Drivers in the north pay the most for motor insurance Motorists in Bradford saw the fastest rising prices in 2011, with an annual increase of 17.1pc - more than 13pc higher than the national average. Drivers in Oldham and Manchester saw costs rise by 14.8pc and 14.4pc respectively. The latest Confused.com/Towers Watson Car Insurance Price Index found that the average premium paid across all age groups to £844 is up 4.9pc in 2011. Third party, fire and theft (TPFT) customers fared even worse in 2011, facing an annual increase of 10.2pc, with the average premium costing £1162 - meaning the last refuge for young drivers looking to cut costs is no longer a cheaper option. Prices vary significantly with age with 17-20-year-olds paying an average of £2,590 annually, while those aged 66 and over typically pay a more modest £451 per year. Premiums also rose for motorists of four-door door estates, increasing by more than 13pc in 12 months. Gareth Kloet, head of car insurance for Confused.com, said: "This time last year drivers were paying an eye-watering £804 average premium for comprehensive cover which has continued to rise to £844 over the past 12 months." Over the next year, drivers should expect to see new factors affecting car insurance prices such as the introduction of the EU legislation on gender due at the end of this year meaning that insurance cannot be priced according to gender, said Mr Kloet. "We will also see new technologies affecting car insurance prices such as black box technology which allows insurers to offer discounts to drivers who can prove that they are careful behind the wheel," he said.