Caravan Insurance

Women could be getting cheaper car insurance than they are at present, according to Sainsbury's Bank.

As with all forms of insurance the best way to get a good deal is to shop around, but Sainsbury's suggests women assume their premiums are competitive because they are generally cheaper than those offered to men.

In reality, however, women are almost always offered cheaper car insurance because insurance companies see them as lower risk, being statistically safer on the roads than their male counterparts.

In January 2006 online research from Sainsbury's found that car insurance premiums for female drivers averaged at £416, compared with £477 for men.

The difference is almost 13 per cent, but Sainsbury's believes the UK's women could get even cheaper car insurance, possibly knocking off up to £140 if they would only shop around.

Will Blackett, car insurance manager, said: "Male drivers account for the majority of motoring convictions and young male motorists for example, cause considerably more accidents than similarly aged female drivers.

"It's a given that all insurers take this into account and generally provide cheaper quotes to women than men. Women motorists need to be aware that these savings can vary dramatically and should seek a range of quotes - not just from their existing insurer or women only policies."

Another way to ensure the cheapest car insurance is to build up a sizable no claims discount. Sainsbury's offers as much as 70 per cent off if no claim has been made after five years on the roads.