Drivers spend 22% more than the UK average on car insurance

High crime rates, traffic congestion and a proliferation of expensive cars are blamed for motorists paying, on average, 23% more than the rest of the country in premiums.

But researchers for Tesco Motor Insurance admit they were surprised to see the region beat London into second place.

The figures show the annual yearly premium in the North West is �535.39, while in Greater London it is �518.34.

Women drivers in the North West also suffer some of the highest premiums in the country - as much as �760.

In a highly competitive market, drivers should never take the first premium offered as there may be better deals around Simon Blacklock, Tesco Motor Insurance

People living in East Anglia have the cheapest motor insurance, paying, on average, just �399.06 - 7.7% below the UK average.

Tesco said high prices in the North West were the result of a large urban population.

A spokeswoman said: "There are two large cities, Manchester and Liverpool, in the region as well as a number of large towns.

"This means there is a lot of traffic congestion and, as a result, a lot of bumps and scratches.

"Secondly the crime rate is high, as it usually is in urban areas.

Researchers 'unsure'

"And thirdly, people tend to associate London and the South East with wealth, but there are real pockets of wealth in the North West and a lot of very valuable cars being driven around."

She added that researchers were not sure why the region had higher prices than London, which arguably has more traffic, crime and people owning valuable cars.

She added: "It will be interesting to see whether the North West maintains its position as the black spot over the coming years."

Simon Blacklock, head of insurance operations at Tesco Motor Insurance, said: "[This survey] shows that while drivers in some areas of the country just have to accept their region is more expensive, they don't have to accept the high prices that some insurers charge.