Customers who are searching for car insurance are being reminded that searching online can be the key for cheap cover.

A price comparison website has stated that motorists run the risk of wasting more that £140 each or £9.4bn collectively, by sticking with their existing insurer and not shopping around for car insurance.

Research from the leading website reveals that 20 per cent of drivers automatically renew their motor insurance with their provider rather than shopping around to find a better deal.

Of these, 12 per cent don't think they can find a better deal, and a further eight per cent (2.6 million motorists) say they will automatically renew their insurance because they can't be bothered to see if they can save money.

Steve Sweeney, the head of motor insurance at the price comparison website said: "In this current climate, it is shocking to see the sheer scale of drivers who won't spend a few minutes to see if they can save money when renewing their car insurance.

"Our research has found drivers could save themselves £141 on average by scouring the market - money which could come in useful elsewhere. It is alarming that so many motorists are prepared to waste their hard earned cash."