Sainsbury’s Car Insurance Index has revealed that the average insurance premiums have rose by 5.24 per cent in the last year and now stand at £497.26.

Motorists between the age of 40 and 50 saw the biggest increase to their premiums with a rise of 7 per cent, whilst drivers who were 25 and under saw a 6.59 per cent hike.

The smallest increase was for drivers over the age of 65 who saw a 4.14 per cent rise.

Under 25’s still face the largest insurance premiums with an average bill of £1,255.99, with the over 50’s typically having to pay around £332.80.

The figures also showed that men are paying just over £70.00 more than women for their car insurance, a trend that has been continual for some time.

Car insurance manager at Sainsbury’s, Joanne Mallon has blamed the increase to premiums’ on the higher levels of personal injury claims being sought and the soaring costs of repairs to cars.