The average price of car insurance has topped £500 for the first time since it launched a cost survey in June 2005, according to Sainsbury’s Finance.

In the year from July 2007 to June 2008 an average premium was 5.8% higher – £514.36 compared with £486.13. 

The highest rise (10%) was for drivers over 65. Those under 25 still pay the most (averaging £1,249.56) but that increase (2.47%) was the lowest.

Sainsbury’s said men continue to pay more for their car insurance than women on average – £540.49 compared with £470.47. 

Drivers aged between 50 and 64 pay an average of £347.45, the lowest for any age group.

Joanne Mallon, Sainsbury’s car insurance manager, said: “Factors leading to higher premiums include a rise in the cost of personal injury claims and repairs.”