There is lively banter (and jokes) about women being worse drivers then men. Women might have the last laugh, though, with most enjoying cheaper premiums than their male counterparts. *In 2009, women paid on average £76 less for their car insurance compared with men.

Does the nature of accidents vary between men and women?

Women are more likely to be involved in accidents in car parks, bumps on roundabouts and prangs at traffic lights, according to research published in 2010 by the insurer, Diamond. The insurer also found that male motorists are more likely than female motorists to have a head on collision, drive their car up or down an embankment or hit a crash barrier.

Who has more driving convictions?

** Male motorists are almost one-and-a-half times more likely to have a driving conviction than women. However, the gap is closing: In 2000, 11% of women had convictions compared with 15% today.

Do premiums vary between young females and males?

** Teenage male drivers typically pay twice the premium than their female counterparts. The age when premiums become more expensive for women is becoming progressively younger. This is attributed to more women being car owners, driving more often and further who are therefore more likely to be involved in accidents and suffer convictions.

So, the message is simple. If you’re a woman behind the wheel, it makes sense to search the market so you can get a good deal on your car insurance.

*Source: Consumer Intelligence published 2010
**Source: AA research published 2010