Car insurance costs 'on the up'

Rising motoring costs are being driven by increases in car insurance premiums, according to new research.

Car insurance costs have surged over recent months.

This is among the findings of a recent Sainsbury's study noting that the typical price of such cover currently stands at £612.84.

Not only is this 11.25 per cent above the typical £550.82 recorded last October, it is also more than one-third (36.96 per cent) higher than the average policy cost in September 2007.

However, such British insurance increases are not the only rise in costs that drivers have to contend with.

Annual fuel expenses have jumped 10.41 per cent in the past six months, with the overall yearly cost of driving standing at £2,538.91.

Ben Tyte, manager of Sainsbury's Car Insurance, states: "The cost of motoring has soared in recent months as all costs, but particularly fuel prices and insurance premiums, continue to rise."

However, such expenses "can be kept better in check" by taking the time to shop around for competitive servicing and car day insurance deals.

Similar guidance was recently expressed by lovemoney.com's Chris Torney who claimed that getting quotes from a number of insurance providers "is the simplest way" for drivers to get a good deal on cover.

By Bret Clement