Admiral car insurance has warned car drivers that they could see their premiums 5 percent higher by the end of this year.
In the first half of the year insurance premiums have risen by around 2.5 percent according to data collated by Admiral, with a similar level of increase expected in the second half of the year. On the back of all the other price rises that are hitting consumers there appears to be no escape from rising costs.
What seems to be happening is that the cost of car insurance is going up even though the number of claims is relatively unchanged. Admiral suggest that it may be the increasing cost of repairs that is forcing premiums up.
A study carried out by Sainsburys Bank looking at data for the last 12 months has shown an increase in car insurance cover of 5.8 percent.
Sainsburys Bank has been studying the data since 2005 and this is the first time that the average annual premium has gone over the GBP500 mark, standing currently at GBP514. Commenting on this increased cost a spokesperson explained that premiums take into account both the cost of vehicle repair and personal injury and as these increase so premiums have to go up to cover those costs.
Car insurance premiums are also affected by the number of claims, something Sainsburys Bank would like to see reduce. They are therefore asking drivers to take more care behind the wheel, avoiding dangerous activities in order to have less accidents which will then lead to a reduction in insurance costs.
The quarterly AA Insurance review of car insurance premiums has found that costs are on the rise again, with the average fully comprehensive policy now costing GBP700.
There has been an increase of over GBP20 compared with the previous quarter said AA Insurance and it is young driver car insurance that has seen the biggest increase, up by more than twice the overall average – GBP45. Along with all the other price rises consumers are seeing this latest one just reiterates how the cost of living is spiralling ever higher.
The best advice upon seeing these results is to shop around said AA Insurance. Look at different car insurance providers, having an increased voluntary excess or removing some of the features that are not needed. Following some of these steps may help keep that motor insurance bill down and save money.