Dougy, a couple of things.
First of all, insurance is SUPER expensive if you get Comprehensive coverage. If you feel comfortable paying to repair your own car if YOU cause an accident, just get Collision coverage. With Collision, the other parties involved in an accident YOU cause have their vehicles and injuries covered by your insurance, but your own vehicle will be your responsibility. Switching from Comprehensive to Collision will probably at least cut your insurance costs in half.
Second, here in the USA, some insurance companies give discounts to customers who are students with excellent grades. They give additional discounts to customers who have taken an approved driving class. IDK if its the same in the UK, but its worth looking into.
Oh, and top-notch commercial coverage for my truck is about $550USD per year... and I still have a ticket on my record.