All the signs are looking good for UK car insurance comparison websites this year, especially following the news that Zurich intend to dramatically increase premiums following horrific rises in the cost of bodily injury and third party insurance claims.

According to Zurich car insurance rates will increase by as much as 20% across its Broker and Direct Insurance distribution channels and there are warnings premiums could rise even more especially if the cost of claims continues to rise.

Another factor which could further drive up the cost of car insurance in 2010 is the recent bad weather which has probably doubled the number of claims normally reported at this time of year.

Lastly, UK inflation is starting to creep up especially since VAT is now back to 17.5, this will mean claims costs will rise by at least 2.5% for insurers.

Price is often the main driver as to why the public use car insurance comparison websites and the news that insurers are all ready warning of price increases will only act as an incentive for the public to shop around even more in order to seek the best value for money.

We thought it worth sharing the findings of an annual survey of European driving behaviour conducted on behalf of Axa car insurance which makes interesting reading. Eleven different driving habits were covered some of which are governed by a legal requirement in the member country. The countries in the survey included Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Belgium.

Car insurance claims departments are probably breathing a sigh of relief as British drivers were found to be second only to Ireland as the most conscientious drivers. Interestingly Luxembourg fared worst. GB drivers came top of the pile in the categories of driving with a seatbelt, using a phone with a hands free kit and tailgating which probably comes a surprise on the UK’s crowded roads. We Brits, however, performed below average when it comes to driving for more than 2 hours without a break and overtaking on the wrong side of a motorway.

Other findings, which may not come as much of a surprise, were that the Germans are the worst drivers when it comes to driving too fast on a motorway, this is probably linked to the Autobahn where there is only advisory speed limits.

The worst nation when it comes to drink driving (classed as consumption of 2 or more alcoholic drinks) is Luxembourg which scored 40% compared to the average of 21%. The UK scored 4%.

Please view the table below from Axa Car Insurance showing the UK and best and worst scores and let us whether you agree or not with the findings?