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Here at Zego, our customers are at the heart of what we do. 

So, to help share their stories, we followed a few of our drivers for the day to learn more about them and the amazing work they do. 

This is Peter, a private hire driver from Nigeria, now based in London. He shares how private hire driving helps him support his family, and why music plays a massive role in his service. 

We followed a few of our customers for the day to learn more about them and the amazing work they do. Here is Peter, a private hire driver orginally from Nigeria.

 Zego customer stories: Peter, private hire driver

When looking for vehicle insurance, you’ll come across various providers with a lot of different policies, and deciding which one to go with can get confusing. We pride ourselves on offering insurance suited to you and your specific needs.

Zego Sense policies offer you the best possible price on your insurance, by rewarding you when you drive well.

Find out how Sense can help you save money on your policy, and learn more about the many benefits it offers.

Sense is the technology that powers our smarter policies. It’s built into the Zego Sense app – all you have to do is install the app, log in, enable permissions and start driving.

While you’re out on the road, the app works in the background, sensing how you drive over time. Sense uses this information to create your driver score and offer you our best priced policies at renewal.

What data does Zego collect through the Sense app?

You share your location information and motion data with us through the app, so we can understand how you drive and offer you discounts at renewal for driving well. 

That means we’ll know how much and how far you drive, as well as how you accelerate, brake, and take corners.

We also receive general information about you installing or uninstalling the app.

We understand the importance of privacy, so only Zego can access your driving data. Our underwriters, Wakam, can view any changes to your price, but they don’t have access to your data.

The app can’t and won’t access any of your emails, contacts, photos, banking information, health information, or social media. It also doesn't penalise you for using other apps on your phone as you drive, like work provider apps.

How does Sense use the data it collects from me?

Sense uses your data to build an understanding of how you drive as an individual, allowing us to offer you the best prices possible -- the better you drive, the less you pay. You can understand how well you’re driving by looking at your driver score and the insights section of the app.

What is my driver score and how do you calculate it?

Your driver score is a reflection of how well you drive over time, based on the data Sense gathers. It gives you an idea of your performance and an indication of whether or not you’re on track for a better price at renewal.

Your driver score is based on a 28-day rolling average of your driving behaviour. This includes factors like braking, accelerating and cornering.

Since it’s a rolling score, as that 28-day window progresses, you might see changes in your average score, even if you haven’t driven for a few days. Remember, this score is an average, so any one-off mistakes shouldn’t have an impact.

Which driving behaviours can negatively impact my price at renewal?

Harsh braking, aggressive acceleration and sharp cornering. Don’t forget, the app senses your driving over time, offering a clear picture of your overall driving habits - it won’t be impacted by one moment or even just one day.

Is my driver score/renewal price impacted by how much I drive?

No, Sense policies are not pay-as-you-go or usage-based. How much you drive will not impact your current quote or future renewal prices.

How do I get started with Sense? Do I have to switch it on every time I drive?

All you have to do to activate your Sense policy is install the Zego Sense app and log in. After that, the app works in the background while you drive, so it should always be “on”.

What happens if my phone battery runs out, or I turn off my data, or I’m a passenger in another driver’s car?

Sense is designed to offer you the best price on your

policy when you drive well. It does this by building a picture of how you drive 

. That means it’s ok if your phone’s battery dies or you lose your network connection.

The app also recognises when you’re a passenger in another car (or a bus or train), so your score will only be impacted by how you drive, not somebody else.

At Zego, we pride ourselves in offering products that are suited to your needs and tailored to you, specifically. Our Sense policies offer you the fairest price possible, by taking into account how well you drive, and rewarding you for driving well and safely.

How Zego Sense Policies Provide Better Prices & The Fairest Vehicle Insurance

We know that ghost broking is a very real problem in the insurance industry. 

In this guide, we explain what ghost broking is, how it works and how to avoid it.

Ghost broking is a type of insurance scam where the scammer (or “ghost broker”) pretends to be a genuine insurance broker in order to sell you fraudulent insurance. This insurance either simply doesn't exist, or it isn’t valid.

Ghost brokers normally target their victims through social media, money saving forums or student websites, where they will offer too-good-to-be-true prices before directing you to a website to try and make the sale.

