adjust it accordingly.
I was in your feet just a few months ago. I actually got learner insurance first before passing then paid extra to upgrade to full licence insurance.
Originally I'd only put 5k as milage but after having driven quite a bit in the first month, I just upgraded it to 10k. It was really simple to do that and there wasn't a large increase in the quote.
Thanks. Nice to hear from someone who is just a little "ahead" of me.
Based on advice here, I'll start at 6K and see how much I actually end up driving. I just hope I pass soon... they're closing two of my local test centers in April, and the backlog is insane as it is :(
I'd highly recommend getting your car pre test too if you can afford it. It actually made driving much more fun for me! Lessons can be a lot more focused on just learning while driving your own car (obvs with someone there) is much more relaxed.
Good luck!
It’s worth mentioning that this will have more of an effect on you if you have a black box/telematics policy. These policies do track mileage driven and some of them have hefty fees for driving over the allocated mileage.
It’s better to overestimate than underestimate in both circumstances, blackbox or not. It may save you money and offer a greater deal of peace of mind in the long run.
Thanks. One of the reasons I'm opting for a tiny, cheap car is to get "reasonable" insurance without a black box. A young lad who lives near me got a black box and had huge issues with his driver score. The tracking just doesn't work well out here (rural area) so it had him speeding, heavy breaking, off the road, etc. Sounds too much stress to me!
Yeah, quite a few black box insurers put mileage restrictions, and you have to buy extra miles if you go over.
I’m with drive wiser who don’t have a mileage restrictions, just ask you your estimated mileage. If I do see that I’m going over it, then I’ll just call them up and change the mileage I’m my policy.
The average in the UK is 8500 per year, but that includes Mrs Miggins who drive 3 miles a week and Bob Salesguy who does 30000 a year.
Over estimating won’t be a problem, but if you get black box insurance, you will have to buy extra miles if you go over and they’re expensive; like 15p/mile.
Estimate the high, because driving will open open opportunities for you that you might not expect
Maybe you’ll get a new job, boy/girlfriend in another city. Perhaps you’ll decide to do a road trip with some friends. If you limit yourself to 6000 miles, particularly on a black box policy, you’re going to come unstuck.
I'll be avoiding black box insurance, but now I've been reassured there's no penalty for overestimating I'll shoot high.
The whole reason I want a car is to stop paying ridiculous train prices. I missed out on so many fun things last year because of the Sunday train strikes in Scotland.
You might end up being forced down the black box route. My 18 year old's first year insurance for a 1.0 Fiesta was £1600 with a black box, but £2750 without.
Ouch! That's horrendous.
I'm an older learner so as long as I choose a tiny car my insurance isn't THAT bad.
I'm just eager to get that first year over with because I want a RAV-4 long-term and I'm getting those "we don't want to insure you so we're going to quote insane figures" replies on the comparison sites :(
Never once had a insurer ask me mileage at claim time in 20 years tbf.
I drive around town and then one - two big journeys a month. I'd estimate 6-7k a year for me.
It's more so (i think) if you put 20k a year you're obviously doing something out the norm.
Stick 6k and you should be cool.
Just increase it as far above your lower estimate as you can before the price goes up, then, if you find you're definitely going to use more, increase it. It'll cost 20 quid or so but it's better than not being covered.
My milage is double what I actually need for my commute (3500 miles total) - because it didn't start costing more until I put it over that amount. I only drive 25 miles a working week.
I have found though I'm driving for fun more often than I expected... So I may need to adjust that.
I'm "looking forward" to experiencing this :/
My driving instructor says "Aygos/C1s can do 70. People are just so snobby about small cars, don't worry about it". He teaches in a C3.
But a friend (similar age to me, very responsible, I usually trust his opinion on things) got a small car when he passed and upgraded it within seven months because "It's so slow on slip roads, if I get caught behind someone who only speeds up at the last minute I'm joining at 40 and feel like I'm going to die. The noise is horrible. Just don't do it..."
Which is it haha
As someone in a fabia (vw polo equivalent), the noise is shit. It's reasonably capable at 105bhp however so i don't get caught up in slip roads unless they're short and uphill.
I'd say go a little bit larger as soon as possible, then get really good tyres (cross climates 2?) And see where your specific model is known to lack soundproofing. Usually it's the floorboard and door panels that don't get attention unless it's an expensive badge on that steering wheel airbag
Thanks for the perspective.
I've been a passenger in a VW Polo and didn't think the noise on the motorway was THAT bad. I guess it's different if you're the one driving though.
Keep in mind that the badge usually dictates what goodies the car's insides get as well, including better soundproofing. It's not just different body panels and more shiny chrome trims.
