Car insurance prices dip to £713 on average, but young drivers see rises

Car insurance prices fell slightly again over the summer, according to the latest Confused.com Car Insurance Price Index, produced with the consultancy WTW and published on 23 September 2026.

The average quoted price for a comprehensive policy is now £713. That's £6 (1%) lower than in the previous quarter and £22 (3%) lower than a year ago. Prices peaked at £995 in December 2023. The fall follows a small 1% rise between March and May, the first quarterly increase in more than two years.

Who is paying more

The picture is mixed. Drivers aged 51 saw the biggest drop this quarter (5%, to £582), but premiums for 17 and 19-year-olds rose by 4%. Northern Ireland had the biggest regional increase, up 4% on the quarter to £1,059, behind only Inner London (£1,079). WTW says the cost of settling claims is still under pressure because cars are more complex and expensive to repair.

These are average quotes, not the prices people actually pay. The Association of British Insurers (ABI), which tracks the premiums people actually pay, put the average at £566 in the second quarter of 2026.

What this means for you

Prices are fairly stable, so you're unlikely to get a better deal by waiting. The biggest savings come from changing how and when you buy.

• Get quotes three to four weeks before renewal. Confused.com says shopping around early can cut the price by up to 53% compared with buying on the day your policy renews.
• Don't just accept your renewal price. Insurers are not allowed to charge existing customers more than new customers on renewal, but you'll still need to compare to find the cheapest deal across the market.
• Try changing your excess or named drivers. A higher voluntary excess, or adding an experienced driver with a clean record, can lower quotes. Only choose an excess you could afford to pay.

Sources: Confused.com, Insurance Age, ABI