Data from Consumer Intelligence’s car insurance index shows that average quoted car insurance premiums in Q1 2026 are up by 4.5% on the previous quarter. This is the first quarterly rise since Q1 2024. On an annual basis, average quoted premiums are 2.4% higher. In addition, Consumer Intelligence says the number of price cut straplines on price comparison websites have fallen sharply.

Laura Vas, senior insight analyst at Consumer Intelligence, said: "Rising premiums and
retreating price cut offers are telling the same story. The deflationary period that followed the
market's 2024 peak appears to be over, and insurers and aggregators are adjusting their strategies accordingly.

“The withdrawal of price cut straplines by at least one major aggregator is a particularly clear signal that the market's trading environment has shifted."

Younger and mid-aged drivers have seen the biggest falls. Premiums are down by 6.5% on an annualised basis for under-25 drivers and by 3% for those aged between 25 and 49.