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Confused.com car insurance price index

Average cost of UK car insurance

The most comprehensive price index analysis of car insurance pricing in the UK

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Rhydian Jones - Confused.com Commercial Director

Reviewed by: Rhydian Jones Commercial Director & Motoring Expert 3 min read | Published 15/01/2025

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What is the average price of car insurance?

Car insurance premiums see biggest drop in 10 years

The average cost of car insurance in the UK between October and December 2024 was £834. This marks a significant decrease of £161 (16%) compared to the previous year, making it the biggest annual decrease in 10 years. Additionally, prices have fallen by £27 (3%) in the past three months alone, resulting in the lowest recorded price in 18 months.

These figures come from the latest Confused.com car insurance price index, powered by WTW.

Average prices by region

Inner London and Manchester & Merseyside sees the biggest drop in prices

Car insurance prices have dropped across all UK regions, but some see bigger decreases than others. Prices in Inner London fell by £299 (16%) in the past 12 months, on average. However, drivers in the region are still paying £1,308, on average, making it the most expensive region in the UK for car insurance. Similarly, prices in Manchester & Merseyside fell by 16%, or £235, with drivers now paying £998, on average.

Car insurance price index 2024 regional image

Complete regional insurance pricing data

Region	Average premium	Annual change (£)	Annual change (%)	Quaterly change (£)	Quarterly change (%)
Inner London	£1,308	-£299	-19%	-£49	-4%
Outer London	£1,072	-£219	-17%	-£32	-3%
West Midlands	£1,015	-£209	-17%	-£53	-5%
Manchester & Merseyside	£998	-£235	-19%	-£54	-5%
Leeds / Sheffield	£947	-£180	-16%	-£30	-3%
Northern Ireland	£884	-£167	-16%	-£13	-2%
East Midlands	£826	-£156	-16%	-£25	-3%
South Central	£797	-£155	-16%	-£18	-2%
North West	£797	-£143	-15%	-£15	-2%
Central Scotland	£771	-£126	-14%	-£19	-2%
North Midlands	£764	-£152	-17%	-£25	-3%
North East	£726	-£122	-14%	-£16	-2%
North	£707	-£137	-16%	-£27	-4%
South East	£706	-£131	-16%	-£19	-3%
East	£703	-£126	-15%	-£17	-2%
South	£669	-£105	-13%	-£16	-2%
South Wales	£651	-£127	-16%	-£31	-5%
West	£637	-£101	-14%	-£25	-4%
East & NE Scotland	£644	-£91	-12%	-£3	-1%
Scottish Highlands & Islands	£616	-£96	-13%	-£13	-2%
Scottish Borders	£590	-£67	-10%	£7	1%
Central & North Wales	£562	-£90	-14%	-£16	-3%
South West	£558	-£78	-12%	-£13	-2%

Average prices by age

Prices drop by more than £500 for 18-year-olds

Young drivers continue to battle some of the highest prices for their car insurance. However, they also have seen some of the biggest drops in prices this year. In particular, 18-year-olds are now paying £557 (18%) less compared to last year. This puts the average premium for this age at £2,605. Similarly, 20-year-olds are now paying 18% less compared to this time last year. This is a £467 saving in 12 months, meaning the average premium is now £2,061.

How does my age change my insurance costs?

Find out how age and other factors can determine how much you pay for insurance.

How is car insurance calculated?

Car insurance price index 2024 age image

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Average prices by gender

Men pay more than women for car insurance

While insurers can’t price based on genders, men are typically paying more for their insurance than women. However, both are benefitting from a drop in prices. Premiums for male drivers fell by £167 (16%) over the past year to £894, on average. Meanwhile women are now paying £732 following a £152 (17%) decrease year-on-year, on average. Men tend to have higher risk profiles than women, which is why they might see higher prices for their car insurance. For example, men are more likely to drive expensive cars with larger engines.

Why women pay less

Car insurance price index 2024 gender image

Average prices by mileage

Car insurance premiums have dropped across all mileage bands this year. For instance, drivers clocking up to 8,000 miles a year now pay an average of £812, down 17% (£168) from last year.

Even at the higher end, like 30,000 miles annually, premiums have dropped to £900, saving drivers £182 (17%). No matter how much you’re on the road, the good news is premiums are coming down.

Mileage	Q4 2024	Compared to 2023 (%)	Compared to 2023 (£)
Up to 1,000	£845	-14%	-£138
Up to 4,000	£891	-15%	-£155
Up to 8,000	£812	-17%	-£168
Up to 10,000	£817	-18%	-£174
Up to 15,000	£789	-17%	-£166
Up to 20,000	£835	-17%	-£173
Up to 25,000	£905	-12%	-£129
Up to 30,000	£900	-17%	-£182
Up to 50,000	£1,127	-18%	-£255

Car insurance calculator

How do your prices compare to the rest of the nation? Use our car insurance calculator to look at the average premium for your age and region.

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What our car insurance expert says

“Car insurance prices have dropped significantly, with the average premium in the UK at the lowest point in 18 months. After a turbulent couple of years and record-high prices, this is the good news we’ve all been waiting for.

“However, it’s clear that not all drivers are seeing these savings. Those who’ve received their renewal recently might’ve seen their price increase. This can be confusing, as with another year’s no-claims bonus and more driving experience, this should, in theory, drive prices down.

“Ultimately, the only way to know you’re getting the best price is to shop around. In fact, last quarter, those who switched insurers were able to save £71, on average. So before you commit, shop and compare to make sure you’re getting the best deal.”

Rhydian Jones Commercial Director & Motoring Expert

Why does car insurance go up?

Car insurance costs can go up for many reasons. If you've had an accident or made a claim, insurers may see you as higher risk.

Other factors, like rising repair costs or increased thefts, can also push premiums up. Even external influences, such as inflation or changes in regulations, play a role.

How to get cheaper car insurance

You could get cheaper car insurance by shopping around and paying upfront, or increasing your voluntary excess.

Adding a more experienced driver to your policy, improving your car’s security, and accurately describing your annual mileage can also make a difference.

The easiest way to save on your car insurance is to compare quotes.

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