Car insurance customers in Northern Ireland may want to avail of an offer of free cover from Direct Line as it's revealed households in the region have the highest weekly spend in the UK.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics highlight that from 2006-08 Northern Irish families spent more, on average per week, than their counterparts in other UK countries. They shelled out an average weekly sum of £479.70, compared to £465.20 per week in England, £432.80 in Scotland and £406.70 in Wales.

The most notable categories in which Northern Ireland households surpassed the rest of the UK were food and non-alcoholic drink and clothing and footwear.

From now until the end of March, motorists in Northern Ireland can benefit from 52 days of free car insurance cover from Direct Line – an offer aimed at helping cash-strapped drivers tackle their finances for 2010. As well as the free cover, drivers can benefit from up to 65 per cent off their car insurance policy as a no claims discount.

The offer applies to motorists in Northern Ireland and the wider UK taking out a new policy and quotes made during the offer period are valid for 90 days.