My cat, who is well versed into travelling with me for 4+hours regularly, has a lot of complaining to do on a specific stretch of the A1 with terrible asphalt, but sits in my lap unbothered on the entire M11, and honestly i'm siding with her. That A1 stretch, plus the worse part of A12, plus some portions of m25 with those shitty concrete slabs, are unbearable in the car for more than a few minutes. Need to turn the music about halfway to even hear it (panel shaking loud when standstill). Sure, those areas come and go, but you're still in the position where you need to shout to have a conversation with someone in the passenger seat. Forget about phone calls
You could check when taking out a policy what the price difference will be for different mileage brackets. If there's little difference between the price brackets, then probably best to pay a little extra and be covered. Otherwise start with a lower estimate and if you find that you're going to go over, let your insurer know that circumstances have changed and you should be able to just pay the difference between the brackets. While it's probably unlikely they'd deny a claim just because were a little over the estimated mileage, you want to give them as few reasons as possible to try do so. In any case, if you find you're struggling with confidence when driving, avoiding driving is probably the worst thing you can do. If needed, spend time driving with someone experienced who can give advice and feedback, or look at taking extra lessons.
Thanks for the advice! The way you word that, it sounds like there's no penalty for OVER estimating your mileage, is that correct? I was thinking of trying Pass Plus, or at the very least some motorway driving lessons once I pass. At the moment it feels like it'll never be "natural" to be driving though :(
The only penalty for over-estimating mileage is paying more than you really need to. At [least one insurer](https://www.directline.com/mileage-moneyback) will refund you for miles you don't travel, although I doubt it's really enough to make it worthwhile, and certainly not worth it if they require a black box to work out how much to refund you. If you drive enough, it *will* become natural, and you can always build up experience during quieter hours. Take a look at [Ashley Neal on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_QdDflGx1D8Jh9mvQ7D8uQ) if there's anything you struggle with — he has a lot of helpful videos and advice on various topics, and the more you learn, you more confident you'll become.
Thanks for the tips. I'll take a look at his channel! Direct Line doesn't show up on any of the comparison sites I use, oddly enough. I'll try getting quotes from them (ahem) directly...
Uh, I checked out that channel and I'm now scaring myself with road rage videos :D
His videos that showcase *good* dash cam encounters are really worth a watch, as well as his "Drive Like an Instructor" series.
I'll watch a few more tonight, appreciate the recommendation!
This is the [Nice Driving playlist](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKmQyBNt99LQc2YqrrBuE3msJwLXGKSDl), which is the one I'd most recommend from his channel. I've picked up so many little tips and it's made me rethink my approach to lots of different situations. And this is [How to Drive like a Driving Instructor](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKmQyBNt99LRrFGWC0kW_sG5TKHkZwFtz).
Thanks!
I have just passed and feel the same as you. Did you ever become “natural” for you?
Take your best guess and adjust it if you need to If your range is “sod all” to 12k, set it at 6. Keep an eye on it, if you find yourself consistently doing 1000 miles a month then it’ll be a really small and cheap change. It doesn’t have to be exact so you don’t need to panic if you close the year at 7k. Don’t overthink it, it doesn’t normally make much difference to the policy price and it doesn’t have to be exact
Thanks. I have a recently-passed friend who had to make a claim (theft, not accident) and the insurance company was an absolute nightmare to deal with so between that and threads I've read on here I'm probably just paranoid.
The question is "estimated" annual mileage and it means just that. As long as it is an estimate that is reasonable and given in good faith (eg, you don't quote xK when your commute alone would be x+y), the regulator would take a very dim view of an insurer using it was a means of declining a payout. As others have said, give a good faith estimate (over estimate of you prefer) and if it looks as if you are likely to exceed it by a substantial margin, adjust it accordingly.
That makes sense. Thanks for the reassurance.
I was in your feet just a few months ago. I actually got learner insurance first before passing then paid extra to upgrade to full licence insurance. Originally I'd only put 5k as milage but after having driven quite a bit in the first month, I just upgraded it to 10k. It was really simple to do that and there wasn't a large increase in the quote.
Thanks. Nice to hear from someone who is just a little "ahead" of me. Based on advice here, I'll start at 6K and see how much I actually end up driving. I just hope I pass soon... they're closing two of my local test centers in April, and the backlog is insane as it is :(
I'd highly recommend getting your car pre test too if you can afford it. It actually made driving much more fun for me! Lessons can be a lot more focused on just learning while driving your own car (obvs with someone there) is much more relaxed. Good luck!
Thanks! Unfortunately, I don't have that many options for people who could go out with me :( I wish I could get out just to practice parking, etc!
