The latest figures from Sainsburys Bank Car Insurance Index have revealed a steady trend of rising premiums during the twelve months to July 2007.

The index, which provides an independent analysis of online car insurance premiums across the market, showed an average premium in July 2007 of £486, an increase of 2.9% on December 2006 and 4.2% on July 2006. Over the 12 month study period, the average premium increased by £19.80.

Sainsburys Car Insurance Manager, Lucy Hunter, commented... "Premiums have been rising steadily and it has been predicted that this year, they could increase by as much as 10%. However, by shopping around, you can still reduce your premiums significantly. Unfortunately, many motorists are not prepared to shop around. Our research shows that one in five motorists only obtained one quote the last time they bought car insurance and of those who did not obtain more quotes, 19% said it was because they could not be bothered or didn't have enough time."

The study also revealed that gender continues to have an impact on car insurance costs, with male motorists paying an average premium of £518.46 as opposed to £442.28 for women drivers. In fact, the average car insurance premium for men increased by 5.2% as opposed to 3.1% for women between July 2006 and July 2007.

As you might expect, age maintains a huge influence on the premiums you pay. Unsurprisingly, motorists under age 25 saw the largest increase in their car insurance premiums, rising by 6.4% since December 2006, and 11.2% since July 2006. However, motorists over the age of 65 saw their premiums increase by just 0.79% and 2.7% respectively, the smallest increase of any age group.