Car insurance costs `up 12.7% in 2009`

The price of an average car insurance policy increased by 12.7% in 2009, according to new research by Confused.com and EMB.

The Car Insurance Price Index found that the increase in price was particularly noticeable in the second half of the year. In the fourth quarter alone, average prices increased by 6.3%.

The average car insurance policy at the end of 2009 cost £507, compared with £450 a year earlier.

An insurance expert at Think Money said: "The average car insurance policy may have risen considerably over the last year, but that doesn`t mean that motorists won`t be able to find a good deal. It`s well worth taking the time to search around for the best quote - but motorists must make sure that this covers everything they need.

"The best way to bring down insurance costs is to drive safely and build a good history - but finding the right deal could bring that price down further."

Tags: car, insurance, costs

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