Age has always been a key factor when it comes to car insurance policies. However the Government's recent Equality Bill – which was introduced to impose "appropriate age-based treatment' - is not as effective as initially thought.

Research from a well known price comparison website found out that Britons will continue to be punished with high motoring premium costs on the grounds of their age.

Despite older Britons facing overnight price hikes for certain insurance policies, this is not the case for motor cover. Drivers who are aged sixty-something and above, usually see only a gradual increase in the cost of their car insurance premiums.

Age really "ain't" nothing but a number

The story is greatly different for younger drivers. A 17 year old male living in Lancaster will find car insurance costs an average of more than £3,015 a year. This is a 52 per cent difference, compared with the price they would pay, if they wait until they turn 18 when the cost of the policy drops to £1,453. There are more savings to be made if they wait until they are 19 years old, when cover only costs £800 per year.

While younger female drivers getting behind the wheel often find their premiums are cheaper compared with their male counterparts, although the price differences per year are no less stark. A 17 year old female driver can expect to pay £1,943 a year on average - 57 per cent more than an 18 year old when the cost of policy falls overnight to £843.

Steve Sweeney, the head of motor insurance at the price comparison website, said: "Using age as a broad brush for evaluating risk has been a bugbear for younger drivers 'an insurer can lawfully quote higher motor insurance premiums for young men', insurers will continue to use age as a legitimate form of risk assessment. Ultimately, I think people should be treated fairly based on their own individual risk profile"

Steve Sweeney also said: "It is surprising these overnight price fluctuations still occur. Young and newly qualified drivers have long been perceived as high risk by the insurance industry and often find it hard to get competitive motor insurance. There is no doubt that the curse of the 'boy racer' lives on too, insurers view women as far more mature motorists at an earlier age."

Cutting costs on car premiums

Younger drivers were advised on how they could lower the cost of their premiums, such as pass plus. This is a certificate, where a young driver who has already passed his or her driving test receives specific lessons and learns how to deal with situations such as driving in night, on the motorway and town traffic driving.

Achieving Pass Plus can earn significant discounts on your car insurance, with some providing a 35 per cent discount on policies.

Also shopping around and searching online for car insurance quotes can help to lower their costs. Aiming to look at least five insurance providers can help to get a well rounded view of insurance premiums.

In addition, buying a newer, more reliable car can be less likely to be used by 'boy racers'. This can equate to a cheaper premium. Aim to drive a car like this for at least two years after passing your test.