The cost of car insurance can vary greatly depending on where in the country you live.

According to research carried out by a price comparison website, the most expensive areas in the country to insure your car are London and the North West of England. People living in Dundee, Aberdeen or Exeter can expect to pay the least for their car insurance.

New drivers are hit the hardest by insurance companies, with premiums for the inexperienced driver being the highest. If you are a new driver who lives in an area of the country not favoured by the insurance companies, then you can expect to pay an even higher price.

Car insurers use your postcode to evaluate the likelihood of your car being vandalized or stolen. If, for example, you live in an inner city area then your car insurance premium will be higher than someone living in a rural area, because crime rate levels are higher in cities.

Fortunately there are ways to help reduce the amount you pay for car insurance without having to move to a different part of the country.

What can be done to help reduce your premium?

• Leave you car someplace safe - Insurance companies will reward you if they know that your car is left out of harms way when not in use. So, if you have access to a garage or a drive-way then it makes sense to make use of them. A car that is parked on the road is far more likely to be targeted by thieves or vandals than a car that is secured in a garage or on a driveway.

• Shop around - When looking for car insurance quotes it pays to shop around. You will be surprised at the differences that some insurers charge. Price comparison websites are a great way to save time and money when searching for insurance quotes.

• Secure your Vehicle - A car with plenty of security features makes your car less of a crime target and therefore helps reduce your insurance costs. Thatcham approved car alarms, tracking devices and immobilizers are just some of the security features worth considering if you are looking for cheap car insurance.