My cuson has the exact same car as you and got quoted 750 a while ago by footman and james and happily pay'd it.
I got a quote in january for when i pass my test (i would be 20 when i passed) For a 1998 mini equinox. and was quoted 550!
I thought it was excellent, rang them up yesterday too tell them i'd passed and wanted to get insured
And since january and now there policys have changed, the mini must be 20 years old not 15 or have another car.
It is a bloody joke.
It's ridiculous! I was seeing people getting it under £1000 and i got really excited as my lowest was £2400 at that point, and then they say £1800 + named driver on another car which is just gonna be as much maybe more.
It really confuses me! I'm going to try Peter James, i hear there better
Good luck on getting your insurance and well done on passing you test!