EXTRACT FROM FIRST ALTERNATIVE PRESS RELEASE

22/11/2004

Buying your child a car for Christmas?

First Alternative car insurance advises parents on making sure it's a cracker not a turkey

Parents often help out their newly roadworthy children to buy a car, but new research from First Alternative car insurance shows that if you're planning on surprising your child with a new set of wheels this Christmas, you must choose carefully to make sure your generous gift doesn't stall at the first corner.

Economical or eye-catching?
First Alternative car insurance undertook a comprehensive independent survey* of young drivers to investigate what features they would consider important in a first car.

The First Alternative car insurance survey revealed;-

• 84% said reliability as an important deciding factor, to avoid the need for costly repair bills
• the cost of car insurance is high on the agenda, with 81% saying they would take this into consideration
• nearly three-quarters (74%) of young drivers view fuel efficiency as an essential factor

First Alternative also claim

79% said the way the car looks is vital, and over half (58%) stated the car's performance and speed is an important deciding factor, with 66% saying comfort and interior space are a top priority.

First Alternative car insurance advise parents to :-

• Check out motoring websites such as www.topgear.com for the latest reviews and essential information about all makes and models
• Pick up a car magazine or two. They're full of advice on choosing a new car, common pit-falls and money-drains to look out for. Magazine Subscriptions

More advise from First Alternative car insurance.

• If you're not sure what you're looking for, take along a car-enthusiast friend or ask a mechanic to check the car for you before you part with your
• Whilst cost may become the ultimate decided factor, consider your son or daughter's lifestyle before choosing a vehicle for them. First Alternative give the example -A small hatchback may be cheap and easy to drive, but won't suit someone whose hobbies are windsurfing or horse-riding, where a larger vehicle might be more suitable.

What about the First Alternative car insurance?

Both young drivers, and their parents, told First Alternative that the cost of car insurance was a key deciding factor in choosing a car. Car Insurance can be pricey for newly qualified young drivers, so First Alternative advise:- how do you keep the premium down?

• Check out the insurance group of the car you want before you buy it. The Association of British Insurers rates all cars on a scale of 1 to 20, with cars rated at the lower end of the scale attracting lower car insurance premiums.
• Consider increasing your voluntary excess, which will cut your basic premium (although you must make sure this amount is affordable for you in the event you do have to make a claim).

First Alternative car insurance also advise

• If you won't do many miles each year, make sure you tell your insurer and look for a policy that takes this into account.
• Consider third party, fire and theft car insurance cover if your car is old/less valuable.
• Shop around - this is particularly important for young drivers, as the higher perceived risk they represent means there could be huge differences in car insurance quotes from company to company.
• 'Keep your nose clean' - a no claims discount is the easiest and best way to reduce your premium state First Alternative car insurance.

*YouGov interviewed a random selection of drivers aged 18 - 25 and parents of children aged 18-25 via telephone omnibus survey between 12th and 15th November 2004 .