Drivers aged 65 and older will have to pay £656 to keep their car on road

Elderly drivers have seen a huge increase in their car insurance bills over the past year.

Bills for drivers aged 80 and over have shot up 27 percent, increasing from £517 last year to £656 this year.

Average bills for all motorists have gone up 18 percent, increasing to £850, an increase of £132.

Anna McEntee, director at Compare the Market, told WalesOnline: "The substantial cost of car insurance is understandably causing concern for many motorists.

"Our research shows motor premiums have risen by more than £100 year-on-year. Drivers aged under 24 and over 80 are seeing the steepest increases.

"Typically, insurers consider motorists in both age groups as more likely to make a claim which could lead them to see higher premiums."

Drivers aged between 65 and 79 have seen their bills increase 26 percent.

Ms McEntree encouraged people renewing their insurance to do the research to find the best deal.

She explained: "For those concerned about the cost of their motor premium, shopping around ahead of renewal is one of the best ways to try and save money on car insurance.

"We want to encourage older motorists who may be more inclined to stick with their existing insurer each year to compare prices ahead of renewal to see what deals are available."

Insurance costs for drivers aged under 25 have increased by £310, up from £1,591 to £1,901.

Pensioners may also want to check if they can increase their income by boosting their state pension, by voluntarily paying National Insurance contributions.

There is currently an extended period over which you can pay contributions, as far back as the 2006/2007 tax year.

The full new state pension is currently £221.20 a week while the full basic state pension pays £169.50 a week.

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