Who can take part in the Pass Plus course? car insurance

Pass Plus is a course aimed at improving driving skills, particularly among newly qualified drivers. As well as becoming safer drivers, people who pass the course can obtain discounts from some insurers to recognise their reduced risk of being involved in an accident.
Who can take part in the Pass Plus course?
Any driver is eligible to take part in the course. It is mainly aimed at people who have passed their driving test in the past year. The course may be a little more difficult for people who have been driving for longer than this and have either become rusty or picked up bad habits.
How much does Pass Plus cost?
The cost varies depending on the region and the instructor. It is generally in the £100 to £150 range. Some local authorities will pay up to 50% of the fees, though students will need to apply directly to the authority, usually to the transport or road safety department.
What is covered on the course?
There are six modules on the course: driving in a town (which incorporates general advanced driving skills), driving in extreme weather conditions, driving in the countryside, driving at nighttime, driving on dual carriageways, and driving on motorways. Wherever possible, as many of these skills are taught in a practical setting rather than just the theory.
Will I get an insurance discount?
Not all insurers offer discounts to people who have completed Pass Plus. At the time of writing, those who did were: 4Counties, AA, Adrian Flux, Churchill, CIS, Click4Gap, Direct Line, Endsleigh, i-Kube, Privilege, Provident, Quinn Direct, Royal and Sun Alliance, Swinton, Tesco, Young Marmalade and Zurich. It is worth checking with other insurers to see if the situation has changed.
How do I claim my discount?
On completing the course, you should be issued with a Pass Plus certificate. You can then provide this certificate to the insurer to get your discount. Some insurers will allow you to wait up to two years before using it, for example if you have not yet bought a car. Be careful to check the conditions as some insurers will only accept a Pass Plus certificate achieved within one year of passing your original driving test.
How much discount will I get?
This varies immensely. In some cases it can be up to 35%, while in others it may be as little as 5%. Depending on your circumstances, the saving may or may not be enough to cover or exceed the cost of the course. You may also make greater savings by using a different insurer, even if that insurer doesn't offer a Pass Plus discount. Of course, it's worth remembering that the course offers benefits beyond the immediate financial savings. It may even reduce the likelihood of you making claims, which could later pay off in no-claims bonuses.