Car Insurance Without A Black Box
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Key facts
- A black box policy records data such as your speed, mileage, braking, cornering, where the car is parked and the time of day you drive.
- Black box policies first came to market in 2009 and were originally aimed at young drivers, though older drivers now see them in results too.
- Quote Goat's quote research for drivers aged 19 to 22 found policies without telematics cost 39% more on average, rising to 61% more at age 19.
- Black boxes are not compulsory for new drivers, and a 17-year-old can still get a policy without any telematics.
- Most of the over 150 providers on the Quote Goat panel offer car insurance that does not require a black box.
Michael's take
I understand why many drivers do not want a device in the car reporting on how they drive, and for an experienced driver the price difference is usually small enough that it is a fair trade. For a 19-year-old, though, paying over half as much again to avoid a black box is a lot of money, so I would always run both types of quote before ruling telematics out. If you do go without one, the car you choose and the accuracy of your details will do more for your premium than anything else.
What is car insurance without a black box?
Car insurance without a black box is a standard policy that does not require you to fit any form of telematics device to your vehicle. Because there is no device, the insurer cannot monitor your driving style or how you use the car, and your premium is based on the details you give when you take out the policy rather than on how you drive afterwards.
It is favoured by drivers who do not want to share their driving data, and by drivers who feel that their habits, such as driving at night or covering high mileage, could push a telematics premium up. If you are weighing up the two approaches, our guide to alternatives to black box insurance sets out the options.
What does a black box record?
A black box gathers a range of data points about how, when and where you drive, and the insurer uses that data to price your policy. The information a telematics policy can collect includes:
- How fast you drive, including your speed when taking corners
- How hard you brake
- How often you use the vehicle and how far you go
- Where the vehicle is parked
- The time of day you drive
Insurers treat this as a measure of risk. Drivers whose data suggests they are safer are less likely to be involved in an accident or make a claim, so they can be offered cheaper premiums. Higher-risk drivers either pay more or need to change their driving habits. A policy without a black box removes that ongoing assessment altogether.
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Is car insurance without a black box more expensive?
Yes, for younger drivers it usually is, according to Quote Goat's own quote research. We ran multiple quotes for drivers aged 19 to 22 in a range of locations and compared policies with and without telematics.
| Driver | Extra cost without a black box |
|---|---|
| Drivers aged 19 to 22 (average) | 39% more |
| Driver aged 19 | 61% more |
| Driver aged 22 with two years' experience | 21% more |
The gap is largest for the least experienced drivers and shrinks as experience builds. Insurance pricing also varies a great deal between individuals, so for some drivers a policy without a black box will cost much the same as one with. The only way to know for your circumstances is to compare both types of quote side by side.
Can new and young drivers get car insurance without a black box?
Yes. Black boxes are not compulsory for new drivers, and it is still possible to get a policy without any form of telematics at 17. Telematics policies have grown in popularity mainly because they tend to cost less for new drivers, not because insurers insist on them.
The trade-off is price. Our research found the biggest difference in cost at age 19, and for younger drivers cover without a black box can run into the thousands. Choosing a car in a lower insurance group, adding an experienced named driver and taking an advanced driving course can all help bring the cost down. Our young driver car insurance guide covers these points in more detail.
How can I pay less for car insurance without a black box?
The cost of any car insurance policy depends on factors including your age, vehicle, location and experience, but there are several things within your control that can lower the premium on a policy without telematics.
- Choose a car in a lower insurance group. Cars in higher groups tend to cost more to insure, which matters most for younger drivers. If you have not bought your car yet, check its group first.
- Avoid modifications. Spoilers, lowered suspension and similar changes can add to your premium.
- Fit an alarm and a dashcam. An alarm, if not already factory fitted, and a dashcam can both lower the price.
- Add an experienced named driver. This can reduce the cost of your cover.
- Take an advanced driving course. For young drivers in particular, this helps demonstrate your skill to insurers.
- Consider a higher voluntary excess. This may lower the premium, but think about how you would pay the excess if you had to claim. Even careful drivers can need to claim through no fault of their own, for example after a hit and run on a parked car.
- Give accurate details. Think carefully about your annual mileage, where you keep the car and what you use it for. If you drive 5,000 miles a year, say so rather than rounding up to 10,000.
- Compare across the market. A larger panel means more quotes, which improves your chances of finding the best policy without a black box.
Who might want cover without a black box?
Most people looking for this type of cover either do not want an insurer tracking their vehicle use and driving style, or believe their habits would push a telematics premium up. Privacy is the most common concern.
It is worth knowing that not all telematics policies are the same. It is a common misconception that a black box policy will always penalise night driving or cap your mileage. Some do, but many do not. When you compare with Quote Goat, the key features of each policy are highlighted in the results, so you can see any restrictions before deciding whether a policy with or without a black box suits you.
How do I compare car insurance without a black box?
Run a comparison with Quote Goat and you will see quotes from a panel of over 150 car insurance providers, most of whom offer policies that do not require any telematics. You will need to provide details about yourself, your driving history and your vehicle, and you can then compare quotes from across the market.
Because the results highlight the key features of each policy, you can quickly tell which quotes come with a black box and which do not, and see how the prices compare for your circumstances. Quote Goat is rated 4.8 out of 5 on Reviews.io, with 97% of customers recommending the service.
Frequently asked questions
What is no black box insurance?
No black box insurance is a standard car insurance policy that does not require a telematics device to be fitted to your car. The insurer cannot monitor your speed, mileage, braking or the times you drive, so your premium is based on the details you provide rather than your driving data.
Are black boxes compulsory for new drivers?
No. Black boxes have grown in popularity because telematics policies typically cost less for new drivers, but they are not compulsory. New drivers can choose a standard policy without any telematics.
Can a 17-year-old get car insurance without a black box?
Yes. It is still possible to get a car insurance policy without any form of telematics at 17, although it is likely to cost more than a black box policy at that age.
Is car insurance without a black box always more expensive?
Not necessarily. Quote Goat's own research for drivers aged 19 to 22 found policies without telematics cost 39% more on average, and as much as 61% more at age 19, but the difference depends on your individual circumstances and can be much smaller for some drivers.
Does the price difference get smaller as I gain experience?
Yes. In Quote Goat's research the gap was 61% for a 19-year-old but 21% for a 22-year-old with two years' experience, and it reduces further as drivers gain more experience.
What information does a black box collect?
A black box can record how fast you drive, how hard you brake, your speed when cornering, how often and how far you drive, where the car is parked and the time of day you are on the road. Insurers use this to adjust pricing to each driver's risk.
Do all black box policies have night-time curfews or mileage limits?
No. It is a common misconception that every black box policy penalises night driving or limits your mileage. Some providers do apply these restrictions, but many do not, so it is worth checking the key features of each policy in your quote results.
How many providers offer car insurance without a black box through Quote Goat?
Quote Goat gives you access to a comparison service with over 150 car insurance providers, most of whom offer policies that do not require any form of telematics.
Car insurance for your situation
Other car insurance pages that may fit your situation, and guides on this topic.
Written by Michael Foote, Insurance & Finance Expert
Founder of Quote Goat, with over 20 years' experience in finance and insurance. He has appeared on TV and in Forbes, The Telegraph and The Metro.
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Quote Goat provides access to a car insurance comparison service operated by Seopa Ltd. This page is general information, not advice. Always check the policy documents to make sure the cover meets your needs.