Truro has been named as one of the most expensive areas in the South West for car insurance, as prices reach record highs.

The cost of car insurance in the region is now an average of £636, a total increase of £219 (53 per cent) in one year.

According to the latest car insurance price index by Confused.com, all areas in the South West have seen increases, with Plymouth at the top.

The average insurance cost in Plymouth has surged to £682 following a 54 per cent (£238) annual increase.

However, drivers in Truro have likely seen the biggest increases in the past year, with insurance prices soaring by a staggering 55 per ent (£225).

The reported averages have soared to £633.

On the other end of the spectrum, Exeter boasts some of the lowest prices in the region.

Insurance cost averages in Exeter now stand at £602, following a 51 per cent (£202) annual increase.

This significant increase, however, does not undermine the fact that the prices here are still among the lowest in the region.

Despite the recent price hikes, Exeter remains one of the better places for drivers from a cost perspective.

Falmouth Packet: According to the latest car insurance price index by Confused.com, all areas in the South West have

The situation in the South West is not unique, though.

Drivers all over the UK are experiencing high car insurance prices.

The UK average currently stands at £995, resulting from a 58 per cent (£366) increase.

However, research suggests that savings can be made by shopping around for car insurance.

On average, drivers who switched insurers through a price comparison website managed to save around £96.

Louise Thomas, car insurance expert at Confused.com, provided insight into the sharp rise in insurance costs.

She said: "Like a lot of our expenses, car insurance is getting more costly.

"And this is to be the case for some time.

"Claiming is one of the biggest factors when it comes to insurers pricing up policies.

"And with the cost of paying out for claims being considerably high, insurance prices are going to be too".

She emphasised the importance of shopping around to ensure the best price, underlining the competitiveness of the market.

"With prices so high, it’s a very competitive market.

"So if you look around, there's likely to be an insurer out there willing to offer a cheaper price," said Ms Thomas.

"Insurance premiums are expected to remain high for a considerable time due to the inflationary impact on the cost of repairs and claims.

"As inflation remains high, insurers are paying more to cover the cost of claims, something reflected in the escalating car insurance prices.