Ghost broking usually works in one of these three ways.

This is where the ghost broker uses real insurance documents, but they doctor them to make it look like they belong to you instead.

For example, they might use their own valid insurance policy documentation, but change some of the details so it looks like your details instead. But in reality, there's no policy in your name at all.

In other cases, the ghost broker can actually buy an insurance policy on your behalf, but they use fake data to make it a lot cheaper.

For example, more experienced drivers are often priced much more cheaply than newer drivers. In this case, a ghost broker might lie about your age to make the policy cheaper. They might also lie about other things like your postcode and the car you drive too, all to bring down the cost (but without telling you).

This means that although there's technically a policy in place, it's a fraudulent one, and when the insurer finds out it's a fake car insurance policy, they'll either cancel or void the insurance.

In this case, the ghost broker buys a legitimate policy using your real details, sends you all the documents and then cancels the policy and takes the refund for themselves. That leaves you then driving around uninsured.

This may be the worst type of ghost broking because in this case, not only do you lose the money you paid for the fake insurance policy, but you then have to buy valid insurance.

You're also likely to face punishment for driving without insurance, which can include a large fine, points on your licence, and even disqualification from driving.

Here are three ways you can help to avoid falling victim to a ghost broker:

Avoid buying insurance from companies that don’t seem credible, such as people you may come across on social media or on money saving forums.

Before you buy your policy, double check if the insurance company has a legitimate website, address and UK phone number.

Before you buy through an insurance company or a broker, make sure they're registered with the 

If you think you may have been a victim of ghost broking, first report it to the Insurance Fraud Bureau via the 

 (powered by CrimeStoppers). Here you can report your suspicions in a free, anonymous and completely confidential way.

We would also recommend that you contact your local police station, or you can use 

We know that ghost broking is a very real problem in the insurance industry. This blog explains what ghost broking is, how it works and how to avoid it.

What is ghost broking and how do I avoid it?

This is Muhammad, a private hire driver from Pakistan, now based in London. 

We followed a few of our customers for the day to learn more about them and the amazing work they do. Here is Muhammad, a private hire driver based in London.

Zego customer stories: Muhammad, private hire driver

As a learner driver, getting behind the wheel for the first time marks a big and exciting milestone. However, before you get started, it's important to know the rules and responsibilities that come with holding a provisional driving licence.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll steer you through everything you need to know about learning to drive legally and safely in the UK.

Can I drive with a provisional licence in the UK?

You are allowed to drive with a provisional driving licence in the UK, but there are important restrictions you need to follow. Provisional licence holders must be supervised by a qualified driver, display L plates at all times, and stick to specific rules when learning to drive on public roads. These regulations are designed to make sure that all road users stay safe.

To become a fully licensed driver, first you need to get your provisional driving licence.

You can apply for this as early as 15 years and 9 months old, although most people won't be able to start driving a car until they're 17 (there's an exception for those who receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – they may be eligible to start driving at 16).

To apply for your provisional licence, visit the official GOV.UK website

. You'll need to provide proof of identity (such as a passport), addresses where you've lived for the past three years, and your National Insurance number, if you have one. As of 2024, it costs £34 to apply for a provisional driving licence online, or £43 if you apply by post.

Once you’ve submitted your application, you should receive your provisional licence within about a week, as long as no additional checks are needed.

Learning to drive with a provisional licence

With your provisional licence in hand, you're ready to start learning. Remember, you can't simply take to the roads alone. You have to be accompanied by a qualified supervisor at all times when you're driving.

Your supervisor must be at least 21 years old and have held a full UK driving licence for at least 3 years. This could be a professional driving instructor, a friend, or a family member – they just have to meet these criteria. If you're practising in a friend or family member's car, make sure their insurance covers you as a learner driver.

When driving as a learner, you must display L plates on the front and rear of your car. These let other road users know that you're still learning, and to give you a little extra space and consideration. Don't forget to remove these plates when someone else is driving the car.

Insurance is a must-have for all drivers, including learners.

You have a couple of options when it comes to getting insured as a provisional licence holder: you could be added as a named driver on a parent or friend's existing policy; or you could take out specialised learner driver insurance.

