Research carried out by Moneysupermarket.com has revealed a rise in UK car insurance premiums by 4.5% in the second half of 2007.

Figures collected from insurance price comparisons at Moneysupermarket.com from 2006 through to the first half of 2007 showed an average lowest premium at a constant £290, but then increasing for the second half of 2007 to £303.

Research conducted during March and September showed that 64 different providers all quoted the most competitive premium at some point, but Swiftcover and Post Office car insurance were the cheapest most frequently.

Director of insurance at moneysupermarket.com, Richard Mason said: "As an internet-only provider, Swiftcover has a price advantage over many of its rivals because its overheads are so low. But it is great to see the Post Office and the RAC also being very competitive."

The research also revealed that the average lowest premium for male motorists rose by 4.9% to £320 in the second half of 2007, while premiums for female drivers increased to £279, a 4.1% rise. Drivers in their sixties were confirmed as paying the lowest premiums whilst females in their thirties have enjoyed consistently lower car insurance costs than those in their forties for the last two years.