Car insurance customers in Northern Ireland are being hit with the fastest-rising premiums in 15 years, with younger drivers most affected.

The latest British Insurance Premium Index from AA Insurance shows the average quoted comprehensive car insurance premium for motorists in Northern Ireland and the wider UK has gone up 5.6 per cent in the last three months alone, while third party and theft quotes have risen 9.3 per cent.

Simon Douglas, AA Insurance director, says it's the fastest quarterly jump since the Index – compiled by analysing 90 insurance firm and broker quotes – was first produced in 1994.

"Most drivers will be seeing sharp increases when they renew their annual insurance premiums," he warns, explaining that much of the rise is caused by fraud, theft, uninsured motorists and the costs incurred through a surge in personal injury claims.

"I estimate that across the industry, up to £110 is being paid in claims for every £100 taken in premiums," he observes, concluding that insurers "have little choice" but to increase premiums.

The average quoted premium for an annual comprehensive car insurance policy is now more than £821, compared to £778 in July 2009 and £721 in October 2008.