The overall picture
Car insurance falls for the 1st time in more than 2 years
The price of car insurance has fallen by £54 (-5%) in the past 3 months, meaning the average price is now £941. But although the drop in prices might signify the start of a stabilising market, prices are still higher than this time last year. That’s as prices have increased by £284 (43%), on average, in just 12 months. That’s according to the latest Confused.com car insurance price index, powered by WTW.
Average prices by region
Drivers in Central Scotland see the biggest year-on-year increases
Prices are varying across the UK. But in the past 12 months, the cost of car insurance in Central Scotland has increased by £298 (52%) - the highest increase of any UK region. This means the cost of car insurance is now £871, on average.
Inner London saw prices increase by £434 (41%), meaning average prices are now £1,501. In South Wales, prices are now £734, following a £206 (39%) annual increase. And in Northern Ireland, prices dropped the most over the past 3 months. But prices are still £264 (38%) higher than 12 months ago, with the average now £968.
Complete regional insurance pricing data
Region | Average premium | Annual change (£) | Annual change (%) | Quaterly change (£) | Quarterly change (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
London - Inner
|
£1,501
|
£434
|
41%
|
-£106
|
-7%
|
Manchester / Merseyside
|
£1,151
|
£337
|
42%
|
-£82
|
-7%
|
London - Outer
|
£1,220
|
£375
|
44%
|
-£71
|
-5%
|
Midlands - West
|
£1,157
|
£370
|
47%
|
-£67
|
-6%
|
Leeds / Sheffield
|
£1,074
|
£329
|
44%
|
-£53
|
-5%
|
Northern Ireland
|
£968
|
£264
|
38%
|
-£83
|
-8%
|
Midlands - East
|
£929
|
£289
|
45%
|
-£53
|
-5%
|
North West
|
£893
|
£269
|
43%
|
-£47
|
-5%
|
South Central
|
£899
|
£272
|
43%
|
-£53
|
-6%
|
Midlands - North
|
£859
|
£252
|
42%
|
-£57
|
-6%
|
North East
|
£812
|
£233
|
40%
|
-£36
|
-4%
|
North
|
£798
|
£236
|
42%
|
-£46
|
-5%
|
Scotland - Central
|
£871
|
£298
|
52%
|
-£26
|
-3%
|
South East
|
£798
|
£246
|
45%
|
-£39
|
-5%
|
East
|
£796
|
£247
|
45%
|
-£33
|
-4%
|
Wales - South
|
£734
|
£206
|
39%
|
-£44
|
-6%
|
South
|
£730
|
£214
|
41%
|
-£44
|
-6%
|
West
|
£701
|
£205
|
41%
|
-£37
|
-5%
|
Scotland - East & NE
|
£701
|
£220
|
46%
|
-£34
|
-5%
|
Scotland - Highlands & Islands
|
£674
|
£201
|
43%
|
-£38
|
-5%
|
Wales - Central & North
|
£624
|
£169
|
37%
|
-£28
|
-4%
|
South West
|
£606
|
£172
|
40%
|
-£30
|
-5%
|
Scotland - Borders
|
£634
|
£206
|
48%
|
-£23
|
-3%
|
Average prices by age
Drivers aged 17 are the only ones to see increases over the last 3 months
Young drivers continue to battle some of the highest prices for their car insurance. But while prices went down for most, those aged 17 saw average increases of £42 (+1%) in 3 months. That puts their average insurance price at £2,919, following annual increases of £1,307 (81%). Meanwhile, 18 year olds are paying the most overall, with average prices now £3,145. This follows a £1,300 (70%) annual increase. And drivers aged 28 are seeing increases of £403 (42%), putting average prices at £1,353.
How does my age change my insurance costs?
Find out how age and other factors can determine how much you pay for insurance.
Average prices by gender
Men pay more than women for car insurance
The average costs of car insurance for men and women have both increased in the last 12 months. Prices have risen by £258 (44%) for women and by £299 (43%) for men. Male drivers now pay £1001, while female drivers pay £841, on average.