THE cost of driving continues to rise with motorists in South Central England paying £99 more for insurance than the previous year.

Drivers are now paying an average of £765 for comprehensive premium cover, according to the latest figures from Confused.com car insurance index.

Insurance prices are on the up for drivers across the UK, with the average premium now rising 16 per cent year-on-year to £781, suggesting the amount drivers pay for their car insurance is on its way to peaking.

Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com, said: “Drivers in South Central England are seeing car insurance prices accelerate and there seems to be no signs of slowing.

“As the industry adapts to additional pressures, we could be on course to go beyond the £858 peak we saw in 2011. As car insurance costs continue to climb, average premiums could even break the £1,000 barrier by next year.

“Thankfully, insurers are now required to show drivers their premium from the previous year at point of renewal.

"Being able to compare the amount they paid in the previous year and armed with the knowledge that prices are rising across the board, means motorists should be more inclined to shop around."

Motorists across the UK have also experienced a two per cent increase since the last quarter.

People are now paying just £77 less than the highest ever average premium of £858 which was seen in 2011, with prices set to surpass this figure by the end of the year.

Car insurance costs could shift up a gear and pass the £1,000 mark in 2018 due to extra pressures imposed on the industry, such as Insurance Premium Tax.