Manchester, Merseyside and the West Midlands are among the top regions to be hit with steep insurance premium increases as vehicle thefts continue to rise.
The latest data round by the Office of National Statistics showed vehicle thefts in England and Wales rose eight per cent in the 12 months to September last year, which sparked insurers to up premiums.
The average car insurance price in Manchester and Merseyside has risen by more than half with drivers paying roughly £443 more than last year totalling on average £1,233 for cover.
Car insurance in the West Midlands has grown by 62 per cent as motorists see prices now placed at £1,224 - £469 more than in 2023.
Car insurance in the West Midlands has grown by 62 per cent
GETTY
Car insurance has historically been more expensive in London with drivers paying £1,291, on average, but now drivers in Manchester, Merseyside and West Midlands are facing ramped prices.
Comparison platform confused.com estimated the average price of car insurance in the UK at £995 in its latest index, with the new change in prices well above expectations.
The platform explained how prices have increased across the board by roughly £366 in 12 months and are succeeding well beyond pre-Covid figures.
At the start of the pandemic, premiums peaked at £630 before falling the following quarter. This was due to fewer drivers on the road making claims.
While prices are increasing for drivers across the UK, some regions are seeing the highest car insurance prices on record.
Drivers in the centre of London saw their prices rise by almost 60 per cent with a whopping £599 price difference in the last 12 months, bringing the average costs to £1,607.
Meanwhile, for drivers in outer London, they saw annual increases of £483 (60 per cent) compared to last year.
Louise Thomas, car insurance expert at confused.com, said: “With prices up on average £71 in just three months, and £366 (58 per cent) in 12 months, drivers are likely to be paying more than ever.
“So those who haven’t yet been affected should be wary of how pricing may affect them at their next renewal.”
Annual car insurance percentage changes by region in 2023
Central Scotland – 64 per cent rise to £897
West Midlands – 62 per cent rise to £1,224
East and North East Scotland – 61 per cent rise to £735
Outer London – 60 per cent rise to £1,291
East Midlands – 60 per cent rise to £982
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Drivers in London are paying an average of £1,291 for insurance
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Thomas added that motorists can still save money by shopping the deals if they’ve noticed their renewal has gone up.
She explained: “If you’re due to renew, consider ways in which you can keep costs down.
“Whether it’s reducing your mileage or improving your car security, these can certainly help. But remember to always be truthful to your insurer, otherwise you risk invalidating your policy.”
Drivers around the United States have also been dealing with rapidly increasing car insurance prices as average costs jumped by a staggering 26 per cent from the previous year.
According to new data, the average annual premium of full coverage car insurance for vehicle owners in the US rose to £2,091 in 2024.
