Rising crime inflates insurance premiums

UK motorists are facing rising insurance premiums as the rate of crime increases, research from comparethemarket.com has shown.

The comparison website has linked rising car crime with rising premiums and found in areas of high crime a policy can cost over £250 more than in an area of low crime.

With the most vehicle crimes per household, the north-west and London are paying more for their car insurance compared with other regions in the UK.

On average, motorists in the north-west pay £844.74 and Londoners, £804.68 per year, an indication that crime, among other factors, may be keeping insurance premium rates disproportionately high, comparethemarket.com said.

The south-west enjoys the lowest premiums, clocking up more miles per year than the north-west and London yet paying just £569.32 per year.

Jeremy Moll, insurance expert for comparethemarket, said: "Motorists in areas of high vehicle crime can look to lower the price they pay for their car insurance in the first instance by shopping around when they look to renew their car insurance policy."

Using a garage could save around £26 a year on a policy, while fitting a car alarm and steering lock could also help, the company advises. But do not make modifications to your car – it may increase the insurance and can attract unwanted attention.