Experienced motorists in Northern Ireland are welcoming the launch of a new car insurance product aimed directly at their end of the market.

The arrival of AXA Car insurance also comes on the heels of the latest AA British Insurance Premium Index, which highlighted the biggest-ever jump upward in the cost of UK car insurance during the last three months of 2009.

Motorists in Northern Ireland who have been claim-free for eight years or more can benefit from a no claims discount of up to 90 per cent from AXA – that's the highest level available in the market at the moment.

Another attraction boasted by the new motor insurance product is a courtesy car in instances of fire and theft. Furthermore, £1 million Driver Injury Cover – an add-on priced at £34.99 per year – provides protection against medical costs and loss of earnings for motorists injured in accidents that are their own fault.

Tina Shortle from AXA, who notes that experienced drivers make up "well over a third" of the driving population, comments: "At a time when prices are rising sharply in this market, we felt that drivers with a proven track record deserved more."