Soaring fuel prices, rising insurance premiums and the VAT increase are making it more expensive than ever before for Dorset motorists to keep their cars on the road.

But spare a thought for the county's young drivers, who are being hit so hard that colossal insurance premiums are even exceeding the value of their first car.

Young men are particularly vulnerable to the spiralling costs, which have risen by 30% during the past 12 months.

National statistics are the key figures car insurance providers use when calculating their quotes and, statistically, new and young drivers are most likely to be filing a claim.

Take yourself back a few years to when you were 17. You've just passed your driving test, and you've bought your first car... for an example here, a 1997 (P Reg) Volkswagen Polo 1.4l three-door hatchback for £400, a car for sale near Dorchester at the time of writing.

A quick comparison search online for a 17-year-old new driver based in Dorset, to insure that car, reveals the cheapest annual comprehensive cover will cost... £4,076.56!

Have you tried reducing the cost by going for a third party only policy? It doesn’t make much difference… the cheapest quote still shows at £4,005.17.

It's no wonder Dorset youngsters are being priced out of the market when it comes to getting their own wheels on the road. Using this example, the cost of the insurance is at least ten times the value of the car!

However, here are some valuable tips for Dorset drivers to follow if they want to cut the cost of their first car insurance policy.

DO...

…take your Pass Plus course. Newly-qualified drivers can take this test through the Driving Standards Agency, and it could have to trim your first policy by as much as 35%. The course usually includes six lessons, and will cost around £150.

…consider fully comprehensive policies. It is a myth that third party, or third party fire and theft, cover is the cheapest choice for young drivers. Get quotes for all cover and compare the prices.

…shop around. The rise in popularity of price comparison websites makes this easier than ever before, because you can enter your details once and compare quotes from multiple insurers. According to independent research, price comparison website MoneySupermarket.com can save drivers an average of £333 on annual premium costs.

…choose your car carefully. There are specific insurance groups allocated to each and every model and make of car. Check out the Association of British Insurers website for further information.

…insure your own vehicle as soon as possible, to build up a no-claims bonus. The easy option is to get added as a named driver on your parents’ policy, but you won’t build up a no claims discount. It may cost more initially to insure your own vehicle but, if you can avoid any incidents, the yearly discounts that build up will more than make up for it. Some insurers even offer 10-month accelerator policies, which award you a full year’s no claims discount after that period.

DON’T...

…modify your car. The combination of modifications and young drivers sets alarm bells ringing in any insurance office. Spoilers, alloy wheels or turbos will cause the quotes to soar, and adding any modifications without notifying your insurer will make your policy void in the event of a claim.

…drive without insurance. The high cost may be tempting, but a fine and a criminal record will be heading your way if, or when, you get caught.

…use a parent’s name to insure your car. Insuring your vehicle in a parent’s name, with you as a named driver, may get you cheaper insurance, but it is also breaking the law. Known as ‘fronting’, insurance companies are getting increasingly resourceful when it comes to discovering this offence. Any subsequent claims will be rejected. Of course, it’s okay to be a named driver on your parent’s policy if you don’t have your own car, and are using theirs occasionally.