Car insurance quote news - Ford MyKey system could make teens drive safely

Car insurance news - Young drivers may find a better quote with Ford's MyKey

Ford's new MyKey system aims to give the parents of teenagers looking for their firstcar insurance quote more confidence in allowing them to use the family car.

The device, which has been used in the US since 2009, consists of a unique second car key. When used, the key activates a different mode in the car.

Parents will be able to set various different limits on the vehicle with MyKey – limiting top speed, setting warnings which can sound at different speeds (maximum 80mph), and if a driver doesn't put on their seatbelt the stereo could be triggered to mute and/or sound a warning chime.

The system is also designed to play a low fuel warning sooner than usual and can instate a maximum volume level of 40% on the car stereo.

Paul Mascarena, Ford researcher, expressed the company's initial concerns that the system would make young drivers feel as though they are being watched in a similar fashion to "big brother".

However, Mascarena reflected that this problem could be counteracted, stating that while "parents get peace of mind", holders of young driver car insurance get more access to the vehicle.

There was little adverse reaction to the launch of MyKey from young drivers in America and from next year all new British Ford cars will be manufactured with the system, giving motorists looking for their first car insurance quote a safe way to drive.