Cheap car insurance for young people can be difficult to find. The feeling most of us have is that teenagers and those in their early twenties don't know how to drive at less than 100 miles an hour! The companies providing the insurance have the same impression so tend to load the premium.

So how do you get around this? Here are five tips to help:

1) Think about the type of car you are going to insure. Until you build up your own no claims bonus, it would be a good idea to stick to a vehicle known for its safety rather than its speed. Think Ford or Nissan rather than a Porsche. The last thing the cost accessor wants to see is a teenager applying for insurance on a motor with an enhanced engine. Yes I know you want to look cool but it is a bit pointless if you are broke at the same time.

2) Raise the excess on the policy to as much as you can afford. The higher the amount you would have to pay in the event of an accident the lower your potential premium. There is a level at which this has less of an impact so get your broker to provide different quotations to check the savings you could make.

3) Consider going on your parent's policy first but only if it is written in such a way that you get credit for good driving. A lot of plans are now segmented meaning that you can build up your own no-claims bonus. Some providers allow you to accumulate up to 60% reduction in the cost of the premium on an auto accident policy. The drawback is that to qualify, no claims can be made regardless of whether the accident was your fault or not. So if someone else hits your car and you claim against your own policy, you could lose this bonus. But all things considered it is a very useful way of obtaining a reduction in cost.

4) If the above is not possible, get your own insurance as soon as you qualify at 16 to drive. You may have to pay slightly higher premiums but you are building a track record as a safe, responsible driver and this will pay off in future discounts.

5) It seems obvious but drive safely! Clocking up motoring convictions is not the way to achieving lower costs on this type of cover. Also bear in mind that other brushes with the Law will hinder your application. Adding extra safety features to your car will help reduce costs.

Some companies offer more favorable rates for students. If you get good grades at school you may even qualify for a special discount on the basis that if you prove you are responsible and dependable you will be a better driver.

Depending on the area you live in, you may be able to do an advanced driving course. Some police departments offer these and once you have passed, you should find that cheap insurance for young people is no longer hard to find.