Looking for cheap young or new driver car insurance? We're here to help you navigate the ins and outs.
As a new driver, car insurance can be the biggest cost when it comes to driving (after getting your car).
If you're a new or young driver and you've just started lessons, or you're about to take the plunge with sorting your car insurance, you probably already know about the high insurance costs that new drivers face. With the cost of car insurance skyrocketing recently, it can feel daunting when shopping around for a policy.
But there are a few ways to save, including emerging insurance companies like Ticker that offer cheap car insurance for young, new and/or inexperienced drivers.
In this guide:
What is Ticker car insurance?
Ticker is an insurance company that provides all sorts of insurance policies, including one for drivers who haven't had a driving licence for more than 5 years. So, if you're after young driver car insurance – Ticker might be worth a look.
Ticker provides what it calls 'connected insurance', better known as telematics or black box insurance. The company says it uses data science across pricing, underwriting, customer engagement and claims, which is what it reckons sets it apart from other insurers and insurtechs. For anyone who hasn't come across the term, an insurtech is a company that uses technology to make insurance more efficient, with the aim of keeping costs down.
It's a well-established name in the space, too: in June 2025 the RAC teamed up with Ticker in an exclusive partnership, licensing Ticker's technology to power a new range of RAC-branded connected motor policies. So the same tech now sits behind more than one brand on the price comparison sites.
How does Ticker insurance work?
Ticker's telematics car insurance works much like most black box policies: a small device is fitted in your car to track how you drive, looking at things like speed, braking and cornering.
The difference is there's no waiting around for a fitting appointment. Ticker posts the device to you and you set it up yourself in a matter of minutes. And, unlike a lot of black box policies aimed at new and inexperienced drivers, there's no curfew, so you won't be penalised or restricted for driving late at night.
The device sends your driving data to the linked Ticker app on your phone, so you can see your habits and work out where to improve. The safer you drive, the lower the risk you present, and the better the price you should be offered when your policy comes up for renewal.
Ticker also covers standard in-car audio equipment and lost or stolen keys, and you'll be protected if you're hit by an uninsured driver.
Ticker's telematics devices
Ticker offers two self-fit device options. Both are supplied by Trakm8, one of the UK's leading telematics providers, and the cost is included in your policy.
1. The plug-in Ticker device
This is a small box roughly the length of your index finger. It arrives in the post with instructions, and you plug it into your car's OBD (Onboard Diagnostics) port, usually found under the dashboard near the steering column. It draws minimal power from the car and sends your driving data straight to Ticker, which you can view in the app. When your policy ends, you simply unplug it and send it back to be recycled.
2. The stick-on Ticker device
The stick-on option is a small, round box that fits in the palm of your hand. Much like a satnav, it attaches to the inside of your windscreen, ideally in a corner or behind the rear-view mirror so it's out of your line of sight. You then download the Ticker app and pair it with the device. There's no need for an appointment or an engineer, as you can set it up yourself in seconds.
The Ticker app
Once you've paired your device to your account in the app, you'll get weekly updates on your driving and the mileage you're doing. All your insurance documents live in the app too, and they're automatically updated if you make a change to your policy.
If you need help, you can start a chat in the app or tap to call or email Ticker, and if you're involved in an accident you can hit the 'Had a crash' button on your dashboard to reach the 24/7 claims team. Your renewal quote will appear in the app as well.
Ticker insurance reviews
Reviews for Ticker are generally favourable. On Trustpilot it holds an 'Excellent' rating from more than 10,000 customer reviews, with plenty of praise for helpful, easy-to-reach customer service and a straightforward set-up.
Here's the kind of feedback customers leave on Trustpilot:
"I've been with Ticker for a while now, all employees provide great service, extremely polite and never fail to help you out. I just spoke to Rachael about increasing my declared mileage, she was really helpful, provided me with the right information and talked me through what I need to do. Excellent service."
