Saga UK's most competitive car insurer

Saga tops the table of the most consistently competitive motor insurers according to moneysupermarket.com.

The UK's leading price comparison site analysed almost 14 million motor insurance quotes for the full year of 2008 and reveals Saga sits at the top spot with an average motor premium of £176 a year. Overall, the average motor insurance premium for the 2008 top ten is £240.75, over £55 cheaper a year compared to the average premium from the previous top ten at £295.80 a year.

The research also reveals nine of the current top ten are new entrants - with only Swiftcover having featured in a previous top ten, where it appeared in second spot in the last analysis returning an average premium of £276 - it now appears in seventh position with an equally competitive £281.

Steve Sweeney, head of motor insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said: "It is great to see Saga stealing the crown, and pipping other insurers to the post in the competitive stakes. As an over-50s only insurer though, it is clear Saga's average premium benefits from the provider ‘cherry picking' a lower risk insurance group - they don't cover younger drivers who would certainly boost up their average premium prices. The current top ten is a real mix, comprising big brands such as Bradford & Bingley and the Post Office mixed with specialist names like Diva and Sheilas' Wheels, and the classic car insurer Lancaster Insurance Quick Quote. All offering value for money, it is great news for the motorist that insurers are offering increased competition meaning the average premium for the current top ten is over £55 lower for car owners than the previous analysis.

"When looking to purchase motor insurance, it is essential to consider not only cost as a principle factor, but also look into the cover that best suits your lifestyle and needs. I advise customers to go online and shop around for the best deals currently available on the market, and consider multiple-person cover, excess levels, and breakdown cover too. Drivers should also always remember you don't need to stay with your chosen provider once the year is up, in most cases it doesn't pay to be loyal - it's always worth searching around for the most competitive premium available, as our research shows prices can be very different 12 months down the line."