COLCHESTER insurers have issued advice to parents of young drivers who want to keep insurance premiums down

Towergate Insurance, based in Colchester, is encouraging parents to consider using ‘telematics’ as a way to keep insurance costs down.

An EU Directive was introduced on December 21, which meant insurers can no longer make young men pay more insurance than women.

Up until then, young male drivers had paid a higher premium because statistically they were more likely to be involved in an accident.

The telematic uses GPS technology to track if a car is being used between ‘high risk’ hours of 11pm and 5am.

Drivers which are proved to be lower risk can be eligible for discounts of up to 40 per cent.

Nel Mooy, Director of Towergate Insurance in Colchester said: “Young people already find it a struggle to afford to get on the road, with insurance often costing more than their first car.

“Telematics technology could help young drivers secure a premium which is far less expensive than others on the market and provide greater road safety at night.”