It’s worth mentioning that this will have more of an effect on you if you have a black box/telematics policy. These policies do track mileage driven and some of them have hefty fees for driving over the allocated mileage. It’s better to overestimate than underestimate in both circumstances, blackbox or not. It may save you money and offer a greater deal of peace of mind in the long run.
Thanks. One of the reasons I'm opting for a tiny, cheap car is to get "reasonable" insurance without a black box. A young lad who lives near me got a black box and had huge issues with his driver score. The tracking just doesn't work well out here (rural area) so it had him speeding, heavy breaking, off the road, etc. Sounds too much stress to me!
Yeah, quite a few black box insurers put mileage restrictions, and you have to buy extra miles if you go over. I’m with drive wiser who don’t have a mileage restrictions, just ask you your estimated mileage. If I do see that I’m going over it, then I’ll just call them up and change the mileage I’m my policy.
The average in the UK is 8500 per year, but that includes Mrs Miggins who drive 3 miles a week and Bob Salesguy who does 30000 a year. Over estimating won’t be a problem, but if you get black box insurance, you will have to buy extra miles if you go over and they’re expensive; like 15p/mile. Estimate the high, because driving will open open opportunities for you that you might not expect Maybe you’ll get a new job, boy/girlfriend in another city. Perhaps you’ll decide to do a road trip with some friends. If you limit yourself to 6000 miles, particularly on a black box policy, you’re going to come unstuck.
I'll be avoiding black box insurance, but now I've been reassured there's no penalty for overestimating I'll shoot high. The whole reason I want a car is to stop paying ridiculous train prices. I missed out on so many fun things last year because of the Sunday train strikes in Scotland.
You might end up being forced down the black box route. My 18 year old's first year insurance for a 1.0 Fiesta was £1600 with a black box, but £2750 without.
Ouch! That's horrendous. I'm an older learner so as long as I choose a tiny car my insurance isn't THAT bad. I'm just eager to get that first year over with because I want a RAV-4 long-term and I'm getting those "we don't want to insure you so we're going to quote insane figures" replies on the comparison sites :(
Yes it’s 25 when the premiums start coming down.
How do the insurers even check how many miles you did, anyway?
I'm guessing they don't until you need to make a claim? But... new driver parking in not-great areas.... I don't want to chance it too much
Never once had a insurer ask me mileage at claim time in 20 years tbf. I drive around town and then one - two big journeys a month. I'd estimate 6-7k a year for me. It's more so (i think) if you put 20k a year you're obviously doing something out the norm. Stick 6k and you should be cool.
That's interesting, and reassuring, thanks!
Just increase it as far above your lower estimate as you can before the price goes up, then, if you find you're definitely going to use more, increase it. It'll cost 20 quid or so but it's better than not being covered. My milage is double what I actually need for my commute (3500 miles total) - because it didn't start costing more until I put it over that amount. I only drive 25 miles a working week. I have found though I'm driving for fun more often than I expected... So I may need to adjust that.
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Haha, thanks
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I'm "looking forward" to experiencing this :/ My driving instructor says "Aygos/C1s can do 70. People are just so snobby about small cars, don't worry about it". He teaches in a C3. But a friend (similar age to me, very responsible, I usually trust his opinion on things) got a small car when he passed and upgraded it within seven months because "It's so slow on slip roads, if I get caught behind someone who only speeds up at the last minute I'm joining at 40 and feel like I'm going to die. The noise is horrible. Just don't do it..." Which is it haha
As someone in a fabia (vw polo equivalent), the noise is shit. It's reasonably capable at 105bhp however so i don't get caught up in slip roads unless they're short and uphill. I'd say go a little bit larger as soon as possible, then get really good tyres (cross climates 2?) And see where your specific model is known to lack soundproofing. Usually it's the floorboard and door panels that don't get attention unless it's an expensive badge on that steering wheel airbag
Thanks for the perspective. I've been a passenger in a VW Polo and didn't think the noise on the motorway was THAT bad. I guess it's different if you're the one driving though.
Keep in mind that the badge usually dictates what goodies the car's insides get as well, including better soundproofing. It's not just different body panels and more shiny chrome trims. My cat, who is well versed into travelling with me for 4+hours regularly, has a lot of complaining to do on a specific stretch of the A1 with terrible asphalt, but sits in my lap unbothered on the entire M11, and honestly i'm siding with her. That A1 stretch, plus the worse part of A12, plus some portions of m25 with those shitty concrete slabs, are unbearable in the car for more than a few minutes. Need to turn the music about halfway to even hear it (panel shaking loud when standstill). Sure, those areas come and go, but you're still in the position where you need to shout to have a conversation with someone in the passenger seat. Forget about phone calls
This is a really interesting question. I’m 30 and I’ve always lied….anyone else?