According to Sainsburys independent online car insurance analysis, average premiums actually fell by 3.1% between the months of June and December 2008. The net figures were £498.22 compared to £514.36.

Although average premiums fell, analysis of different age groups tells another story. For example older drivers aged 65 and young drivers under 25 actually saw average premiums increase whilst middle age drivers saw their premiums fall. In another finding, men on average will pay more for their car insurance cover than women for example £527.40 compared with £463.25.

Year on year analysis of average premiums shows that between December 2007 and December 2008 average premiums rose by just 96p.

Just like the AA survey, Sainsburys are warning this year that average premiums may increase significantly in 2009 because of the rise in repairs, personal injury claims and associated costs reported by insurers.

The message from this survey is shop around for the best deal, as insurers are constantly change their rates.

Following the recent adverse weather to hit the UK, the latest menace to hit motorists and cyclists is the large number of potholes which have suddenly appeared.

Not only do potholes cause damage to car tyres, supensions and car parts, some cause accidents which could lead to injury, therefore, motorists are being warned to take special care when driving until local councils get round to filling these in.

In addition, there is expected to be an increase in the number of car insurance claims resulting from incidents caused from potholes, therefore, this may lead to further premium rises in the future as Insurers count the cost.

If you spot potholes and are wondering who to report these to, there is website called Fillthathole.org who will gladly receive your report and notify the right people to ensure the roads get repaired.

As the UK braces itself for a third day of heavy snow and ice, car insurers are counting the cost. Already up and down the country Police forces are announcing record numbers of collisions and serious road traffic accidents despite Councils doing their utmost to grit the roads. Although many major roads have been gritted, most if not all minor roads still present issues in affected areas and even where major roads have been treated, the snow has fallen so quickly in some places that the impact of gritting has been minimal.

Although it is estimated that 1 in 5 workers stayed at home on Monday in addition to hundreds of schools being closed down, some motorists still ventured out and the unlucky ones suffered accidents. The inevitable rise in car insurance claim payouts will almost certainly lead to higher insurance premiums or increased claims excesses in the levels of cover offered by insurance companies which is bad news for recession hit motorists.
Although organisations such as the AA were already forecasting average premiums to rise over the coming months, it remains to be seen what impact the severe weather experienced over the last few days will mean on the cost of car insurance in 2009.