Brits pay 20% more car insurance, poll shows

British car insurance customers have been hit with a 20% hike in their premiums over the last 12 months, according to new data.

Young drivers have been the hardest hit and now face car insurance costs that are nearly a quarter higher than in 2009, claims Consumer Intelligence.

A new survey by the market research firm indicates that 17 to 24 year-olds have seen their premiums rise to £1,489.

This compares to only a 15% rise among drivers aged 65 years-old and above, who now pay an average of just £423.

Commenting on the findings, Managing Director of Consumer Intelligence Ian Hughes suggested that the upward pressure on prices has "truly broken through".

He explained: "The advent of price comparison websites had actually kept a lid on car insurance premiums for some time.

"The worry, obviously, is that this could result in more motorists simply choosing not to insure their vehicles and drive illegally, or feel that they can no longer afford to run a car."

It comes after car insurance customers were warned by uSwitch.com not to leave their cars running and unlocked to de-ice their cars.

One in ten drivers is unaware that their car could be targeted by thieves, potentially pushing up car insurance claims or even voiding cover.

Posted by Martin Ellis