that rapid bonus thing is bollox really. why pay for only 9 months cover to get 1 more year of no-claims 3 months earlier than you would anyway, when you could get a 12-month premium for not much more than the 9 month one? if they quote you for 9 months, always ask them what it would be for 12 months too, so you can compare their offer with others.
i did my first 2 years on my mums insurance, 1st year was £1400, 2nd year was £1100 (bith on a Rover Metro 1.3 Sport), then when i got the Escort i went on my own policy, and it was about £1050, then the following year it was £877, and now just a few weeks ago got it down to £568, and have 3 years no-claims bonus on my name so far.
all should be better next birthday though, when i turn 25 (my policy starts/expires on my b'day).
Norwich Union had a renewal quote of £692, so i ended us saving £130 on them by ringing around. i rung about 35 compannies. it comes down a lot too year-to-year in the first few years since you pass, as long as you don't crash.
plus the modifications on my car hinder me a bit, as many say they won't quote due to me being under 25, and those that do quote, come out with outrageous figures like £6000.
but that Pass Plus thing is worth doing, its only valid for 1 year from the dat eyou passed though, so do it quick.
an advanced driver course is also worth doing to bring your premiums down.
RIP Jules, never to be forgotten. #KeepFightingMichael