Put brake on cover hikes

THE cost of motor insurance is accelerating at record speed with the average premium now hitting £955 a year, according to Confused.com.

- Harvey Jones

That is a staggering 58 per cent increase in just 12 months as inflation pushes up the cost of settling claims, due to rising labour, repairs and material costs.

There are plenty of things motorists can do to reverse the trend and potentially save hundreds of pounds a year, but some options could backfire.

Vantage Leasing motoring expert Rob Walker said playing it fast and loose on your insurance application could give you a quick saving but be costly in the long run. "Accidental omissions or partial replies risk invalidating your insurance so that any claim is declined. It could even lead to a prosecution for fraud. There are ways of getting a cheaper quote, but you have to do it the right way." The fewer miles you drive each year, the lower your premium will be because you are less likely to get into an accident and need to claim.