Average cost of motor insurance heading upwards, analysis finds

Average premiums for over-50s have increased particularly sharply over the past year, Consumer Intelligence said.

The average cost of a motor insurance premium has increased by 7.8% over the first five months of 2022, to reach £786, according to Consumer Intelligence (Rui Vieira/PA) (PA Archive)

The average cost of a motor insurance premium has increased by 7.8% over the first five months of 2022, to reach £786, according to analysis.

Consumer Intelligence, which published the research, said signs of inflation are starting to take hold, with upwards pressure on insurance prices coming from claims costs and repairs.

It was only a matter of time until we saw this come through at a market level

Mike Miskelly, Consumer Intelligence

Mike Miskelly, insights manager at Consumer Intelligence, said: “It was only a matter of time until we saw this come through at a market level.”

New rules came into force at the start of the year which mean that the premiums charged to people renewing their motor or home insurance cannot be more than the price a new customer would be charged for the equivalent policy.

This was to stamp out “price walking”, whereby existing customers could end up paying more for sticking with the same provider year in, year out.

Consumer Intelligence said premiums are still lower now than a pricing peak seen in September 2017.

It added that average premiums for older drivers – those over 50 – have increased by 9.4% over the past year, taking their average annual premium to £414.

For motorists aged 25 to 49, prices have risen by 6.4% over the same 12-month period, taking the annual cost of car insurance to £592.

Meanwhile, drivers under 25 – who Consumer Intelligence said can be more likely to have an accident – typically now pay £1,669 for their car insurance, a fall of 3.2% in the last 12 months.

Consumer Intelligence said there has been an influx of “essentials” products, which are “stripped back” versions of existing products and are competing for the top positions on price comparison websites.

It also said that drivers in Scotland recorded the biggest typical increases to their car insurance in the 12 months to May, with notable rises also seen in the South West of England and in Wales.

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The smallest annual increase was in London, although motorists in the capital continue to pay the most for their car insurance at £1,296 for an average annual policy.

Regionally, the South West of England is the cheapest place to live when buying car insurance, with the average cost of cover being £482, Consumer Intelligence said.

Premiums were calculated by comparing the prices offered to thousands of people by major price comparison websites and a selection of direct insurers. Averages of the top five prices for each person were taken.

A spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers (ABI), which has its own tracker based on prices paid for insurance rather than quoted prices, said: “The most recent ABI data shows the average motor insurance premium is £416, which fell by 5% during the first quarter of the year and is at its lowest level since 2015.

“Insurers are conscious of increasing pressures on household budgets and, despite facing rising costs themselves like many other sectors, are committed to keeping prices competitive to offer affordable insurance to as many people as possible.”

Here are annual increases in the cost of car insurance in the 12 months to May 2022, followed by the average price, according to Consumer Intelligence:

– Scotland, 8.4%, £580

– South West, 7.8%, £482

– Wales, 7.3%, £611

– South East, 6.7%, £783

– East Midlands, 6.5%, £559

– Eastern England, 6.4%, £658

– Yorkshire and the Humber, 4.4%, £811

– North West, 3.3%, £858

– West Midlands, 3.2%, £892

– North East, 3.1%, £736

– London, 1.9%, £1,296