Young drivers

Sir, I welcome the Association of British Insurers’ proposals to Government to be more innovative in young driver risk management (Business, Sept 4). Not only do young drivers have accidents more frequently but these are much more severe when they occur. We must look at ways to balance the rights of the young driver with the increased risk they present to other road users but especially to themselves and their young friends.

All too often, I see the sad outcome of serious accidents to our young drivers and passengers on the Motability Scheme, where we provide cars to the disabled and have 430,000 cars on UK roads.

As for Pass Plus training for new drivers, our scheme has invested in providing this instruction free to all our young drivers at a cost of about £150 per course. Even on these statistics, Pass Plus is generating a threefold return on investment by its reduction in our claims costs. We also reward drivers with a one-third reduction in their insurance excess for successful completion.