Drivers in England are facing a £560 charge to legally keep their car on the road, according to the latest car insurance premium update.
The typical motor premium during the first quarter of this year stood at £560, representing just £1 more than the final three months of 2025.
That is according to figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI). The £560 average sum paid for motor cover is also £20 lower than during the first quarter of 2025, the ABI stated.
It revealed that of the £2.9 billion insurers settled in claims during the first quarter of this year, £1.9 billion went towards vehicle repairs, representing a 3% rise compared with the fourth quarter of 2025.
Rising Repair Costs Drive Premiums
The typical accidental damage claim climbed to £3,699, rising by 8% compared with the preceding quarter. The ABI noted that elevated parts prices and growing vehicle complexity have driven up repair expenses.
Lengthening repair times, including those connected to supply chain disruption, have also added to repair costs, with extended repair periods occasionally affecting expenses such as vehicle hire, the association noted.
Chris Bose, director of general insurance and international at the ABI, said: "It's encouraging to see motor insurance premiums have remained stable in the first three months of this year, underlining the industry's efforts to tackle costs."
However, Bose added: "The sustained high costs of repairs continue to be a concern."
Bose went on: "Working with our members and Government, we'll maintain momentum to drive forward the work of the Motor Insurance Taskforce to support motorists."
Expert Advice for Drivers
Tom Banks of comparison site GoCompare says the independent Defaqto rating on a breakdown cover policy is the industry benchmark of its quality. He also recommends looking at the average response times for providers.
BBC and ITV star Martin Lewis’s MoneySavingExpert site says breakdown cover providers are among the easiest to haggle with.