Many insurance companies offer temporary or short-term policies specifically designed for learner drivers. These can be a flexible and cost-effective option, especially if you're practising in someone else's car.

Whatever option you choose, make sure you're properly insured before you start driving – it's not just a legal requirement, it also keeps you financially protected.

As a learner driver, you're subject to most of the same rules as fully licensed drivers. You need to obey all traffic signs and signals, follow speed limits, and drive safely and considerately. However, there are a few special rules for learners to be aware of.

In England, Scotland, and Wales, learner drivers can now practise on motorways, but only under specific conditions. You must be accompanied by an approved driving instructor, and the car must be fitted with dual controls. This change was introduced to help learners gain experience on these high-speed roads before passing their test.

Another important point to note is that your supervisor is not allowed to use a mobile phone while supervising you. They need to be fully focused on your driving and ready to help if needed.

Learning to drive isn't just about practising behind the wheel. You'll also need to pass both a theory test and a practical driving test before you can get your full licence.

The theory test assesses your knowledge of the Highway Code and your hazard perception skills. Be sure to study thoroughly, and take plenty of practice tests before booking your actual theory test.

Once you've passed your theory test, you have two years to pass your practical driving test. This assesses your ability to drive safely and independently. It includes an eyesight check, vehicle safety questions, and about 40 minutes of driving, during which you'll need to demonstrate various manoeuvres.

Remember, there's no rush to pass your test. Take the time you need to become a confident and safe driver. Many learners find that a combination of professional lessons and practice with friends or family helps them develop the skills they need to start driving solo.

Passing your driving test is a great achievement, and something to be proud of. However, it's only the beginning of your journey as a driver.

Once you've passed, you'll need to exchange your provisional licence for a full UK driving licence. You'll also need to make sure you're properly insured as a new driver – your learner insurance won't be valid once you've passed your test.

As a new driver, remember that you're still gaining experience. The first few years after passing your test are when you're at the highest risk of being involved in an accident, so stay focused, follow the rules of the road, and continue to develop your skills.

By understanding the rules around driving with a provisional licence, and taking your learning seriously, you'll be well on your way to becoming a safe and confident driver!

What's the difference between a provisional licence and a full licence?

A provisional licence allows you to learn to drive under supervision, while a full licence allows you to drive independently (after passing both theory and practical driving tests).

Can I drive alone with a provisional licence?

No, you can’t drive alone with a provisional licence. You must always be supervised by a qualified driver who meets the legal requirements.

How long does a provisional licence last?

A provisional driving licence is usually valid for 10 years from the date of issue.

Can I take passengers as a learner driver?

, as long as you're properly supervised. However, it's often recommended to limit passengers while learning to reduce distractions.

Do I need to display L plates when driving with a provisional licence?

You must display L plates (or D plates in Wales) on the front and rear of the vehicle when driving with a provisional licence.

Can I drive on the motorway with a provisional licence?

 on a provisional licence in England, Scotland and Wales, but only if you're with an approved driving instructor and in a car fitted with dual controls.

Can I start learning to drive before I turn 17?

While you can apply for your provisional licence from the age of 15 years and 9 months, 

you generally can't start driving a car on public roads until you're 17

. However, you can start learning theory and even take lessons on private land before you turn 17.

Thinking of getting your provisional licence? In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know about learning to drive legally and safely in the UK.

Driving with a provisional licence in the UK: Your complete guide

As a young or new driver, finding affordable car insurance can be difficult, especially right now in the UK. Average insurance prices have reached eye-watering levels, with some annual policies for new drivers costing well over £2,000.

So, before you start searching for an insurance policy, it's important to know about the things that affect your costs.

Keep reading to learn more about the average costs for new drivers, the factors that influence those costs, plus a few practical tips to help you pay less for your policy.

The average cost of young drivers' insurance

 in the UK ranges between £1,500 and £2,000 a year. The figures vary depending on things like your age, driving experience, location, and your vehicle. Source:

The youngest drivers — those aged 17 or 18 — tend to pay the highest prices.  The average cost of a car insurance policy for a 17 year old in the UK is now £2,877. Source: 

Car insurance for young drivers is more expensive due to their lack of experience on the road, and also because they’re statistically more likely to be involved in an accident. So, insurers charge higher premiums to cover this increased risk, at least until young drivers gain a few years’ experience and a safe driving record.