"I recently had to upgrade my car insurance to allow for business driving, and Lauren made this super easy via live chat (and also a quick phone call to take payment details). I've been with Ticker for just over three months now, really good insurance and really helpful staff whenever I've had to contact them. Would recommend for any new drivers looking for car insurance."
"Super helpful with my request to change my vehicle but keep the same policy. Super kind and listened."
Students rate it too. When we scoured The Student Room forums, the verdict was largely positive:
"I use them and have not had any problems. From what I've heard about other insurers, I'd recommend them for black box insurance – they're really lenient."
"I've been with Ticker for six months now and I'll admit their car selection is limited, but the price is really cheap for new drivers."
"Ticker have been good to me. I'm getting a renewal quote at the end of the month as I've been with them for nearly a year."
"Bit late to this thread, but having used this company since February, I have to say they're really good."
"I'm currently insured by Ticker and would say they're the best providers if you decide to go for a black box. My insurance was so much cheaper with them – around £800 for a year on a 2007 Renault Clio 1.2 Dynamique. It's so easy to set up and connect. Honestly wouldn't have chosen any other provider for a black box."
So there you have it. If you want affordable cover that uses a black box, Ticker is one to consider.
Ticker customer service contact information
To talk to Ticker about your policy, you can start a chat at ticker.co.uk from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. If your query is about payments, you can start a chat with Ticker’s finance provider from ticker.co.uk/contact.
How does Ticker use the data it collects?
Ticker says the data from your device is used first to verify the details you gave when you took out the policy, and then to work out how you drive so it can calculate your renewal quote. It also uses the data to ask genuinely risky drivers to leave.
Data captured around a potential accident can be used to help prevent and reduce insurance fraud, which is a major issue in the industry. Fewer false claims means fewer knock-on price rises, which ultimately keeps insurance cheaper for everyone.
Your data won't be shared unless it's legally required, for example under a court order. It also won't be used to report you for your driving, to financially penalise you or to increase your price mid-policy.
How does Ticker's No Claims Discount (NCD) work?
NCD stands for No Claims Discount, sometimes called a No Claims Bonus (NCB). It's the discount you build up for each year you don't claim on your policy, and it works to bring down your renewal price. The longer you go without making a claim, the bigger the discount you'll see.
When you take out a policy with Ticker, it may ask you to provide proof of your NCD from your previous insurer. If you've never been insured before, you won't have any No Claims Discount yet – but you'll start building one from your first claim-free year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ticker Insurance good for new drivers?
Ticker Insurance is a great option for new drivers who have had their license for less than five years. It offers renewal quotes based on how good your driving is and gives regular driving feedback so you can track your performance and skills. The black box will also add more security and is super easy to install yourself — no waiting for an appointment!
Does Ticker Insurance have a curfew?
Ticker Insurance does not have a curfew. They focus more on how you drive, rather than when you drive. Many insurance policies than include a black box will have a curfew of 10 or 11pm, restricting the freedom of driving, so it's handy for students that Ticker doesn't do this. Late night Maccies trip anyone?
What does gold mean on Ticker driver?
The dashboard on the Ticker Insurance app displays a dial that goes from gold to dark red depending on how your driving is.
If you're in the gold zone, your driving is great and there's probably little to do to improve it. However, if you're towards the red zone, your driving is possibly too aggressive and you may need to review your driving. By the end of your first year of insurance, the better your score, the better the renewal quote.
TLDR; Good driving is rewarded, bad driving is not.
Does Ticker monitor phone use?
Ticker does not monitor phone use. The Ticker box you secure in your car will collect data on your driving and send it to your phone (the Ticker app on your phone) via Bluetooth.
Does Ticker Insurance work without Bluetooth?
It depends on your device. With the stick-on device you'll need Bluetooth on and paired with the device while you drive, plus location services and mobile data switched on. With the plug-in device you don't need Bluetooth, as it uses its own network to send data.
If you're looking for a cheap first car, check out which cheap first cars to insure for new drivers.
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