TAUNTON motorists are being hit with some of the highest car insurance premiums in the South West, according to Confused.com findings.

The company says the average annual charge for cover in the county town area has risen to £651, the second heftiest bill among six selected locations.

Confused.com says that represents a £223 hike or 52 per cent increase on last year's annual demand.

The car insurance expert says across the region, only vehicle owners in Plymouth are having to fork out more - they have to find £682 for 12 month's cover, up £238 or 58 per cent.

Third place goes to Dorchester with bills averaging £627, followed by Truro drivers having to find £633, those in Torquay paying out £611 and people in Exeter charged £602.

Bills in all six locations have gone up by between 51 and 55 per cent.

Somerset County Gazette:

But if you think we're hard done by in the South West, spare a thought for the rest of the country - the UK average cost of car insurance is £995.

And remember If you shop around you could lower your bill - and not surprisingly Confused.com recommends using a price comparison website, which could save you an average £96.

Louise Thomas, motoring expert at Confused.com car insurance, said: "Like a lot of our expenses, car insurance is getting more costly.

"And this is to be the case for some time.

"Claiming is one of the biggest factors when it comes to insurers pricing up policies.

"And with the cost of paying out for claims being considerably high, insurance prices are going to be too.

“While it looks like increases could be slowing, we still need to be doing what we can to keep these costs as low as possible.

"Things like increasing security, reviewing how many miles you drive or adjusting your excess could bring your overall cost down.

"But it’s important to remember that the information you’re providing should be accurate otherwise you risk invalidating your policy if you need to make a claim.

“Ultimately, shopping around is the only way to know you’re paying the cheapest price available to you.

"With prices so high, it’s a very competitive market.

"So if you look around, there’s likely to be an insurer out there willing to offer a cheaper price.

"We’re so certain that we offer a guarantee to beat your renewal, or pay you the difference, plus £20. In this scenario, you not only get the best price, but you also get more cash. So there’s nothing to lose and lots to be gained.”