Schoolchildren are to be taught about the importance of cheap car insurance under new Government plans, it has been revealed.
From September 2006, 14-16 year-olds will have the option of learning about a range of personal finance issues including mortgages, payslips, motor insurance and bank accounts. Although not an official GCSE subject, those that successfully complete the course will be given a certificate approved bythe Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.
According to recent statistics, consumer debt in the UK hit £1 trillion in 2005 and authorities have warned thatfinancial literacy is dangerously low. It is hoped that educating youngsters about the importance of financial decisions will address the problem in the years to come, and so make future generations more conscious of their spending.
Katie Lassetter, spokesperson for Hoot Car Insurance Services, experts in young driver car insurance, welcomed the proposals, saying, “Car insurance is one of the first big expenditures that teenagers have to make.
“Educating them about the range of policies available and the best way of finding cheap car insurance can only be a good thing.”
The Institute of Financial Services are following the success of the programme closely, and a representative declared, “We believe these skills are so fundamental that we are also planning to offer these courses to a wider adult community.”