Things that affect young driver insurance costs

Age is one of the most significant factors affecting car insurance costs for young drivers.

Statistically, drivers under the age of 25 are more likely to be involved in accidents due to their lack of experience behind the wheel. Insurance companies have to cover this higher risk with higher insurance premiums.

As you gain more driving experience and build a clean driving record, you can expect your insurance costs to go down over time.

Where you live plays another important role in determining your insurance costs. Large urban areas — including London, Manchester and Birmingham — typically have higher insurance costs compared to rural regions. This is due to the increased likelihood of accidents, theft and vandalism in densely populated cities.

Even within the same city, insurance prices can vary significantly from one postcode to another, depending on crime rates and claim statistics in each area.

The make, model and specifications of your car have a large impact on your insurance premiums. Vehicles are categorised into insurance groups ranging from 1 to 50, with lower numbers indicating cheaper insurance costs.

Things like your car's value, repair costs, safety features and engine size affect the insurance grouping. Choosing a smaller, less expensive and less powerful vehicle in a lower insurance group can help you keep your insurance costs in check.

The level of cover you choose for your car insurance also affects the overall cost. In the UK, there are three main types of car insurance:

TPO is the minimum legal requirement and provides coverage for injury and damage to other people's property. TPFT includes TPO coverage along with protection against fire damage and theft of your vehicle. And, you guessed it, Comprehensive offers the highest level of cover, including damage to your own car.

While comprehensive insurance is typically more expensive, it provides greater peace of mind and can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially for young drivers with higher risk profiles.

The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards any claim you make on your insurance policy. Choosing a higher voluntary excess can lead to lower premiums, as it shows insurers that you’re willing to cover a larger portion of the costs in the event of a claim. However, it's important to select an excess amount that you can realistically afford, as you'll need to pay this sum upfront when making a claim.

Adding an experienced named driver to your policy, such as a parent or older sibling, can help lower your premiums. Insurance companies view the addition of an experienced driver as a risk-mitigating factor, assuming that the named driver will spend some time behind the wheel and provide guidance to the young driver.

However, it's essential to be honest about the main driver of the vehicle, as fronting (falsely claiming that an experienced driver is the main user) is illegal and can lead to penalties or your insurance not being valid.

Your driving history and no claims bonus (NCB) significantly influence your insurance costs. A clean driving record without any accidents, claims or points on your licence will usually result in lower insurance costs over time.

Similarly, building a no claims bonus by driving safely and avoiding a claim can lead to substantial discounts over time. For every year of claim-free driving, you can accrue a year's worth of NCB, with some insurers offering big discounts for five or more years of claim-free driving.


Ways to reduce young drivers' insurance costs

Selecting a car in a lower insurance group is an effective way to reduce your costs. Smaller, less powerful vehicles with good safety ratings and low repair costs are typically classified in lower insurance groups. Some examples of 

 include the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa.

Before buying a car, always try to research its insurance group to gauge the potential impact on your premiums.

Opting for a higher voluntary excess can also help lower your insurance costs. By agreeing to pay a larger sum towards any claim, you show your insurer that you’re less likely to make a claim. However, it's crucial to choose an excess amount that you can comfortably afford in the event of an accident, as you'll need to pay this amount upfront when making a claim.

Consider telematics or black box insurance

Telematics (also known as black box) insurance policies use a device to track and measure your driving behaviour, including things like speeding, braking and acceleration. By showing that you’re a safe and responsible driver, you can earn discounts on your insurance.

This type of insurance is particularly good for young drivers

. It allows you to prove that you’re a safe driver, so you can get better prices much sooner than you would with a no claims bonus.

While paying for your insurance monthly may seem more manageable, it often results in higher costs over the course of a year. If you can afford to pay your car insurance in one lump sum, you could save a significant amount of money over the long run. Some insurers even offer discounts for annual payments, making it an even more attractive option.

Keeping your driving record clean usually helps to keep your insurance costs low. Accidents, claims and driving offences can all significantly increase your renewal costs. So try to avoid these by driving as carefully as you can. Also, by avoiding claims and building up a no claims bonus, you can earn even bigger discounts on your premiums over time.

Completing an advanced driving course, such as the Pass Plus or IAM RoadSmart, can show your insurer that you’re committed to safe driving, helping to potentially lower your insurance premiums. Some insurers offer discounts for drivers who have completed these courses, recognising the additional skills and knowledge gained. However, it's important to weigh the cost of the course against the potential savings on your insurance to determine if it's a worthwhile investment.

One of the best ways to find affordable young drivers' insurance is to check and compare quotes from a few insurers. Each insurance company uses its own criteria to assess risk and calculate your premiums, so prices can vary significantly between providers. Use comparison websites to get a broad overview of the market, but also consider contacting insurers directly for personalised quotes. Don't automatically opt for the cheapest policy — instead, look for a balance between price and the level of coverage you need.

Insurers often give various discounts to help lower your costs. Some common discounts include:

: If your family insures multiple cars with the same provider, you may be eligible for a discount.

: Some insurers offer discounts for students who achieve good grades or attend college away from home.

: If you drive fewer miles than the average driver, you may qualify for a low mileage discount.

: Staying with the same insurer for multiple years can sometimes result in loyalty discounts.

Be sure to ask your insurer about any available discounts and see if you qualify.

Insurance for new and young drivers can be very expensive. However, by understanding the things that affect your costs, and following a few tips to reduce them, it is possible to find more affordable cover.

Remember to choose a car in a low insurance group, consider telematics insurance, maintain a clean driving record, and shop around for the best deals. As you gain experience and build up your no claims bonus, you can look forward to more manageable insurance costs in the future.

At what age does car insurance become cheaper for young drivers?

Car insurance costs typically start to decrease once driver's reach the age of 25, especially if they’ve kept a clean driving record. However, the most significant reductions come with more years of on-road driving experience and a healthy no claims bonus.

Can I drive my parents' car if I'm not insured?

No, it’s illegal to drive a car without valid insurance. If you want to drive your parents' car, you’ll have to be added to their insurance policy as a named driver, or you can take out a separate policy for yourself.

Fronting is basically claiming that an experienced driver, such as a parent, is the main driver of a vehicle when, actually, the main driver is a young or high-risk driver. This is usually done to try and pay lower insurance costs. Fronting is illegal because it misrepresents the risk associated with the policy, and it can lead to policy cancellations, legal charges, and difficulty buying insurance in the future.

You can build up your no claims bonus (also known as no claims discount) by driving safely and avoiding any claims on your insurance policy. For each year of claim-free driving, you accrue one year of no claims bonus.

The longer you go without making a claim, the higher your bonus will be, which means potentially bigger discounts on your insurance each year.

Is it better to pay car insurance annually or monthly?

Paying your car insurance upfront for the year is often more cost-effective than paying monthly. When you pay monthly, insurers typically charge interest on top of your premiums, resulting in higher overall costs. If you can afford to pay your premiums in one lump sum, you can save money in the long run and may even qualify for additional discounts.

As a new driver, finding affordable car insurance can be difficult. Read our guide to learn about the average costs in the UK and the things you can do to reduce them.

How much does young drivers' insurance cost in the UK? 

If you’re a taxi driver, or you use your car for private hire work, you’ll need taxi insurance to keep you covered. It’s a legal requirement for anyone who drives passengers in exchange for money.

As taxi insurance is a specific type of cover for professional drivers, the cost will be different to standard motor insurance. So how much does taxi insurance cost?

On average, private hire taxi drivers with a clean driving record, good claims history and no convictions can expect to pay around £180–£200 for a 30-day taxi insurance policy, or around £1,600–£1,800 for an annual policy*.

These prices are based on the average rates paid by Zego customers with a good driving history. The price you’ll pay really depends on your insurer, your driving experience and your driver risk factors.

But before we get into that, let’s cover the basics.



drivers – also known as hire and reward insurance (or H&R for short) – is a type of commercial insurance policy that covers private hire drivers. It’s insurance for people who use their vehicles to carry pre-booked passengers in exchange for payment.


If you’re working as a taxi driver, you’ll need taxi insurance to keep you covered. But how much does it cost? Here’s what you need to know.

Advice to help you make sense of insurance

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